Office of the Scientific Director

National Institute Of Mental Health

Investigators

Abstract

The NIMH Division of Intramural Research Programs' (IRP) scientists conduct research ranging from studies into the mechanisms of normal brain function at the behavioral, systems, cellular, and molecular levels, to clinical investigations into the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illness. The NIMH IRP has a diverse mental health research portfolio that includes, for example: Clinical research on autism, women's health, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autoimmune brain disorders, mood and anxiety disorders in adults and children. Projects geared toward answering fundamental questions related to mental health in the areas of cognition, circadian biology, genetics, learning and memory, neuronal signaling, and behavior. Projects aimed at exploring new technologies and approaches to neuroscience such as optogenetics and chemogenetics, multimodal neuroimaging, neuromodulation, and a range of computational approaches. In part, because of its state-of-the-art facilities, unique funding mechanisms, and location in the nation's capital, the IRP is viewed as a national resource, providing unique opportunities in mental health research and research training. Susan G. Amara, Ph.D., serves as the Scientific Director for the NIMH IRP and provides oversight to a diverse mental health research portfolio that includes clinical projects on autism, women's health, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, mood and anxiety disorders; and basic projects geared toward answering fundamental questions related to mental health in the areas of cognition, genetics, learning and memory, and behavior. The portfolio also includes projects aimed at exploring cutting edge technologies and approaches to neuroscience such as functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) and Magnetoencephalography (MEG). The Scientific Director provides supplemental resources, as appropriate, to research projects in the IRP portfolio. In FY2023, one new senior investigator came on board to lead a research program on the neurobiology of compulsive disorders.. We have been actively working on increasing the diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility within the IRP. For example, several trainings were offered to NIMH IRP staff as well as members and ad hoc reviewers of the NIMH Board of Scientific Counselors on topics including equitable recruiting, implicit bias in review, constructive conversations, and gender-related communications. Also, we began an effort in strategic planning for the Division and have been implementing the new NIH data sharing policy.