The IDDRC@WUSTL provides critical infrastructure support and scientific core facilities to Washington University researchers along four key research themes:

  1. the prevention of prematurity and its neurodevelopmental consequences
  2. the identification of intermediate phenotypes in the development of IDD
  3. structural and functional characterization of the developing human brain
  4. functional genomics relevant to IDD pathogenes

The scientific core facilities are the following:

  • A Model Systems Core for modeling the effects of deleterious genetic and environmental influences on the developing brain
  • A Developmental Neuroimaging Core for imaging the brain in vivo over the course of development in humans and in rodents
  • A Clinical Translational Core which seeks to translate discoveries on pathogenic mechanisms into preventive or therapeutic interventions for patients and individuals-at-risk

In addition, an Administrative Core functions as an integrative hub, exercises oversight and quality control, and is structured to stimulate new scientific initiatives, to promote interdisciplinary dialogue and interaction, and to lead the dissemination of new knowledge to fellow scientists, trainees and to all stakeholders in the community.