simulated time series of the cumulative post-synaptic contributions of each of 36 model neurons

CNS Impact Report

FY 2024 Impact Report

Dr. Robert and Kathleen Grey and family with Chancellor Gary May, Provost Mary Croughan, Dean Mark Winey and CNS Director Kimberley McAllister at the Robert D. Grey Hall building dedication ceremony at the Center for Neuroscience
Dr. Robert and Kathleen Grey and family with Chancellor Gary May, Provost Mary Croughan, Dean Mark Winey and former CNS Director Kimberley McAllister at the Robert D. Grey Hall building dedication ceremony at the Center for Neuroscience on October 11, 2023. (TJ Ushing/UC Davis)

SELECT RESEARCH DISCOVERIES
  • Identified how synaptic plasticity rules are distributed within the brain to anticipate real-world sensory experiences
     
  • Discovered significant differences in dopamine signaling across distinct brain regions
     
  • Engineered a cutting-edge technology to label neurons activated by neurotherapeutic drugs
     
  • Unveiled novel mechanisms that limit plasticity in the brain, shedding light on how we form new memories while preserving existing ones
A graph depicting grant expenditures
Three photos taken in CNS labs
 
TRAINING EXCELLENCE & COMMUNITY OUTREACH
  • Provided Neuroscience Initiative to Enhance Diversity (NIED) workshops, mini-lectures, graduate school admissions guidance, and peer mentorship to support underrepresented undergraduates in pursuing advanced neuroscience degrees
     
  • Hosted NeuroFest 2024 – Brain Networks: Exploring the Pathways of Memory and Social Connection, welcoming over 350 community members of all ages to enjoy stimulating talks by UC Davis neuroscientists, a NeuroArt Contest, interactive booths and trainee-led NeuroPoster presentations
     
  • Featured 12 CNS NeuroArt images in a nine-month exhibition at the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC), captivating thousands of visitors from the greater Sacramento region
     
A group of about 40 NeuroFest volunteers
Our incredible NeuroFest 2024 volunteers

PHILANTHROPY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Robert D. Grey Hall, the main building at CNS, was named to honor Provost Emeritus and CNS founder Robert D. Grey for his visionary leadership. Over 100 attendees celebrated his contributions at the dedication ceremony
     
  • Davida Feder, a founding CNS Director’s Circle member, included a bequest in her estate to support pilot awards to advance Alzheimer’s research at CNS
     
  • Steven and Tammy Conston established a neuroscience excellence award, funding trainee research through a fast-pitch competition
     
  • Tony Quinn created the Quinn Family Schizophrenia Research Fund to drive research and advance treatments for schizophrenia