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H2020Doctoral network2015–2018

MiND · Mastering skills in the training Network for attention deficit hyperactivity and autism spectrum Disorders

Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2015-01-01 → 2018-12-31
EU contribution
€3,913,940
Participants
22
Scheme
MSCA-ITN-ETN

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

Mastering skills in the training Network for attention deficit hyperactivity and autism spectrum Disorders

Psychiatric disorders are among the leading causes of morbidity in Europe. Despite high socio-economic impact and suffering of patients and relatives, we still know very little about the biological mechanisms underlying these disorders, and no curative treatments have been developed. Particularly serious are disorders that have an early onset and cause impairments during the entire lifespan, like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The goal of the European Training Network MiND was to train a new generation of interdisciplinary scientists (1) to perform research into the causes and mechanisms contributing to the highly heritable disorders ADHD and ASD and their comorbidity, and (2) to apply such research towards improving patients’ lives through better diagnostics and more effective, individualized (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) treatment options. The MiND strategic collaboration of world-leading academic groups, research-intensive commercial enterprises, and patient organisations aimed to deliver 15 young, scientifically excellent researchers, who are optimally prepared for private sector and academic careers. The specific scientific and technological objectives of the MiND ETN included: I) Improve the understanding of the overlap of the disorders and identify the neurobiological underpinnings. II) Improve the understanding of the role and mechanisms of environmental risk factors contributing to the disorders. III) Development of a complementary battery of novel cell, animal, and human models, and mapping of pathways from gene to disease and comorbidity. IV) Development of novel approaches for prediction of prognosis and prevention. V) Development of novel approaches towards treatment.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are frequent, chronic and highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorders. Despite their societal importance, progress in understanding disease biology has been slow and no curative treatment options are available.The pan-European training network MiND aims to educate a new generation of researchers in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders, through innovation-oriented research combined with highly interdisciplinary and intersectoral international training.Research and training in MiND span state-of-the-art topics in the fields of ADHD, ASD and their yet un-investigated overlap. We combine advanced (epi-)genetics approaches with bioinformatics and develop novel cell and animal models of increasing complexity to understand pathomechanisms. Integrated with research in large human DNA-neuroimaging-cognition data sets, we push forward the understanding of the biology leading from gene to cognition and disease. Our mechanistic work is embedded in a framework exploring alternative disease definitions for ADHD and ASD across the lifespan and working towards improved treatment: we use novel cognitive assessments, we probe the microbiome for dietary interventions reducing symptoms and evaluate mindfulness training as non-pharmacological treatment options, in addition to developing new compounds for pharmacological treatment optimization and individualization. The strategic collaboration of world-leading academic groups, research-intensive commercial enterprises and patient organisations will deliver 15 young, scientifically excellent researchers which are optimally prepared for private sector and academic careers.MiND can be expected to impact patients and society by improving our understanding of disease biology, by developing novel diagnostic and treatment strategies, and by raising awareness for the necessity of research of neurodevelopmental disorders from childhood to adulthood.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • STICHTING RADBOUD UNIVERSITEIT · NijmegenCoordinatorNetherlands
  • ADHD-EuropeBelgium
  • AUTISME-EUROPE AISBL · Bruxelles / BrusselBelgium
  • Aktogen Limited · CambridgeUnited Kingdom
  • BRAIN INNOVATION BV · MaastrichtNetherlands
  • BRAINGAZE SL · Canet de MarSpain
  • EUROFINS MEDIGENOMIX GMBH · EbersbergGermany
  • FUNDACIO CENTRE DE REGULACIO GENOMICA · BarcelonaSpain
  • FUNDACIO HOSPITAL UNIVERSITARI VALL D'HEBRON - INSTITUT DE RECERCA · BARCELONASpain
  • JOHANN WOLFGANG GOETHE-UNIVERSITAET FRANKFURT AM MAIN · Frankfurt Am MainGermany
  • KAROLINSKA INSTITUTET · STOCKHOLMSweden
  • KING'S COLLEGE LONDON · LondonUnited Kingdom
  • NIZO FOOD RESEARCH BV · Ede GldNetherlands
  • PRESTWICK CHEMICAL SAS · ILLKIRCH-GRAFFENSTADENFrance
  • RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK · New YorkUnited States
  • STICHTING KARAKTER · EdeNetherlands
  • Scandinavian Development Services AB · DANDERYDSweden
  • UNIVERSITAETSKLINIKUM WUERZBURG - KLINIKUM DER BAYERISCHEN JULIUS-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITAT · WURZBURGGermany
  • UNIVERSITAT DE BARCELONA · BarcelonaSpain
  • UNIVERSITETET I BERGEN · BergenNorway
  • UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · LeicesterUnited Kingdom
  • VIEW POINT · CivrieuxFrance

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union