Fellowships: Learning and Memory, Language, Communication and Related Neurosciences – F01B
The F01B study section reviews fellowship applications with an emphasis on learning and memory as well as communication and language. Applications proposing language projects focusing on development, comprehension, and production as well as the brain regions responsible for language and communication abilities are appropriate for this study section. In addition, F01B reviews applications examining learning and memory, as well as decision making and reasoning. Also addressed are applications on circadian rhythms, sleep and eating disorders. Both animal model and human subject studies are covered.
Review Dates
Topics
- Neural circuitry underlying mechanisms of memory formation, consolidation, and retrieval as well as decision making– ranging from electrophysiological investigations to mapping of anatomical pathways to epigenetics
- Synaptic plasticity - cellular and molecular mechanisms of learning and memory
- Circuitry-level studies of Alzheimer’s disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) in animal models
- Behavioral physiology that mediates learning (acquisition of knowledge and skills) and memory or decision making in normal and pathological states.
- Fear memory consolidation, molecular and circuit underpinnings of PTSD Reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving
- Computational, AI, and machine learning approaches to modeling of synaptic plasticity, neural circuitry, intercellular and intracellular processes, and interactions among brain structures that affect learning, memory and decision making
- Circuitry-level studies of the neural basis of cognition and executive functions (other than those associated with visual, auditory, or other perceptual cues)
- Effects of sleep or aging on memory in human subjects.
- Language and communication, including songbird communication
- Language development and origins of language/communication disorders, including autism
- Language comprehension and production
- Non-linguistic communication
- Eating and sleep disorders
- The interaction of circadian rhythms and behavior and including feeding, social interaction, sleep-wake cycles and hibernation
- Mechanisms underlying sleep regulation and circadian rhythms
- Modulation of the clock genes by stress or environment
Shared Interests and Overlaps
Fellowship panels are broad and cover inter-related areas. Assignments are made based on the primary emphasis of the proposed research. There are some overlaps between topics reviewed by fellowship study sections. For any application that may fall between primary areas of study, the CSR Division of Receipt and Referral, Review Branch chiefs, and SROs confer to place it properly and to ensure that all appropriate expertise is brought to bear.
Topics involving communication, cognition and decision making are shared in both F01B and Behavioral Neuroscience Fellowship Study Section [F02A] fellowship study section. For F02A, the emphasis is on behavioral studies, while F01B focuses more on the language, learning and mechanisms in these areas.
Circuitry- and systems-level studies of the neural basis of cognition and executive functions associated with visual, auditory, or other perceptual cues are reviewed in Sensory and Motor Neurosciences, Cognition and Perception [F02B].
Applications on learning and memory and synaptic plasticity are covered in F01B, [F02B] and in Neurodevelopment, Oxidative Stress and Synaptic Plasticity [F03A] fellowship study sections. While synaptic plasticity as related to mechanisms of learning and memory are reviewed in F01B, those focused on cellular and molecular mechanisms of synaptogenesis are reviewed in F03A. In contrast, F02B reviews applications on perceptual cognition, motor learning and learning disabilities associated with disorders of cognitive, sensory, perceptual and motor development.
While circuit-level studies in animal models are reviewed in F01B, clinically focused studies of ADRD are reviewed in Brain Disorders and Related Neurosciences [F01A] fellowship study section, and studies focused on mechanisms on neurodegeneration are reviewed in Neurodegeneration and Aging [F03C] fellowship study section.
Clinically-oriented studies of disorders of cognitive, sensory, perceptual and motor development, including intellectual disabilities, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may be reviewed in F01A, while their studies in animal models may be more appropriate for F02B. Autism-related applications with emphasis on speech and communication may be more suitable for F01B. Clinical studies of PTSD may be more suitable to F01A.
While computational, AI, and machine learning approaches to modeling of synaptic plasticity, neural circuitry, intercellular and intracellular processes, and interactions among brain structures are usually reviewed in Biophysical, Physiological, Pharmacological and Bioengineering Neuroscience, and Vision [F03B] fellowship study section, the studies that are related to learning, memory and decision making may be reviewed in F01B.
