The Central Nervous System (CNS) is the most complex organ in the body. It governs all our motor and behavioral actions and enables us to perceive and interact with the world around us.
However, developmental abnormalities, toxic exposures, and traumatic injuries can damage cellular processes and neural circuits, leading to functional deficits that often persist for life. This creates an urgent need for effective neurological treatments grounded in cutting-edge research.
The Center for Neural Development and Repair (CNDR) is committed to uncovering the genetic and other molecular mechanisms that influence neural repair, plasticity, and regeneration. Our focus is on developing effective therapies for brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerve injuries in adults and children.
We take a translational neuroscience approach, where basic scientists and clinicians work together to turn discoveries into clinical applications that improve outcomes for patients. CNDR collaborates closely with departments across Lewis Katz School of Medicine and Temple’s Bioengineering department, promoting collaborative neuroscience initiatives that bridge disciplines. CNDR researchers use state-of-the-art technologies — including brain organoids, gene therapy, advanced imaging, functional circuit mapping, genomics and proteomics — to better understand the mechanisms behind CNS disorders and design promising therapeutic treatments.
With nine core faculty members, CNDR offers an exceptional academic medical research environment for students and postdoctoral fellows to gain outstanding training in neuroscience. Our educators are committed to developing our trainees’ careers. They also are members of multiple committees in the Department of Neural Sciences that aim to advance trainee success.
The Center also hosts a regular seminar series that brings in researchers from across the nation, a yearly research symposium to promote student networking, and a trainee-based journal club series.
At CNDR, we are dedicated to advancing science through the latest methodological approaches, discovering innovative and effective clinical therapies to improve patient outcomes, and promoting the success of the next generation of research scientists.
Together, we pursue innovative solutions for some of the most challenging neurological disorders.
George Smith, PhD
Director and Professor, Center for Neural Development and Repair
Vice Chair and Professor, Neural Science