It’s been nearly a year since my blog update [1] about the NIH intramural program Center for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias (CARD), which is led by NIA and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [2]. Since then, we’ve continued to expand the scope of our team’s investigations as well as our training programs. Read on to learn more about a few new tools and projects of note and career development options and opportunities.
Tools include brain atlas and cell models
CARD is driven by collaborative expert groups [3] leading research projects [4] with the potential to produce valuable data, resources, and tools [5] for others working on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias research. Examples include:
- Our Brain Atlas project [6], through which researchers are exploring the cellular-level differences between healthy brains and brains affected by Alzheimer’s. Efforts involve creating a map of different brain cell types based on their gene activity.
- The Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Neurodegenerative Disease Initiative (iNDI) [7] enables researchers to access more than 100 stem cell-based models of genetic variants associated with dementia. Scientists can order iNDI cell models [8] that can then be grown in their own labs for use in various types of studies.
Check out CARD’s data and tools webpage [5] to learn about additional research resources.
Paths to research fellowships and independence
CARD is actively recruiting for two of our top training programs designed to help career trajectories and advance scientific skills:
- Through our Alzheimer and Related Dementias Independent Scholars (ARDIS) program [9], we offer early-career researchers a time-limited, independent principal investigator appointment, along with a budget, staff, and access to multiple research resources. This experience can propel investigators to the next career stage.
- Our Research Fellowship program [10] is a three-year professional development opportunity for early-career researchers. Fellows gain valuable expertise designing and running independent research, and refining grant application and scientific team management skills.
In the words of our first ARDIS scholar, Veronica Ryan, Ph.D., who has launched her own research team at CARD: “I am learning what it takes to run a lab, including managing trainees and keeping track of a research budget. I also have more scientific independence than a typical postdoc. I’m able to decide where projects should go and establish new collaborations. CARD also has a super supportive, welcoming environment and it’s very fun to learn from and work with the other group leaders.”
Check out our website and connect with us!
To learn more about how CARD research, training, and job opportunities can be a powerful catalyst for your research career, sign up for CARD’s e-newsletter [11]. If you have a question for the CARD team, please email NIACARDcontact@nih.gov [12] or leave a comment below.
Author
Andrew SINGLETON [13], Center Director, Center for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias (CARD).
This article was orginally published on the NIA website [14] on the 16th August