About

North Dakota Behavioral Research Core Facility (BRCF)

The BRCF was established in 2015 to promote and strengthen behavioral research in North Dakota. The facility is designed to increase productivity in biomedical and translational research in behavioral science by providing 1) well-managed and maintained state-of-the-art behavioral testing equipment; 2) methodological and technical support; 3) training in behavioral testing and analysis; and 4) interface for interactions among researchers to facilitate collaborations.  The BRCF employs a full-time Senior Research Specialist for the operation and management of the equipment and facility and is located within the Center for Biomedical Research 2 (CBR2) at the UND School of Medicine and Health Science. The BRCF is equipped with a variety of specialized equipment for assessment and monitoring of animal behavior, complete with multiple licensed analysis software (ANY-maze, Stoelting). These devices include open-field activity monitoring, grip strength, startle response, place preference, active/passive avoidance, freeze monitoring, balance performance, rotational behavior, learning and memory performance, and anxiety/depression-like behavior (San Diego Instruments and Stoelting Co.).  A comprehensive list of our equipment is provided in BRCF’s regularly updated website, https://med.und.edu/research/behavior-research-core/index.html#d20e112-4.

In addition to the infrastructure, the BRCF provides training and networking opportunities for IDeA state investigators to interact and collaborate with other researchers. The facility is conveniently located within the CBR2 and dedicated for behavioral assessments, tissue collection and housing for mice.