Scientific Enrichment
From the beginning of our Center 16 years ago, the important training/education/outreach mission expected from all NIAAA-funded Centers, has been supported. Successful outreach programs bring recognition to the Center as the “go-to” organization when it comes to matters involving alcoholism and alcohol abuse, and provide education and outreach activities to the local community. Dr. Suzanne Thomas, along with a team of postdoctoral trainees, university students, and staff, provide educational activities throughout the local area for schools, religious and civic organizations, and health fairs.

Dr. Howard Becker and the administrative staff coordinate the Addictions Research Seminar Series. This popular seminar series brings outside speakers to present a formal lecture and meet with interested Center faculty, trainees, and research staff. These activities permit investigators and trainees to learn about recent research advances and to benefit from a scientific interchange with the outside expert. Although intended primarily for the enrichment of the Center faculty, trainees, and staff, the presentations of these prominent scientists are advertised to the MUSC academic community as well.  Additionally, the Alcohol Journal Club and Addictions Journal Club meet to discuss a research paper authored by an invited Addictions Research Seminar Series speaker.

In an effort to provide on-going scientific enrichment for not only faculty and trainees, but also for research staff, a new enrichment initiative has been implemented. More specifically, one research assistant is supported to attend the annual Research Society on Alcoholism (RSA) meeting each year. The attendee will be selected, via a random drawing, from a pool of staff who are co-authors on an RSA poster and who are interested in attending the RSA annual meeting.

Continued professional development and scientific enrichment is critical to keeping the Center faculty, pre/post doctoral trainees, and staff abreast of the latest scientific advances, technology and science-related skills. This ensures that our scientists remain on the cutting-edge of alcohol research.