Two Delaware universities hope a new grant moves them to the forefront of an emerging area in medical science.
The National Institutes of Health is giving Delaware State University and the University of Delaware $10.5 million to create the Delaware Center for Neuroscience Research. The center will be built on the DSU campus and will support ongoing neuroscience research at the two schools as well as new research on brain development and the neurobiology of learning.
DSU officials discuss creation of the Delaware Center for Neuroscience Research..
DSU officials discuss creation of the Delaware Center for Neuroscience Research..
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Del State will receive $7.3 million of the grant money, the largest research grant in the school’s history. The remaining $3.2 million goesto UD.
DSU president Dr. Harry Williams says it’s a great opportunity for his institution.
““The University of Delaware is a major player in the research community, not only here in the nation but in the world. To be connected to them at the same time, on the same level playing field is very significant for Delaware State University."
DSU biology professor Dr. Melissa Harrington will be the director of the new Delaware Center for Neuroscience. She’s been working on developing the center since 2007.
“It’s definitely a big payoff for the work we put in so far but it’s just the beginning. And now comes the fun part where we get to do the science side and make the discoveries and train the students. And we’re looking forward to that but it’s also a big responsibility,” said Harrington.
Harrington adds the center will formalize and strengthen neuroscience research collaborations that have already occurring for several years.
“There is a big benefit to bringing researchers together to share scientific information, in that we learn from each other, share equipment and knowledge, and work together in ways that we would otherwise not be able,” she said. “One example of this collaboration is a course exchange program what allows neuroscience graduate students at each university to take classes at the other institution tuition-free.”
Harrington adds the two school bring different sets of expertise to the table, while the DSU Neuroscience PhD program has a biological focus,the neuroscience PhD program at University of Delaware focuses on behavioral neuroscience.
“It benefits students of both universities to be able to draw on the specialized expertise available at each institution,” Dr. Harrington said. “We don’t compete, we complement.”
In the world of medical science, experts often refer to neuroscience as the new frontier. Studies are beginning to show that advances in neuroscience may be able to repair brain damage associated with Alzheimer’s and strokes as well as develop more effective cancer treatments.
"I believe it is a win-win situation for the people of Delaware and the people of this nation," said Dr. Sidney McNairy, Branch Chie of National Institutes of Health. "We have a significant step forward being made in the neurosciences through this neuroscience center."