Understanding brain development and its link to mental health risks
Official title: Mapping the functional organization of the cortex across development: The principal hierarchy and transdiagnostic psychopathology risk
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10996028 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in brain structure from childhood to adulthood might be linked to mental health issues, using special brain scans to help understand these connections and identify patterns that could show who might be at risk for mental illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F30MH138048-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996028 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals under 21 years old, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder or related developmental concerns.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are over 21 years old or do not have developmental disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the development of brain structures relates to mental health issues that can arise from childhood to adulthood. By using advanced imaging techniques like functional MRI, the study aims to map the organization of the brain's cortex and how it connects to various psychiatric conditions. The research will analyze large datasets that include brain imaging and clinical information to identify patterns that may indicate a risk for mental illness. This approach seeks to uncover the genetic and developmental factors that contribute to these risks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and early identification of mental health risks in young individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain development and its connection to mental health, indicating that this approach has potential for significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Kevin — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Sun, Kevin
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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.