EU-AIMS

EU-AIMS is the largest single project for autism in the world, and the largest for the study of any mental health disorder in Europe. The EU-AIMS initiative involves a novel collaboration between academic centers, pharmaceutical & high-tech industry, and organizations representing affected individuals and their families. This makes EU-AIMS a ground-breaking project and the world’s first consortium that will work together to develop the infrastructure underpinning new treatments for autism.

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EU-AIMS: a boost to autism research

Noldus Information Technology is one of three innovative SMEs involved in EU-AIMS. Animal models play a key role in this project, with focus on social interaction, communication (ultrasonic vocalization), stereotypic and repetitive behavior in the home cage, and cognitive rigidity. Noldus’ expertise and products are used in various project tasks. These include:

• Automation of the social interaction test (with EthoVision XT);
• Recording ultrasonic vocalizations;
• Analysis of stereotypic behavior patterns (with Theme);
• Integrated analysis of EEG and behavior (with DSI hardware/software).

Noldus will also contribute to the clinical studies in EU-AIMS. Hardware and software will be set up in labs in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Belgium, Sweden, and Poland. Mother-child interaction will be video recorded at various time points and coded with The Observer XT software. Furthermore, eye tracking will be performed. Using these and other technologies, EU-AIMS hopes to develop a new instrument for early detection and screening of autism.

More information

Visit the project website, or if you think Noldus might be a good partner for your consortium, you can contact us directly.