Vision Statement

The University of Houston Multidisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience and Dementia (UH-MIND) brings together researchers from across University of Houston who share a similar goal: to promote research, education, and innovation that will lead to a better understanding and development of novel therapies and treatments for dementia and neurological diseases. These goals are encompassed by our three foundational pillars.

Pillar 1: RESEARCH

Neurological disorders, such as dementia, are among major brain conditions that  that can significantly affect the quality of life for many. Other disorders include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and traumatic brain injury. All of these are complex diseases and conditions for which effective treatments, much less cures, have proven elusive, despite considerable efforts. The purpose of UH MIND is to bring together researchers with different scientific backgrounds and unique perspectives to address the complexity of dementia and other neurological disorders. Encompassing a variety of models and approaches from basic to clinical sciences, UH MIND aims to become an intellectual and creative hub, with the goal of generating new discoveries and cures for dementia and related neurological disorders. In addition to the existing faculty, we also have plans to hire new internationally recognized researchers focused on dementia and neurological disorders.

Pillar 2: EDUCATION

UH MIND has a goal to be a nexus of educational efforts to train the next generation of neurobiologists, neurologists, and industry leaders with specializations that are in high demand. We are perfectly positioned to realize this need by developing Neuroscience minor and major tracks and related courses, obtaining and administering  training grants and programs on dementia and other CNS disorders, and by organizing symposia to foster interactions that will help transmit knowledge. We desire to place our students and postdoctoral trainees at the top of the professional heap, equipped with deep knowledge and great interpersonal and human skills. Our ongoing collaboration with the professional local organizations, like the Alzheimer’s Associations’ Southeast Chapter, the MIND is committed to fostering educational outreach in our local communities, as well as exposing our trainees to the diverse opportunities in the greater Houston area and beyond.

Pillar 3: INNOVATION

Innovative approaches in research and education, including adaptive and project-based learning and commercialization of scientific discoveries, are at the crux of fast-developing technologies, modern society, and prosperity. UH MIND aims to work with the most talented innovator faculty, students, postdocs, the University and Houston innovation ecosystem, as well as corporate and local partners to facilitate the development of novel and creative approaches and technologies, and to support commercialization of intellectual property centered on treating dementia and other neurological disorders.