Adolescent brain and health project at University of Pittsburgh
12/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT U PITTSBURGH
Following thousands of children who were 9–10 years old as they grow into adulthood to learn how brain, behavior, and health change with age and life experiences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11304548 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, you'll be part of a long-term effort that follows children enrolled at age 9–10 across adolescence and into young adulthood through regular in-person visits and remote check-ins. Visits include MRI brain scans, cognitive testing, health measures and bio-samples, and questionnaires about substance use, mental health, school and family life. The site combines annual interviews with two‑year comprehensive assessments and app-based or phone assessments between major visits to track changes over time. The University of Pittsburgh team enrolls and keeps local families involved as part of the larger national consortium.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children around 9–10 years old (and their parents or guardians) in the Pittsburgh area who can attend periodic in-person visits and complete remote follow-ups.
Not a fit: Adults who were not enrolled as children, and people unable to travel for MRI and in-person visits, would not be eligible and are unlikely to benefit directly from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Results could help spot early signs and risk factors for mental health, substance use, or developmental problems so care and supports can reach kids earlier.
How similar studies have performed: Large, long-term child development studies with brain imaging have deepened understanding of adolescent brain and behavior, but the ABCD consortium is unique in its size and scope.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clark, Duncan B. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Clark, Duncan B.
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.