The Science of Learning program supports potentially transformative basic research to advance the science of learning. The goals of the SL Program are to develop basic theoretical insights and fundamental knowledge about learning principles, processes and constraints. Projects that are integrative and/or interdisciplinary may be especially valuable in moving basic understanding of learning forward but research with a single discipline or methodology is also appropriate if it addresses basic scientific questions in learning. The possibility of developing connections between proposed research and specific scientific, technological, educational, and workforce challenges will be considered as valuable broader impacts, but are not necessarily central to the intellectual merit of proposed research. The program will support research addressing learning in a wide range of domains at one or more levels of analysis including: molecular/cellular mechanisms; brain systems; cognitive affective, and behavioral processes; and social/cultural influences. The program supports a variety of methods including: experiments, field studies, surveys, secondary-data analyses, and modeling.
The aim of this RFP is to develop biomarkers for which there is a clear clinical need in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Specifically, this RFP focuses on:
- developing novel PET ligands for clinical use
- supporting novel CSF biomarkers
- validating established MRI approaches in larger cohorts
Novel biomarkers of neuroinflammation and synaptic integrity are considered high priority. Other target areas of interest include:
- Neuronal loss
- Vascular injury and blood-brain barrier integrity
- Mitochondria and metabolic function
- Protein misfolding/proteostasis
- Oxidative stress
- White matter changes
- Other novel targets supported by compelling biological rationale and connection to disease
The ADDF has limited interest in CSF measures of amyloid and tau.
