Bayside, NY – October 15, 2024: The Tourette Association of America (TAA) is proud to announce the 2024 recipients of the Young Investigator Award research grant which provides new researchers with up to $75,000 per year for a total of 2 years ($150,000 total) to support groundbreaking work that will transform our understanding of Tourette Syndrome (TS) and other Tic Disorders.
The TAA is now accepting applications for the 2025 Award. Additional information and the application can be found here: https://tourette.org/research-medical/taa-young-investigator-award/.
The TAA is proud to recognize the 2024 recipients of the Young Investigator Award:
- Determining the Neural Circuitry Affected by Tourette Syndrome
Miriam Bocarsly, PhD – Assistant Professor, Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School
“The neurobiology underlying TS has been understudied, in part, because of the lack of appropriate animal models. In the current proposal, we utilize cutting-edge mouse models expressing human mutations in Celsr3, a gene highly associated with TS. Using these powerful genetic mouse models, we can examine and determine the neural circuitry affected in TS, to identify new targets in the brain for pharmaceutical treatment.” - Understanding the Individualized Brain Functions Underlying Tics
Damion Demeter, PhD – Postdoctoral Scholar, University of California – San Diego
“Every individual with TS is unique with varying symptoms. Given these individual differences, the brain function underlying tics in TS is likely highly individualized. This study aims to identify individual differences in how functional brain networks coordinate and work together in TS. Using an approach to measure brain function at the individual level, by collecting hours of functional MRI data from each person, we will investigate how brain networks change between non-tic-related, pre-tic (premonitory urge), and post-tic (resolution) states. Understanding brain function underlying tics in individuals has the potential to inform personalized care and treatment in TS.” - Characterizing the Interplay of Genetic Variants in Parent-Child Trios with Tic Disorders
Emily Olfson, MD, PhD – Assistant Professor, Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine
“Research has long demonstrated the important role of genetic factors in the development of chronic tic disorders, including TS, but how different genetic factors combine to impact an individual’s risk remains incompletely understood. This project will employ complementary genomic methods to examine the combinatorial effect of different categories of genetic changes on risk for tics and related conditions in a cohort of families where a child is diagnosed with TS or another Persistent Tic Disorder. This research aims to advance our fundamental understanding of how different genetic factors impact the risk of Tic Disorders.” - Developing Patient-Centered Outcome Measures for the Treatment of Tics
Emily Wilton, PhD – Postdoctoral Associate, University of Minnesota
“Tic reduction is the primary outcome used to measure the effectiveness of TS treatments. This practice assumes that decreasing tics is the primary treatment goal for all patients; however, prior research has highlighted several reasons that patients seek treatment outside of tic reduction. This study will interview patients and families seeking treatment for TS and those who have previously received TS treatment to learn more about reasons for seeking treatment and treatment goals. Information collected from interviews will be used to develop the first TS patient-centered outcome measure co-created by patients and researchers.”
“Given the many unknowns surrounding Tourette Syndrome, it’s crucial that we continue to support emerging researchers who are exploring new avenues of inquiry,” says Dr. Katrina Hermetet, Vice President of Medical & Scientific Affairs at the TAA. “Investing in these innovative efforts is essential for advancing our understanding of the condition and developing more effective treatment options.”
Past research from TAA Young Investigator Award recipients has led to a deeper medical and scientific understanding of TS and other Tic Disorders, insights into the genetic factors contributing to TS, and the development of cutting-edge treatments and improved care. Awardees have supported the development and implementation of Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) and the use of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for individuals living with TS and other Tic Disorders.
“Given that TS and other Tic Disorders receive significantly less funding compared to other medical conditions, the TAA is proud to be the leading source of research support for this pivotal area of study,” explains Amanda Talty, President & CEO of the TAA. “While most grants support established professionals, the TAA’s Young Investigator Award is aimed at attracting and retaining the best and brightest scientists who are new to the field.”
About Tourette Syndrome
TS is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children, adolescents, and adults. The condition is characterized by sudden, involuntary movements and/or sounds called tics. Tics can range from mild to moderate and severe and are disabling in some cases. TS is one type of Tic Disorder – tics are the primary symptom of a group of conditions known collectively as Tic Disorders. The cause(s) of TS and other Tic Disorders remains unknown and there is no cure. According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 50 school-aged children has TS or another Tic Disorder and 50% of those children have yet to receive a formal diagnosis.
About the Tourette Association of America
Founded in 1972, the TAA is the only national organization serving the TS and Tic Disorders community. The TAA works tirelessly to raise awareness, advance research, and provide ongoing support to individuals and families impacted by TS and Tic Disorders. The TAA directs a network of 31 chapters, 83 support groups, and recognizes 18 Centers of Excellence across the country. The TAA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more about Tourette Syndrome, Tic Disorders, and the TAA at tourette.org.
Miriam Bocarsly, PhD – Assistant Professor, Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School
Damion Demeter, PhD – Postdoctoral Scholar, University of California – San Diego
Emily Olfson, MD, PhD – Assistant Professor, Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine
Emily Wilton, PhD – Postdoctoral Associate, University of Minnesota
