The Translational Neuroscience Initiative (TNI) is an interdepartmental, college-wide research initiative within the University of Illinois College of Medicine, based on the Chicago campus. TNI serves as a hub connecting neuroscience researchers across UI COM departments. We aim to bridge basic science, clinical research, and translational science to accelerate discovery across the full research spectrum.

What We Do

TNI brings together UI COM’s neuroscience community to catalyze collaborative, cross-departmental research and build a pipeline of talented investigators in translational neuroscience. Our work includes:

  • Connecting researchers across departments through an Advisory Board and regular community engagement
  • Hosting events, including TNI-organized seminars and an invited speaker series, alongside a calendar of neuroscience events happening across UIC
  • Supporting collaborative research, including pilot funding for interdepartmental studies
  • Developing talent through predoctoral and postdoctoral research opportunities
  • Connecting investigators to funding, from NIH priorities to philanthropic and foundation sources
  • Strengthening core research infrastructure, including advanced neuroimaging capabilities, in service of translational neuroscience at UIC

Research Focus Areas

TNI builds on existing UICOM strengths in:

  • Alzheimer’s Disease & Neurodegeneration
  • Substance Use Disorders
  • Blood-Brain Barrier / Cerebrovascular Dysfunction
  • Synaptic Plasticity / Epilepsy
  • Affective Neuroscience

Leadership & Faculty

Events

TNI features two types of events:

  • TNI-Organized Events — our seminar series and invited speaker series, spotlighting collaborative translational neuroscience research at UIC and beyond
  • Community Neuroscience Events — a collected calendar of neuroscience-related events happening across UIC departments and centers

Funding Opportunities

TNI supports collaborative pilot research funding for interdepartmental studies, as well as predoctoral and postdoctoral research support. TNI also works to connect UI COM researchers with funding opportunities beyond NIH, including foundation and philanthropic partners.

Contact Us