Texas Children's Hospital NRI Lab

The Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute celebrates 10 years of life-changing discoveries


Experts at the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute (Duncan NRI) at Texas Children’s Hospital have been pioneering innovation, world-renowned research and scientific breakthroughs since the doors to the building opened in December 2010.


The world’s first basic research institute dedicated to childhood neurological diseases, the Duncan NRI was founded with a bold mission: solving the mysteries behind devastating brain diseases and translating discoveries made in the laboratory into effective treatments. By the time of its 10th anniversary, Duncan NRI researchers had:


  • Published more than 1,000 scientific studies in top-tier journals
  • Discovered 72 disease-causing genetic mutations
  • Completed one successful clinical trial for an intractable epilepsy
  • Conducted research for six additional clinical trials that were in development

This remarkable progress has all occurred under the leadership of Dr. Huda Zoghbi, founding director of the Duncan NRI, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, Baylor College of Medicine faculty member, world-renowned neurogeneticist and central figure in the Rett syndrome research field.


“Millions of people suffer from neurological and psychiatric diseases,” Zoghbi said. “Our goal is to discover the underlying causes of as many of these disorders as possible and develop effective treatments to improve the lives of patients and their families. This is the reason we built the Duncan NRI 10 years ago, and it is what continues to inspire us every day.”


The Duncan NRI fosters a one-of-a-kind research environment uniquely designed to impact the future of neurological disease. It is home to investigators from around the world and their research teams, all of whom are experts in diverse disciplines — including genetics, neurobiology, physics, mathematics, bioinformatics, engineering and more — and all of whom are committed to collaboration. The building’s open labs facilitate the free exchange of ideas, information and resources.


“Witnessing Dr. Zoghbi and her team revolutionize the field of scientific research with their collaborative culture is nothing short of miraculous,” said Texas Children’s President and CEO Mark A. Wallace. “And then to watch these incredible scientists work seamlessly to transition those discoveries from the lab to the bedside truly convinces me that we are headed toward a golden age of effective treatments for neurological disorders.”


Children are the inspiration and motivation behind the work that happens at the Duncan NRI, but it soon became apparent that the reach of the discoveries being made there extended beyond the pediatric world, impacting critical understanding of a wide spectrum of neurological and psychiatric diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, bipolar, eating disorders and addiction.


The Duncan NRI represents a collaboration and partnership of two great institutions: Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine. Zoghbi also recognizes the critical role that philanthropy has played in the Duncan NRI’s success, beginning with a wonderful lead gift from Cynthia and Anthony Petrello and followed by a transformational gift from Jan and Dan Duncan. “None of what we have achieved could have been possible without the generous support of our community, and for that, I am profoundly grateful,” she said.


Building on the tremendous success of the first 10 years, the Duncan NRI has become a global destination for people from around the world seeking answers for previously undiagnosed disorders. The future is bright, and Zoghbi and her team are steadfast in their commitment to developing promising new treatments for devastating neurological and psychiatric disorders.


“When we opened the Duncan NRI, I could not have predicted how much progress we would make in this short time,” said Zoghbi. “Knowing that people around the world will live happier, healthier lives as a result of our research drives me to this day and truly warms my heart.”


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