Our Research

Our core model is one of translational research/innovation pipelines, leading from basic biological science, cognitive science and developmental science into models of normal and abnormal function through to developing theory-driven interventions and evaluating them in health and disease. Basic cognitive science research into understanding processes and mechanisms will have an important place.

As a priority, we will strengthen and consolidate translational research pipelines in:

  • dementia and neurodegeneration
  • developmental disorders including conduct disorders and autism
  • mood disorders and psychosis
  • addictions
  • pain
  • suicide and risk behaviour.

This will be achieved through investment in new mission-critical posts and enhanced collaborations with the Faculty of Life Sciences and other Institutes.

Centres

The Institute comprises thematic Centres which bring together clusters of existing and potential research strengths in basic and translational science. Centres with be strongly interdisciplinary, integrated and facilitatory.

Research aims

The Institute's goal is to bring together and build on current strengths to create an internationally leading institute of research and education in cognitive and mental health sciences at the University of Manchester.

Research expertise

The Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health (IBBMH) combines strengths in basic and cognitive sciences, clinical and health psychology, preclinical and clinical neuroscience, developmental sciences.

Our research will use a range of methodologies from genetics/genomics; cell biology; structural, functional and molecular brain imaging including electrophysiology; advanced biostatistics, epidemiology and informatics; developmental, experimental and corpus-based methods though to qualitative research and implementation science. Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC) will be the clinical test bed for our translational research.