The Leading Edge of the Neuroscience of Nicotine Addiction and Treatment: Youth and Lifespan Success for all Californians
The Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP) Program Staff convened a panel of twelve neuroscience experts and TRDRP’s Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) on April 10, 2024 at the University of California – Office of the President in Oakland, CA. The goal was to identify scientific research gaps within TRDRP’s Neuroscience of Nicotine Addiction and Treatment research priority in order to accelerate scientific progress and increase the impact of TRDRP-sponsored research. TRDRP-funded neuroscience research projects may be searched using the RGPO Funded Research Database.
The panel members responded to questions of programmatic interest to identify the leading-edge research drivers in nicotine susceptibility & cessation, and across the lifespan in health and disease. Panel members also advised on research needs in the area of nicotine addiction among youth and the impact of nicotine on the developing brain, in support of the new TRDRP Youth Cessation Fund which was established to support research on nicotine cessation strategies for youth and young adults.
The agenda ensured an interactive event with presentations and discussions focused on the following topics: (1) therapeutic approaches for vulnerable populations; (2) neuropsychological & genetic drivers of susceptibility; (3) neural circuits and imaging; and (4) models of neuroscience and behavior in nicotine use disorder. The overarching TRDRP Program goal is to support the advancement of innovative neuroscience research to understand and reduce tobacco use for all Californians.