Last week Denise Jamieson, MD, MPH, UI vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Carver College of Medicine, announced a major investment in research across the college. Neuroscience is one of five scientific areas designated for additional funding based on “existing excellence.” Specifics of these plans are still in development.
This doesn’t come out of the blue. It reflects the tremendous work all of you have been doing, and for that I am endlessly grateful. Even in the face of major changes to the national research landscape, you have never wavered in your commitment to discovery and, even more importantly, in your commitment to each other. Thank you all for this creative, collaborative community of science we get to live and work in each day.
So, what can we expect going forward? First, we are hiring. We are currently advertising for up to four tenure-track positions at any level in neurodevelopment, neurodegeneration, neuroimmunology, and cancer neuroscience. Please help us by sharing the job posting through your networks and reaching out to colleagues to share your experience here.
Second, we will see new investment in our people through research awards at all career levels. I am proud that one element of this is a new enterprise-wide early investigator award, which is based on the INI’s highly successful Early-stage Investigator Awards. Also planned are distinguished scholar, health care synergy, and research achievement awards.
INI will continue our own research mechanisms, including a request for proposals for Accelerator Grants and nominations for Early-stage Investigator Awards this fall. Our trainee support, including travel awards and community-building opportunities at all levels, ensures that the next generation of neuroscientists flourishes here.
In the spring, we will celebrate all this and more at the 10th anniversary of the INI with a scientific workshop and party. Please hold May 10-11, 2027, and watch for details in the coming months.
I am inspired by this creative, collaborative community every day, and I am confident that our outstanding people, supported by this renewed university investment, will ensure that Iowa remains a destination for academic neuroscience.
Ted
September 2026