Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute
The Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute (NRI) is helping to bridge best-in-class basic science with clinical research in order to mitigate critical diseases. Their life-saving work focuses on mental or neurological disorders, and has already allowed two researchers that were previously siloed from one another to move toward clinical trials, and modify disease progression of Rett Syndrome.
The NRI successfully encourages collaboration on every level. Graduate students and postdoctoral trainees mix with senior faculty in the open amenity areas while laboratory spaces are filled with natural light. The large, noisy equipment is housed in generous, shared central corridors, keeping the bench areas pleasant and open.
Two researchers previously housed in siloed labs, now working together at TCH, have moved toward trials with adults and children to modify disease progression of Rett Syndrome.
Clinical trials initiated to control seizures in children with epilepsy are based on research in the Cain Foundation Laboratories at the NRI.
Interdisciplinary research that takes place at this facility lookes at genetics to synergize studies in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer, Parkinson, Down Syndrome.
The building features a twisting tower with leaning columns that string together to visually form the double helix of a DNA strand, signifying the unification of science and research. This tower hosts collaboration spaces with panoramic views of the city.
Dr. Huda Y. Zoghbi, Director of the Texas Children’s Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute and is a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator
