# The Iowa Neuroscience Specialty Program in Research Education (INSPIRE)

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · 2020 · $307,531

## Abstract

This revised application requests continuation of funding for a successful and long-standing training program
(dating back to 1991). At a critical juncture of change in leadership, the program strives to maintain a strong
foundation with the opportunity for growth and restructuring. Rebranded as the Iowa Neuroscience Specialty
Program In Research Education (INSPIRE) this program seeks to integrate training in translational
neuroscience with an emphasis on a lifespan trajectory perspective. Our approach is to re-shape and reframe
our research opportunities based on the NIMH's Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) project by focusing on
mechanisms of psychopathology based on functional dimensions rather than the diagnostic criteria that define
patient populations. The ultimate goal is to train a group of young investigators who will combine a high level of
sophistication about the complexities of the human brain's functional domains, how these systems develop
over time, and the mechanisms that may lead to pathologic functioning. .
This program is at a pivotal point in time. Nancy Andreasen, a pioneer of brain imaging in the study of
schizophrenia, conceptualized and directed this program from 1991 until now. The current Co-PI of the
program, Peg Nopoulos, is an alumnus of the program herself and will now be responsible for directing the
program. She is joined by John Wemmie, the new Co-PI of the program. This change in leadership has
afforded the opportunity to retain the solid foundation, but also to re-shape the program substantially in two
broad areas: 1) a focus on the study of neurobiologic mechanisms of psychiatric illness across the lifespan,
and 2) implementing a more highly structure training program with emphasis on translational science.
In expanding the content of the program beyond the major psychoses, we partner with a new and growing
Molecular Psychiatry division, adding six new MD/PhD and PhD scientists as mentors. This helps expand the
program to include basic science PhDs, a new phenotype of fellow, and allows for the creation of an
interdisciplinary cohort or trainees. This mix of types of trainees adds an addition layer of exposure to
translational research with a strong emphasis on team science.
Central to the training program is the Master's in Translational Biomedicine (TBM) program which is hosted by
our Institute for Clinical and Translational Sciences (ICTS). This program is designed to be individualized and
flexible. The INSPIRE program will recruit a total of 4 fellows at the post-doctoral level who are MD, MD/PhD,
or PhD trained. Each fellow will be `matched' with an outstanding mentor as well as a mentor team to oversee
the primary activity of mentored research activity. In addition, each fellow will develop a program through the
TBM that suits their needs while fulfilling requirements (such as Training in Responsible Conduct in Research),
utilizing both formal didactics and career development activities. A degree (certifica...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9931301
- **Project number:** 5T32MH019113-27
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- **Principal Investigator:** PEGGY C NOPOULOS
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $307,531
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1991-09-01 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9931301

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9931301, The Iowa Neuroscience Specialty Program in Research Education (INSPIRE) (5T32MH019113-27). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9931301. Licensed CC0.

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