Vinod Charles, Ph.D.
About Vinod Charles, Ph.D.
Vinod Charles, Ph.D., serves as the Chief of Bioengineering Sciences and Technologies IRG at the National Institutes of Health, where he has been active since 2020. He has extensive experience in neuroscience, neurogenetics, and mental health, having held various roles in research and administration across several prestigious institutions.
Current Role at National Institutes of Health
Vinod Charles, Ph.D., serves as the Chief of Bioengineering Sciences and Technologies IRG at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 2020. In this role, he oversees research initiatives related to bioengineering and technology applications in health sciences. His responsibilities include directing the scientific review of research grants and contributing to new NIH research initiatives and science policy issues. He is based at the Center for Scientific Review, where he plays a key role in advancing the understanding of bioengineering in relation to health.
Education and Expertise
Vinod Charles earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Neuroscience from Rush University, where he studied from 1993 to 1997. He also completed post-doctoral training in Neurogenetics at the National Human Genome Research Institute from 1998 to 2001, achieving the NIH PRAT Staff Fellow designation. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Wheaton College, obtained from 1982 to 1986. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his expertise in neuroscience, neurogenetics, and bioengineering.
Professional Experience
Vinod Charles has held various significant positions throughout his career. He worked as a Health Sciences Administrator at the Center for Scientific Review from 2004 to 2007, focusing on brain disorders and clinical neuroscience. He served as Group Leader in Neuroscience Review at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) from 2007 to 2020, where he directed scientific reviews of research grants related to psychiatric illnesses. His earlier experience includes a role as a Research Associate at Washington University in St. Louis from 1988 to 1990.
Research Contributions and Initiatives
Vinod Charles has contributed to several prominent research initiatives during his career. He served as the Administrator for various NIMH initiatives, including the Human Connectome Project and the White House’s BRAIN Initiative. His research has focused on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Huntington’s disease, and he has conducted studies on brain-machine interfaces and rehabilitation technologies. His involvement in these initiatives reflects his commitment to advancing neuroscience and mental health research.
Outreach and Public Engagement
Vinod Charles has been involved in outreach activities aimed at educating the public on neuroscience and mental health issues. His efforts include engaging with communities to raise awareness about the importance of mental health research and the implications of neuroscience in everyday life. This outreach is part of his broader commitment to translating scientific knowledge into public understanding and support for mental health initiatives.