Translational Conversations Ep. 3 - Heterogeneity and Neurobiology of Alcohol Use Disorder

In this next installment of Translational Conversations, we talk with Dr. Danny Winder, a mouse researcher, and Dr. Jenni Blackford, a human researcher, about how their years of collaborations across species have revealed important insights into the different ways Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) can present in individuals. We hear about how their translational research process has led to significant scientific discoveries regarding the relevant brain circuits and sex differences that influence AUD. In this discussion, Dr. Winder and Dr. Blackford share the story behind the start of their collaboration, ways in which their work has inspired one another to explore new directions, and how their continued work together has culminated in the development of a multidisciplinary, cross-species center grant that brings together experts from several institutions around the country. We appreciate Dr. Danny Winder, the Neurobiology Department Chair and Worcester Foundation of Biomedical Research Professor at UMass Chan Medical School and Dr. Jenni Blackford, the Hattie B. Munroe Professor and Associate Dean of Research at the Munroe-Meye Institute of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, for joining us in this discussion on the translational research process, and for sharing their research and important perspectives. Episode Note: This episode was filmed in April, prior to a symposium that Drs. Blackford and Winder presented at a conference in May. In the episode, this symposium is referenced in the future tense as an example of ways that researchers across species can practice the translational process and improve collaborative efforts. Translational Conversations is made possible through support from Biomedical Research Awareness Day, a program of Americans for Medical Progress, and the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology Follow Dr. Jenni Blackford on Bluesky @jenniblackford.bsky.social @bnsteam.bsky.social @unmc.bsky.social Follow Dr. Danny Winder on Bluesky and LinkedIn @Dgordonwinder.bsky.social