Early life and development The human brain has 86 billion neurons, connected circuits that underlie every thought, movement, and aspect of life. We investigate how the brain is built, and how these precise connections are made. By understanding how abnormal brain development impacts behaviour, we investigate autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and epilepsy, to improve treatments and outcomes. Building brains Brain circuits Autism spectrum disorder Epilepsy Schizophrenia
Lifelong health and disorders By understanding how the nervous system repairs and regenerates, we will improve outcomes after stroke, spinal cord injury, and tumours. Discovering the causes of chronic pain and finding new treatments could be life-changing for sufferers. Understanding neuroinflammation (inflammatory responses in our brain and spinal cord), sleep and hearing loss could lead to new treatments as we work to improve health for us all. Chronic pain and migraine Neuroinflammation Repair and regeneration Hearing and sensory systems Memory & Sleep
Ageing and neurodegeneration We all age, yet little is understood why some remain fit and healthy, whilst others experience debilitating diseases. Our research investigates the role of our genes and the environment in underlying conditions such as Alzheimer's, motor neuron disease and Parkinson's diseases. By understanding healthy ageing, improving early diagnosis, and finding new treatments, we work towards a happy and healthy old age for all. Healthy ageing ALS/motor neuron disease Frontotemporal dementia Alzheimer's disease Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases
Neuroscience of mental health and memory Mental health disorders often begin early in life and contribute to lifelong incapacity or reduced life span. Uniquely placed within the Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry & Neuroscience, our colleagues lead the world in mental health research. We work together to understand how changes in cells and circuits underlie mental health conditions, investigating potential new avenues for the treatment of these devastating diseases. Autism spectrum disorder Mood disorders Schizophrenia
Brain modelling and imaging We use imaging to show nervous system structure and function; computational neuroscience and its mathematical modelling providing further insights. Our cutting-edge approaches and techniques model brain structure and function at all levels, from individual cells to human behaviour. Our specialist units include pre-clinical, clinical and pharmacological imaging, and in-vitro cellular and stem-cell models. Human imaging Pharmacological imaging Pre-clinical imaging Computational neuroscience and analytics
Our facilities We lead the world in the developing new research methods and techniques. We identify key genes in devastating diseases and how changes in cells and brain circuitry affect brain development. Our pre-clinical and computational research provides insights of disease models, complemented by research in healthy people. Working directly with patients, our clinical research team truly translate discoveries from bench to bedside. Brain Bank Pre-clinical imaging MRI scanning NIHR Wellcome Clinical Research Facility Wohl Cellular Imaging Centre
What is neuroscience? Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system, from structure to function, in health and disease
Centres Specialist neuroscience centres, world-leading in understanding the brain at all stages of life
30 October 2024 Brain cells reprogrammed into neurons breaks new ground in regenerative medicine Researchers have successfully demonstrated how astroglia – cells that support the functioning of the…
10 October 2024 New Centre for Education Development & Research launched CEDAR will develop and celebrate the significant educational activities at IoPPN, and provide…
4 Nov Immunopsychiatry Meeting - Two talks 04 November 2024 The IoPPN Immunopsychiatry Meetings are an exciting new forum for research and debate, set up with…
3 Dec Professor Robert Hindges - Inaugural Lecture 03 December 2024 Join us in celebrating Professor Robert Hindges' inaugural lecture on 'With an eye on the brain.'