University of Alabama Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center

The University of Alabama UAB Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (UAB IDDRC) includes a cadre of investigators who represent a broad range of disciplines and approaches to expanding the understanding of mental retardation and neurodevelopmental disabilities (MRDD). These investigators embrace the Center's mission and dedication to the larger enterprise of ameliorating the profound effects of MRDD. UAB IDDRC investigators are dedicated to elucidation of new knowledge regarding human development in health and disease; the use of appropriate model systems to uncover the principles of this development; the dissemination of these advances to others including individuals with MRDD and their families, political leaders, scientists, health care providers, educators, and advocacy organizations with an interest in MRDD; and the transfer of fundamental advances into clinical practice. The IDDRC boosts collaborative research between scientists across a broad range of disciplines and between clinical investigators and practitioners.

The recently enhanced emphasis on translational research, use of molecular genetics in early diagnosis, and expanded clinical research has significantly increased these opportunities specifically for studies of sickle cell disease, pediatric brain tumor therapies, pediatric constraint therapy for cerebral palsy, neurofibromatosis, environmental toxicology, neonatal hypoxia/ischemic events, Alexander disease, Rett syndrome, and teen parenting and child neglect. The IDDRC's administrative core facilities are located at the UAB Civitan International Research Center, which also serves as Alabama's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) in coordination with the Civitan-Sparks Clinics.

The five primary objectives of the UAB IDDRC are:

1. To conduct programmatic research that will advance understanding the etiologies of neurodevelopmental disabilities and to develop and test strategies to prevent and ameliorate mental retardation and neurodevelopmental disabilities. Five interdisciplinary research programs or themes (see above) have been identified as the most promising areas for concentration of research endeavors that will directly benefit from IDDRC core supports, affording exceptional opportunities for collaboration.
2. To enhance the research environment available to IDDRC scientists by providing high quality, responsive administrative and research core support services within a scientifically stimulating interdisciplinary setting.
3. To foster new collaborations in promising areas that require an interdisciplinary approach including collaborations between investigators at the UAB IDDRC and other NICHD supported IDDRC's across the country.
4. To attract new investigators to the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities by systematic mentoring of promising junior investigators and by recruiting new and senior scientists from related fields.
5. To strengthen interdisciplinary research training programs by increasing research opportunities in basic understanding of neurodevelopmental disabilities, and to promote the timely and effective exchange of information about recent discoveries with scientific, consumer, and policy making audiences as well as the general public.