(1)
to conduct programmatic research that will advance understanding
the etiologies of intellectual and developmental disabilities
(IDD) and to develop and test strategies to prevent and ameliorate
IDD. Five interdisciplinary research programs or themes (see
above)
have been identified
as the most promising areas for concentration of research
endeavors that will directly benefit from IDDRC core supports,
affording exceptional opportunities for collaboration;
(2)
to enhance the research environment available to IDDRC scientists
by providing high quality, responsive administrative and
research core support services within a scientifically stimulating
interdisciplinary setting;
(3)
to foster new collaborations in promising areas that require
an interdisciplinary approach including collaborations between
investigators at the UAB IDDRC and other NICHD supported IDDRC’s
across the country;
(4)
to attract new investigators to the field of IDD
by systematic mentoring of promising junior investigators
and by recruiting new and senior scientists
from related fields; and
(5)
to strengthen interdisciplinary research training programs
by increasing research opportunities in basic understanding
of IDD, and to promote the timely
and effective exchange of information about recent discoveries
with scientific, consumer, and policy making audiences as
well as the general public.
