Project description
The interplay between early life events and neural networks
Child abuse, poverty and violence. These are common examples of childhood adversity – a risk factor for psychopathology later in life. Studies show specific brain regions are particularly sensitive to childhood adversity. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms and the role of connectivity networks. The EU-funded NUCA project will shed light on the connectivity networks in the brain that bear the signatures of negative experiences and the neuroendocrine mechanisms behind these alterations. To uncover the interplay between early life events and neural networks, the project will use data from the UK Biobank. Moreover, it will address the moderating effects of glucocorticoid-related genetic variants that increase biological vulnerability.
Objective
"Experiences of childhood adversity are major risk factors for subsequent vulnerability to psychopathology. Although research suggests that specific brain regions are particularly sensitive to childhood adversity, the mechanisms that underlie these associations are yet to be elucidated and it is unclear how widespread connectivity networks contribute to this vulnerability phenotype. This project aims to determine the functional connectivity networks in the brain that bare the signatures of negative experiences and the neuroendocrine mechanisms that facilitate such alterations. To achieve this, we propose two studies utilizing data from the UK Biobank. Study 1 will investigate the resting state networks associated with early adversity. This study will benefit from the statistical advantages of ""big data"". It will be the first analysis of this magnitude looking at the interplay between early life events and neural networks. Study 2 will characterize the inter-individual variations in adversity-related functional changes, by addressing the moderating effects of glucocorticoid-related genetic variants that increase biological vulnerability. This study will contribute innovatively to the state-of-the-art in the emerging field of imaging genetics. This research uses advanced statistical strategies for neuroimaging analysis of an unprecedented number of scans and use of innovative analysis infrastructures under the FAIR principles. Furthermore, it is strongly multidisciplinary, involving a combination of psychological theory, neuropsychology, neuroimaging, machine learning and genetics. This action will involve end-users in all implementation stages, with the aim to engage the public in science education, raise awareness of stress-related consequences and the need for widespread access to mental health care. The proposal encompasses knowledge transfer to the host institution, as well as extensive hands-on training for the candidate supported by the expertise of the host."
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.4.1 - Widening participation and spreading excellence
MAIN PROGRAMME
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HORIZON.4.1.5 - Fostering brain circulation of researchers and excellence initiatives
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-WIDERA-2022-TALENTS-02
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
400191 Cluj Napoca
Romania
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.