Research Overview

Within a month of life commencing, we start forming the early structures that make up the human brain. Millions of cells (neurones and glia) are generated and have to migrate to the correct location and make connections with other cells. Many of our researchers are interested in how this process occurs and how the complex interactions between cells are achieved. This process can sometimes occur unconventionally, leading to conditions that manifest during development and childhood but often persist throughout life.

This theme encompasses pre-clinical, clinical and psychology research to address brain development, neurodiversity and disorders, and their impact on learning, education and behaviour. This includes research in the areas of development of cognition, communication, neurons and circuits, how neuronal networks function and their plasticity, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) autism and epilepsy.

As we mature into adults, the brain has established and refined billions of connections. Although the majority of cells have been produced, we do continue to make new cells and connections throughout life, responding to experiences and forming memories. Our researchers are interested in understanding how the interaction between cells in the brain (and nervous system) occurs and how this activity relates to behaviour. Sometimes these connections and circuits work irregularly and this can lead to conditions that manifest in early/mid adulthood but can persist throughout life.

This theme explores personality and cognitive function in order to better understand the behavioural and neurobiological processes underlying psychological resilience, and psychological and psychiatric risk. For example, psychology of personality, language representation, harmful behaviours, functional neurological disorders, mood disorders, depression, psychosis, and schizophrenia.

As we progress through life our bodies show signs of ageing and the brain can, too. Sometimes the communication and structure of the brain and nervous system unexpectedly starts deteriorating. Researchers are particularly interested in understanding how the neuronal, glial and vascular systems interact, what the common mechanisms are that underlie neurodegeneration, and how we can repair these systems once they are damaged. 

This theme integrates laboratory, epidemiological and clinical research to understand the pathobiology of disorders of the ageing brain and its protection and regeneration.  This includes research in areas such as healthy cognition in ageing, dementias, motor neuron disease (MND), multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, stroke, small vessel disease and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).