Neuroscience, Behavior, and Health Neuroscience TRI working group: Mark Bouton, Psychology Sharon Henry, Rehabilitation and Movement Science Stephen Higgins, Psychiatry Jesse Jacobs, Rehabilitation and Movement Science Rae Nishi, Anatomy and Neurobiology Susan Ryan, Center for Disabilities and Community Inclusion Timothy Stickle, Psychology Margaret Vizzard, Neurology Liaisons: Patricia Prelock, Dean, College of Nursing & Health Sciences Brian Reed, Associate Provost for Curricular Affairs

The Challenge: –Develop something very strong– something that would allow UVM to be recognized as “one of the best institutions in the U.S” in this area The spire would need to be focused yet inclusive. the largest core of units and faculty we can construct that can be excellent and distinctive. The Concept: –NEUROSCIENCE, BEHAVIOR, AND HEALTH –A spire that will span the neural, behavioral, and interventional sciences in order to address a growing 21 st century health problem: Human disease and disability in which behavior plays a key role. –More specifically: The spire will investigate personal behavior as a major risk factor for disease and disability, with the goal of designing effective strategies for prevention and treatment of disease as well as better interventions for the disabled.

Rationale Many diseases, disorders, and disabilities have a major behavioral component (e.g., cardiovascular disease, site-specific cancers, obesity, type 2 diabetes, fetal alcohol syndrome, etc.). These are creating an enormous and growing burden on the U.S. health care system. –In the U.S., 40% of annual premature deaths can be attributed to health-related behaviors (Schroeder, New England Journal of Medicine, 2007). –In Vermont, 90% of hospitalizations for chronic diseases involved disease for which behavior is a primary risk factor (Vermont Health Care Quality Report, 2009). –Individuals with low socioeconomic status are disproportionately at risk.

Neuroscience, Behavior, and Health would address an important problem and fill a new niche. The concept is unique: –“Mind, Brain, and Behavior” focus at (e.g.) Princeton University, University of Arizona mainly focus on cognitive neuroscience, not health. –“Social Policy and Health” focus at (e.g.) Brandeis University does not have a base in basic or applied science.

Basic Neural Structure and Function Neural, Behavioral, and Cognitive Processes Influencing Health Diseases, Disorders, and Disabilities

Neuroscience, Behavior, and Health

Illustrative focus research and training areas Addictions334 16,760 $19,755,631 (10 faculty, 4 departments) Anxiety, Stress, and Mood Disorders350 12,150 $10,035,802 (11 faculty, 4 departments) Develop. Psychopathology/Neurodevelopment388 15,100 $9,211,776 (18 faculty, 6 departments) Disability $9,401,208 (10 faculty, 6 departments) Exercise/Obesity/Cardiovascular Disease212 11,352 $7,563,000 (8 faculty, 5 departments) Neurovascular Disease and Stroke179 8,949 $14,063,893 (9 faculty, 5 departments) Pain, Sensory Transduction, and Inflammation241 7,932 $14,073,175 (12 faculty, 8 departments) Publications Citations Grants

How will we make this work? Graduate students are a kind of glue that brings faculty and research projects together. –Create new “track” for students enrolled in existing Ph.D. programs who would take new team-taught transdisciplinary courses, research rotations, and be co-mentored. Construct new building at the site of the Hills Building to bring members of the spire closer together. –We can capitalize on the fact that a new psychology building is already under discussion for this site (2007 feasibility study), which is directly adjacent to Given, HSRF, Rowell, and Marsh Life Sciences. –Such a new building could house many spire investigators, provide focus, and greatly facilitate new research and teaching interactions. Strategic hires. –The committee identified several types of hires that would strengthen multiple working groups at the same time.

Summary A spire of excellence in Neuroscience, Behavior, and Health will –give additional focus to UVM’s existing strengths in the neural, behavioral, and interventional sciences. –enhance strong existing Ph.D. programs. –address an extremely important health problem. –position UVM as a leader in research, education, and training in a crucial and emerging area of 21 st century science.