NIH-funded research R01 grant

How the brain learns and retains speech movements

Official title: Sensorimotor Basis of Speech Motor Learning and Retention

Funded at Yale University · NIH-11141735 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is exploring how our brains learn and remember how to speak by looking at different brain areas involved in speech, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding how we develop and keep our speaking skills.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2024
Project endMay 31, 2029
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$693,869
NIH project number5R01DC022097-02
Project IDNIH-11141735 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates include children and adults who experience challenges with speech production or motor learning.

Less likely to help

Patients with no speech motor challenges or those who are not within the age range of 0-21 years and 21+ years may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how the brain learns and retains speech motor skills by examining changes in different brain areas, including auditory and sensory regions. The study involves various experiments that test the role of these brain areas in speech learning and retention. By using techniques like brain stimulation and monitoring brain activity, researchers aim to understand the timing and connectivity of brain changes during the learning process. This could provide insights into how speech skills are developed and maintained over time.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for individuals with speech motor difficulties.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of brain plasticity in motor learning, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Yale University
    New Haven, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Ostry, David J — Yale University
  • Study coordinator: Ostry, David J

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.