Developmental Emotional Intelligence
Our research area primarily uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the structure and function of the human brain, with the goal of elucidating the neurobiological basis of neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as developing clinically relevant biomarkers. Building on these findings, we also conduct research aimed at developing novel therapeutic and support approaches and evaluating their effectiveness, thereby integrating basic research with clinical application.
Research in this area is characterized by a multimodal approach that centers on structural and functional MRI while integrating diverse types of data, including genetic information, neurotransmitter-related indices, cognitive assessments, eye-tracking measures, and various psychological questionnaires. Through this approach, we seek to advance individualized understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders and to construct more refined models of their underlying mechanisms. In addition, our research environment includes access to large-scale databases and open datasets, enabling highly reproducible and reliable research.
To carry out this research, expertise beyond a single discipline is required, spanning child development, psychiatry, radiology, psychology, neuroscience, informatics, and education. Accordingly, this research area actively promotes interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers both within and outside the University of Fukui, as well as with domestic and international research institutions. Research topics are broad and include not only the investigation of neurobiological mechanisms using brain imaging, but also the prediction of treatment response, the elucidation of developmental trajectories, and the evaluation of therapeutic and support interventions.
Graduate students in this research area can develop practical research skills in neuroimaging analysis, statistics and data science, as well as psychological and clinical assessment, while pursuing research topics aligned with their own academic interests. Depending on their background and interests, students may engage in research ranging from basic science to clinical application and social implementation, and may also gain international research experience through collaborative projects with domestic and overseas institutions.
Staff
Psychosocial Support for Nurturing
(Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, United Graduate School of Child Development, University of Fukui)In recent years, the topic of neurodevelopmental disorders and child maltreatment as an issue facing Japanese society has gained considerable attention with regard to the field of medicine and educations and also in scenarios that relate to childcare. Recent studies reveal that maltreatment during childhood can cause abnormal brain development and have a negative impact later in life. We will introduce the mechanisms of maltreatment-related brain damage or adaptation with consideration of how and when child maltreatment or ICT can have impact on the brain development.
Achievement will be evaluated according to the following criteria. 1) Proposal of appropriate research projects on the basis of understanding the background on the latest molecular biogenetic research. 2) Understanding how to investigate human brain development and psychomotor development. 3) Logical/proper experimental design that identifies degradation in cortical development induced by emotional stress and trauma. 4) Novel findings obtained by analytical approaches that can contribute to a better understanding of the selected research theme.
Staff
Development of Functional Brain Activities
We have been actively involved on research aimed at understanding the development of social brain functions at the molecular, cellular and behavioral levels. This course will present fundamental principles of social neuroscience focusing on developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) via understanding of molecular and behavioral mechanism in brain development.
In this course, students can learn the followings, (1) Exploratory research on therapeutic targets applicable to ASD medicine (Based on blood samples and brain imaging findings obtained from ASD patients, students will search for molecules expressed specifically in subjects with ASD and study medical applications), and (2) ASD animal model research (Using animals model that represent the clinical symptoms of ASD, students will engage in pathophysiology research to elucidate the mechanism underlying specific energy metabolism or synaptic transmission in ASD).and (3) Research on the cognitive functions of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, with an emphasis on ASD and specific Learning Disorder.
Staff
Developmental Emotional Intelligence
Our research area primarily uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the structure and function of the human brain, with the goal of elucidating the neurobiological basis of neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as developing clinically relevant biomarkers. Building on these findings, we also conduct research aimed at developing novel therapeutic and support approaches and evaluating their effectiveness, thereby integrating basic research with clinical application.
Research in this area is characterized by a multimodal approach that centers on structural and functional MRI while integrating diverse types of data, including genetic information, neurotransmitter-related indices, cognitive assessments, eye-tracking measures, and various psychological questionnaires. Through this approach, we seek to advance individualized understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders and to construct more refined models of their underlying mechanisms. In addition, our research environment includes access to large-scale databases and open datasets, enabling highly reproducible and reliable research.
To carry out this research, expertise beyond a single discipline is required, spanning child development, psychiatry, radiology, psychology, neuroscience, informatics, and education. Accordingly, this research area actively promotes interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers both within and outside the University of Fukui, as well as with domestic and international research institutions. Research topics are broad and include not only the investigation of neurobiological mechanisms using brain imaging, but also the prediction of treatment response, the elucidation of developmental trajectories, and the evaluation of therapeutic and support interventions.
Graduate students in this research area can develop practical research skills in neuroimaging analysis, statistics and data science, as well as psychological and clinical assessment, while pursuing research topics aligned with their own academic interests. Depending on their background and interests, students may engage in research ranging from basic science to clinical application and social implementation, and may also gain international research experience through collaborative projects with domestic and overseas institutions.
Staff
Psychosocial Support for Nurturing
(Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, United Graduate School of Child Development, University of Fukui)In recent years, the topic of neurodevelopmental disorders and child maltreatment as an issue facing Japanese society has gained considerable attention with regard to the field of medicine and educations and also in scenarios that relate to childcare. Recent studies reveal that maltreatment during childhood can cause abnormal brain development and have a negative impact later in life. We will introduce the mechanisms of maltreatment-related brain damage or adaptation with consideration of how and when child maltreatment or ICT can have impact on the brain development.
Achievement will be evaluated according to the following criteria. 1) Proposal of appropriate research projects on the basis of understanding the background on the latest molecular biogenetic research. 2) Understanding how to investigate human brain development and psychomotor development. 3) Logical/proper experimental design that identifies degradation in cortical development induced by emotional stress and trauma. 4) Novel findings obtained by analytical approaches that can contribute to a better understanding of the selected research theme.
Staff
Development of Functional Brain Activities
We have been actively involved on research aimed at understanding the development of social brain functions at the molecular, cellular and behavioral levels.
In addition, empirical research related to experiences of violence and inappropriate parenting, development of child support programs, and research on cognitive functions in children with neurodevelopmental disorders will be pursued. This course will present fundamental principles of social neuroscience focusing on developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) via understanding of molecular and behavioral mechanism in brain development. In this course, students can learn the followings,
(1) Exploratory research on therapeutic targets applicable to ASD medicine (Based on blood samples and brain imaging findings obtained from ASD patients, students will search for molecules expressed specifically in subjects with ASD and study medical applications)
(2) ASD animal model research (Using animals model that represent the clinical symptoms of ASD, students will engage in pathophysiology research to elucidate the mechanism underlying specific energy metabolism or synaptic transmission in ASD).
(3) Empirical research on the cycle of violence, developing treatment programs to reduce the " potential violence " of children who have experienced violence.
(4) The design and development of support programs for children in need of various types of support, and the implementation and measurement of the effectiveness of the programs.
(5) Empirical research on the genesis and maintenance mechanisms of educational maltreatment, as well as its support and prevention.
(6) Research on the cognitive functions of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, with an emphasis on autistic spectrum disorder and specific Learning Disorder.