Training program to increase diversity in Neuroscience research
Official title: Iowa-Diversifying Research And Mentorship (iDREAM)
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11013420 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The iDREAM program at the University of Iowa is designed to help people from diverse backgrounds get involved in Neuroscience by offering hands-on research experiences and mentorship, so they can prepare for advanced studies and contribute to a more inclusive scientific community.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $477,784 |
| NIH project number | 5R25NS130966-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013420 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are individuals from backgrounds underrepresented in Neuroscience who are interested in pursuing doctoral studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pursuing a career in Neuroscience or who do not meet the diversity criteria may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
The iDREAM program at the University of Iowa aims to enhance diversity in Neuroscience by providing training and mentorship to individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. This program offers hands-on research experiences in Neuroscience laboratories, along with rigorous training in research ethics and critical thinking. Participants will engage with experienced faculty and receive support to prepare for doctoral studies, fostering a more inclusive scientific community. The initiative focuses on empowering scholars through educational workshops and mentorship opportunities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more diverse and innovative Neuroscience workforce, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Similar initiatives have shown success in increasing diversity in STEM fields, indicating that this approach is both promising and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hultman, Rainbo — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Hultman, Rainbo
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Healthier Workplace Center for the Midwest
A multi-site NIH grant aims to improve the health and well-being of workers by coordinating research and sharing evidence-based strategies.
-
Serotonin pathways and how they help recovery after seizures
A researcher is studying how serotonin-related brain circuits influence waking up after seizures, using mouse models to understand why some people with epilepsy have dangerous breathing pauses after seizures.
-
Serotonin brain circuit clues to safer sleep after seizures
Aims to understand how brain serotonin systems and CO2-triggered arousal affect recovery after seizures in mouse models to reduce SUDEP risk.
-
Improved ICU Mobility Care through a Smart Guideline in the EHR
A hospital study will test a smart tool in the electronic health record to help ICU teams identify when to start patient-friendly mobility activities and coordinate a plan tailored to each patient.
-
Ultrasound biomarkers to diagnose and predict treatment response for plantar heel pain
A study will test advanced ultrasound imaging to find biomarkers that help diagnose plantar heel pain and predict who will respond to targeted treatments.
-
Pain and aging: how nerve cells become more sensitive with age
This project looks at why older adults often have chronic pain by studying how nerve cells in aging animals become more sensitive and how inflammation might drive this change.
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.