Neural Basis of Motivated Behavior – NBMB
NOTE: Starts with the October 2026 Council round submission dates (Cycle I due dates). This study section was evaluated as part of CSR’s ENQUIRE process to align study sections with advances in science. Learn more about ENQUIRE.
The Neural Basis of Motivated Behavior [NBMB] Study Section reviews applications examining the neuronal circuits critical to the mediation of rewarding and negatively motivated behaviors. While studies reviewed by NBMB utilize molecular, cellular, anatomical, physiological, and behavioral techniques, the focus is on integrative approaches and systems level questions that mediate motivated behavior. NBMB primarily reviews applications focused on research in animal models, though the panel may review conceptually similar applications including human subjects research.
Review Dates
A roster for the panel will be posted here, at least 30 days prior to the review meeting
Topics
- Positively motivated behaviors related to addictive substances and natural rewards such as, drugs, food, copulatory opportunities, and other consummatory or social behaviors.
- Negative and positively motivated behaviors related to effects induced by stress fear, anxiety, aggression NBMB also examines critical molecules and circuits involved in the mediation of negatively motivated behavior.
- Neural circuits are investigated to determine their respective roles in the mediation of such behavior; as well as mechanisms of plasticity, and predisposing factors which may shape such behavior.
Shared Interests and Overlaps
Applications that are focused on the negative effects of alcohol or other drugs of abuse at the behavioral or molecular level are reviewed in NAS, whereas applications that are focused on the circuitry that underlies the motivational (positive or negative) aspects of substance abuse are reviewed in NBMB.
Applications with a primary focus on cellular or molecular mechanisms of addiction, psychoactive or psychotherapeutic agents and positively or negatively motivated behaviors, may be reviewed in Molecular Cellular Neuropharmacology (MCNP), in particular when behavioral analyses are limited.
Studies focused on neural regulation (rather than motivational aspects) of ingestive behavior are reviewed in Neuroscience of Interoception and Chemosensation (NIC), and if focused on the neuroendocrine regulation of ingestive behavior, they may be reviewed in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, Neuroimmunology, Rhythms, and Sleep [BNRS].
There are shared interests with the Learning, Memory and Decision Neuroscience [LMDN] study section in the area of motivated behavior. Applications with molecular, cellular, and neurocircuitry questions related to memory associated with motivated behavior are generally reviewed in LMDN, whereas applications that address regulation of learning associated with the rewarding and aversive cues, may be reviewed by NBMB.
Biobehaviorally-focused applications which consider the neural, hormonal, and genetic factors that underlie behavior may be better suited for review in Biobehavioral Regulation, Learning and Ethology Study Section [BRLE].
Applications that model psychiatric disorders, and examine how these mediate cognitive, behavioral, emotional, social, and learning abnormalities may be better suited for review by PMA.
Applications focused on human subjects and clinical studies on motivated behaviors such as addiction, obesity, or post-traumatic stress disorder and depression are more frequently reviewed in Neural Basis of Psychopathology, Addictions and Sleep Disorders (NPAS) or Adult Lifespan Psychopathology (ALP). If an application involves human subjects and is focused on basic understanding of the neurocircuitry of motivated behavior, NBMB may be an appropriate study section.
