Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute

Research

The Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute was set up in August 2010 to address one of the major societal challenges facing the world today – mental illness.

Since its inception, here at the Research Institute we have facilitated numerous research projects and networks through seedcorn and equipment funding and administrative support.

We aim to further the understanding and treatment of major psychiatric and neurological disorders, which represent some of the greatest challenges to society.

The core methods of our outstanding interdisciplinary scientific research include:

stem cell neurobiology
molecular neurobiology
systems neurobiology
life course imaging.

These in turn support our three core contemporary research themes:

neuroexcitation and neuroplasticity
neurodegeneration and repair
neurodevelopment.

Research themes

Neuroexcitation and neuroplasticity

A range of techniques and studies are used to examine alterations in the balance of excitation and inhibition in brain circuits, and the processes that identify abnormalities in the pathways underlying plasticity in the brain. These are central to our understanding the development of epilepsy, autism ADHD and schizophrenia.

Theme lead

Professor William Gray

Professor of Functional Neurosurgery, Neuroscience & Mental Health Research Institute

: graywp@cardiff.ac.uk
: +44 (0)29 2068 8491

Neurodegeneration and repair

Our scientists are seeking new therapies through their cellular and clinical research by uncovering the basis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Huntington's and other related conditions.

Theme lead

Professor Anne Rosser

Professor of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences

: rosserae@cardiff.ac.uk
: +44 (0)29 2087 6654

Neurodevelopment

Many of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders have their origins in early brain development. We examine how genetic and environmental factors acting on brain development, alter the risk for conditions such as autism and ADHD, and mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and mood disorders.