Dear Colleagues, 
I am thrilled to announce that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded the Integrative Movement Sciences Institute (IMSI), under the leadership of Professor Monica Daley from the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, a generous $15 million grant over a span of six years. This remarkable achievement not only reflects the dedication and expertise of our faculty but also highlights the prominence of the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences in the field of movement sciences.

The IMSI aims to unravel the complexities of muscle control during fast, unsteady motions in challenging environments. By bridging the gap between bottom-up reductionist approaches and top-down organismal perspectives, IMSI will integrate the contributions of mechanical, neural and sensory systems to movement control. This interdisciplinary effort involves collaboration among 21 institutions across the country and will drive innovation in biophysics, physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience and engineering.

The research cores of IMSI will delve into intrinsic muscle dynamics, embedded neuromechanical control, resilience and versatility, risk-reward and learning, as well as diversity and convergence in motor systems. By critically examining assumptions of current approaches and developing new experiments and models, IMSI seeks to transform basic science, clinical applications and technical innovations in the field of movement sciences.

This significant NSF award, made possible through the Biology Integration Institutes program, underscores the importance of our research efforts and positions the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences at the forefront of dynamic muscle function and neuromuscular control of movement. Together, we are poised to make groundbreaking discoveries that will have far-reaching implications for animal performance, human health and technological advancements. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Professor Daley, who also serves as the director of the UC Irvine Center for Integrative Movement Sciences, and the entire IMSI team for this outstanding accomplishment.

Your dedication and hard work exemplify the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines our school.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to excellence in research.

 Sincerely,

 
Frank M. LaFerla, PhD
Dr. Lionel and Fay Ng Dean and
Distinguished Professor
  | http://dean.bio.uci.edu