Centers

The Institute for Translational Neuroscience's distinctive structure pulls together existing centers, talent, and resources in order to advance translational neuroscience at the University of Minnesota.

In this innovative approach, the institute forms a strong, supportive foundation that enhances neurological disease research and treatment while tapping into the four thematic areas of the institute:

  • neuroengineering
  • diagnostic imaging/magnetic resonance research
  • neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases
  • memory research and care.

Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR)

This interdisciplinary laboratory provides unique instrumentation, expertise, and infrastructure to enable the faculty, trainees and staff at the University of Minnesota and other institutions to carry out basic biomedical, translational and clinical research using the capabilities of very high magnetic fields, with a particular focus on neuroimaging. 

Center for Memory Research and Care

This center encompasses basic, translational and clinical research and care in memory disorders. The goals are to create and nurture scientists, physicians and healthcare workers dedicated to relieving suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, through safe and affordable prevention strategies and comprehensive care and support of patients and their families. 

Center for Neuroengineering

Bridging neuroscience and engineering, this center encapsulates an emerging scientific field that translates research discoveries into neuro-technologies. These technological innovations provide new, powerful tools for basic and clinical neuroscience research while ultimately serving to enhance patient care. 

Center for Neurodegenerative Disease

The overarching goal of the Center for Neurodegenerative Disease is to bring together researchers that have synergistic strengths in basic movement disorder-oriented neuroscience research, and clinical neurosciences. In addition, these researchers collaborate with several different groups including the NINDS Institutional Center Core grant, the Bob Allison Ataxia Research Center and the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Center.

Accomplishments

The Institute of Translational Neuroscience's concentrated efforts within the centers has resulted in several accomplishments, including:

  • NSF Integrative Graduate Education Research Traineeship (IGERT) funding for PhD students interested in systems neuroengineering
  • T32 predoctoral training grants from NIH on neuroimaging
  • NINDS P30 infrastructure grant that will support three cores (genetic manipulation, imaging, and behavior) for researchers focused on mouse models
  • NIH training grant in translational neuroscience
  • Financial support for the purchase of the new magnet in the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (16.4 Tesla Magnet)
  • Financial support for the Nun Study with its return to the University of Minnesota