Understanding brain development and health in children and adolescents

21/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT WUSTL

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-11078255

This study is looking at how kids' brains and health grow over time by following a group of 9-10 year-olds and checking in with them every couple of years to see how different things, like their environment and habits, might affect their development.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11078255 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the long-term development of the brain and overall health in children and adolescents by enrolling a diverse group of participants aged 9-10 years. The study utilizes advanced brain imaging and neuropsychological testing to assess biological and behavioral changes over time. Participants will undergo comprehensive evaluations every two years, along with annual interviews and mobile app assessments to track their development and experiences. The goal is to understand how various factors, including substance use and environmental influences, affect brain development and health outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are children aged 9-10 years from diverse backgrounds.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 9-10 years or those with severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of brain development and inform interventions to promote healthier outcomes for children and adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies on brain development using similar methodologies have shown promising results, indicating the potential for significant insights in this area.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.