In the News

UI brain bank selected for NIH NeuroBioBank network

Monday, January 5, 2026
Becoming the seventh brain bank in the NBB’s network, the Iowa brain bank will bank 100 brains per year with 50 more dedicated to grant-supported investigator projects. UI will receive $1.4 million in funding for the first year of the contract.

Shen earns prestigious award for her 'outsider' approach

Monday, December 8, 2025
Susan Shen, assistant professor of psychiatry in the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, is the first female psychiatrist, the first from Iowa, and only the third psychiatrist overall to receive the highly-competitive Avenir Award from the NIH. The $2.3 million grant is awarded for innovative research by “early-stage” investigators in three focus areas: HIV/AIDS, the genetics and epigenetics of substance use, or the chemistry and pharmacology of substance use.

Levi Sowers: Shedding light on migraine and post-traumatic headache

Monday, November 3, 2025
Post-traumatic headache (PTH) shares many of the same symptoms as migraines. Characterized by severe pain and sensory hypersensitivity, they’re disruptive and often difficult to treat. Despite the similarities, there are currently no FDA-approved treatments specifically for PTH. This gap in care is what drives University of Iowa Health Care researcher Levi Sowers, assistant professor in the Stead Family Department of Pediatrics and the Division of Child Neurology.

Campbell earns Horwitz Prize for muscular dystrophy discoveries

Thursday, September 4, 2025
Kevin Campbell, PhD, professor and chair of molecular physiology and biophysics at the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, will receive the 2025 Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize from Columbia University.

Neuroscience Events

Pain Interest Group Seminar - Victoria Abraira, PhD promotional image

Pain Interest Group Seminar - Victoria Abraira, PhD

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 9:00am to 10:00am
Medical Education Research Facility

Context is Key: How Spinal Cord Neuromodulation Shapes Our Somatosensory Experiences

Victoria Abraira, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience
Rutgers University

Big Ten Neuroscience Seminar

Monday, January 26, 2026 11:00am to 12:00pm
Virtual
Neuroscience presentations (virtual) hosted by Big Ten Academic Alliance members
Neuroscience & Pharmacology Seminar - Annet Kirabo, DVM, MSc, PhD, FAHA promotional image

Neuroscience & Pharmacology Seminar - Annet Kirabo, DVM, MSc, PhD, FAHA

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:30am to 11:30am
Medical Education Research Facility

Neuro-Endocrine-Immune Crosstalk Driving Salt-Sensitive Hypertension

Annet Kirabo, DVM, MSc, PhD, FAHA
Associate Professor
Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

Big Ten Neuroscience Seminar

Monday, February 23, 2026 11:00am to 12:00pm
Virtual
Neuroscience presentations (virtual) hosted by Big Ten Academic Alliance members

Many Keys, One Conversation: Schizophrenia, Neuroscience and Creativity

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 5:30pm to 8:30pm
The James Theater

This event brings together storytelling, dance, science, and dialogue to destigmatize schizophrenia and mental illness. Through personal narratives, artistic expression, cutting-edge research, and expert insight, attendees will discover the power of vulnerability, resilience, and community support in mental health. When we share our stories, we heal together

5:30 - 6:00 PM | Reception with Hors d'oeuvres & Poster Session
6:00 - 6:15 PM | Michael Judge: A Brother's Perspective
6:15 - 6:45 PM |...

Big Ten Neuroscience Seminar

Monday, March 23, 2026 11:00am to 12:00pm
Virtual
Neuroscience presentations (virtual) hosted by Big Ten Academic Alliance members

Big Ten Neuroscience Seminar

Monday, April 27, 2026 11:00am to 12:00pm
Virtual
Neuroscience presentations (virtual) hosted by Big Ten Academic Alliance members

Big Ten Neuroscience Seminar

Monday, May 18, 2026 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Virtual
Neuroscience presentations (virtual) hosted by Big Ten Academic Alliance members