As we embark on a new academic year, I'm thrilled to share many updates for our neuro research community. Building on momentum from our 25th anniversary events as well as important feedback you provided during our strategic planning process last year, we’ve been working hard to expand support for our members. This issue of "Inside the MBI" is filled with updates, opportunities, and upcoming events. Here are a few highlights:

MBI Accelerator Awards: Have an idea with potential for extramural support and need a kickstart? Read about the MBI's upcoming annual granting program below.

New core resources: We are in the process of building out shared resources and facilities to support our scientists. More below about these growing resources.

A full calendar of programming: We are creating a full calendar of scientific and community events to fuel new ideas and spark collaborations. Mark your calendars!

BioRender: You asked, and we listened! Read below to find out how to receive access. 

Wishing you a terrific semester and thank you for all your efforts to advance our research and education missions. Please reach out if you have ideas for how the MBI can better support you.

Warm regards,
Jen Bizon

• Electrical upgrades: In the coming months, we will embark on a major and necessary upgrade of the building's electrical systems. We will be in contact with our researchers before and throughout the construction to minimize or avoid disruption.

• Exterior power wash: We have hired a company to power wash the exterior of the MBI building — including all windows, doors, and walls — from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4. The work will mostly take place after 5 p.m. daily to minimize inconvenience. Please exercise caution, as heavy equipment will be stationed around the MBI.
  

• Animal Behavior Suite: Construction is underway to develop a suite of small labs for mouse and rat behavior studies. Expected completion is November 2025. 

• CPR/AED training: Following the recent installation of three automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) inside the MBI, we have commissioned Gator CPR to conduct onsite CPR/AED training and certification. The first session, on Oct. 7, is at capacity, but we will announce future training dates in the coming weeks.

• MBI Accelerator Program: The MBI's new Accelerator Program is an annual award mechanism designed to support novel and impactful research projects that align with our mission to enhance lives through neuroscience and neuromedicine research. We seek proposals with strong potential for scientific impact and future extramural funding. Stay tuned for an email announcement on Oct. 1 with the RFA and full application details.
  

• MBI Professional Development Fund: Are you preparing to showcase your research at a national conference or seeking specialized training to advance your neuroscience career? The new MBI Professional Development Fund is designed to assist graduate students, postdocs, and faculty aiming to enhance their skills, expand their networks, and drive innovation. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Learn more and submit your application.
  

• Calling all neuro postdocs: Looking to connect with fellow neuro postdocs? Join the NeuroPD2 (Neuro Postdoc Professional Development) listserv! Subscribe at mbi-neuro-postdocs@lists.ufl.edu to stay in the loop on exciting opportunities and resources, including Professional Development Week, coming this fall. Topics will include "Business 101," "Skills No One Teaches for Academics," and "Navigating NIH Career Paths." Stay tuned for more details.

• Be part of the North Central Florida Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) and contribute to the future of brain science — sign up today! Membership is open to undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, and faculty. Save the date for the 15th Annual North Central Florida SfN Conference on Feb. 7. Abstract submissions will open Nov. 4. Email arileydipaolo@ufl.edu or jshubin@ufl.edu for more information.

• Know an Alachua County teen interested in neuroscience? Encourage them to register for the 2024 Alachua County Brain Bee (Dec. 7) at the MBI. Winners will have a chance to advance to the USA National Brain Bee Championships! Registration is open through Nov. 7. Register and learn more: bit.ly/4eqCdTH
  

• Check out our new shared microscopy resources page to learn more about the instruments, support, and accessibility. This resource is now available for all MBI researchers! 
  

• BioRender: The MBI now has a user agreement with BioRender. PIs who are MBI members can reach out to MBI Chief Operations Officer Kevin McNaught (kevin.mcnaught@ufl.edu) to obtain access for their labs.
  

• Have your say in future investments: Keep an eye on your inbox for an MBI research survey. This is your opportunity to provide input about what the MBI should invest in next.
  

• Our communications team is revamping our website. Check out some updated areas, including Research, Training, and Giving, and stay tuned for more improvements.  

• Please follow us on social media to amplify the great neuro research of our members. We are on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.