ABCD — Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development at University of Utah
1/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT U UTAH
Tracking the brain, behavior, and health of children who were 9–10 years old as they grow into adulthood to learn how early life shapes development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11301869 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I would join a long-term project that enrolled a large, diverse group of children who were 9–10 years old and follows them over many years. At the start and at regular visits participants get brain scans, thinking and behavior tests, biosamples, and questions about mental health, substance use, school, family, and activities. The project combines in-person visits every two years with shorter annual interviews and phone or app check-ins so families do not have to come in as often. The study aims to keep most participants involved through adolescence and young adulthood to see how experiences relate to later health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children who were about 9–10 years old at enrollment (and their families) who can attend MRI and clinic visits and participate in periodic interviews and app check-ins.
Not a fit: People who are far outside the target age range or who cannot take part in imaging visits or ongoing follow-up are unlikely to join or gain direct benefit from this site.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help spot early signs of mental health or substance-use risk and guide better prevention and support for children and families.
How similar studies have performed: Large longitudinal studies of child and adolescent development have produced valuable findings, and ABCD is the largest U.S. effort using imaging, tests, and repeated questionnaires to expand that knowledge.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yurgelun-Todd, Deborah a. — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Yurgelun-Todd, Deborah a.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.