An $8.6 million dollar grant to further integrated genetics research has been awarded to the UNC Department of Genetics. 

Patrick Sullivan distinguished professor at the genetics department, says research from the grant could benefit future generations for years to come. 

The funding is for five years and is made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  In addition to the grant, the National Human Genome Research Institute or NIMH has named UNC a Center of Excellence in Genomic Science. 

The primary focus of the Genetics Department at UNC is to identify the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to autism, depression, anxiety and other related illnesses. Sullivan adds that this grant will help find these answers. 

The research is also dedicated to identifying the side effects of anti-psychotic drugs.