The Neurobiology of Drug Abuse (T32 DA041349)

The Neurobiology of Drug Abuse (T32 DA041349) trains students in the multi-disciplinary program in the neurobiology of drug abuse.

This program consists of faculty with research interests including:

  • Molecular biology
  • Receptor pharmacology
  • Brain imaging techniques in humans and non-human primates
  • Electrophysiology
  • Behavioral analysis of drug self- administration

The research of the faculty is supported by a significant number of federally-funded grants related to the field of substance abuse. A central focus of research for the training program is the NIDA-funded Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction Treatment, which offers highly integrated collaborative research projects among a number of faculty.

The program is organized around three principal areas of research:

  • Molecular/Cellular Neurobiology
  • Neurobiological Systems
  • Behavioral Neurobiology

The training program offers a specific course in drug abuse related to each of these three areas. In addition to coursework, the training program offers specific seminars and journal clubs for trainees. The program also contains specialized components dealing with grant writing, rigor and transparency in research, and ethics in scientific research. 

In summary, the Neurobiology of Drug Abuse Training Program not only offers students outstanding opportunities for education and research in the neurobiology of drug abuse, but is also a valuable resource for the field of drug abuse by providing trained young investigators capable of independent scientific careers.