The UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute supports critical research designed to understand the causes and to develop effective diagnoses, treatments, preventions, and, ultimately, cures for autism, fragile X and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Advances in neuroscience, molecular biology, genetics, pharmacology and behavioral sciences are making inroads into understanding brain function. The UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute draws from these and other disciplines to conduct collaborative multidisciplinary research on specific neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and fragile X.

The M.I.N.D. Institute is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the outstanding expertise at UC Davis. The university offers robust programs in biological, environmental, medical and toxicological sciences.

The scope and impact of the Institute’s Research Program is exceptional. Studies, ranging from basic biological studies to treatment trials, have lead to important contributions in such areas as synapse formation and plasticity, biomarkers research, evaluating startle responses, mouse model for autism, gene therapy of the brain, functions of the fragile X and MeCP2 genes, brain structure and the epidemiology of autism.

• Research projects and clinical studies
• M.I.N.D. Institute Pilot Research Grants Program
• Research grants and fellowships
• Fragile X Research and Treatment Center
• Research faculty and staff
• Research faculty recruitment
• Interdisciplinary training for autism researchers
• Autism Tissue Program