Neuroscience

Our research is carried out across a series of centres and colleges in an integrated research community. It encompasses the development and function of the nervous system throughout life, from prenatal stage to old age in both health and disease including developmental disorders (for example autism) and neurodegenerative diseases (dementia, multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease), bringing together researchers, patients and social scientists to study conditions across the life course.

Key areas of expertise

High-throughput Phenotypic Screening

Integrating the latest advances in induced pluripotent stem cell technology, high content screening, plate handling robotics, barcode sample tracking and multiparametric analysis, we have established a state-of-the-art human-based drug discovery platform for neuroscience.

In vivo circuit physiology

Expertise in combinations of virtual reality-based behavioural assays, in vivo and ex vivo electrophysiology, two-photon calcium imaging, optogenetics, molecular and classical neuroanatomical methods, plus computational modelling.

Diverse animal models

Edinburgh offers a wide range of disease models including invertebrates (e.g. C elegans), zebrafish (UK Zebrafish Screening Facility), rodents (e.g. models of autism) and in large animals with the specialised Large Animal Research and Imaging Facility (LARFIF).

Our researchers are committed to the principles of the 3Rs and develop and use experimental approaches in accordance with these principles. When animals are used, this is in line with strict UK government regulations.

Clinical Trials

Edinburgh’s expertise in clinical trials design, management and delivery is world-class and supported by the dedicated Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit. The facilities and expertise provide the infrastructure to design, plan and deliver clinical research studies across a varied portfolio of clinical specialities and methodologies.

Patient Cohorts

Edinburgh Neuroscience’s integrated ‘discovery to delivery’ approach is underpinned by a rich collection of phenotyped, clinical patient cohorts with associated biological data (e.g. brain imaging, DNA sequencing, stem cells and pathology samples). Together these provide a unique resource for health informatics and data science discovery.

Imaging

Edinburgh Imaging is an academic and technical hub of expertise in medical, pre-clinical and veterinary imaging, image analysis, microscopy, imaging trial management and imaging education. Includes outstanding MRI facilities spanning rodent (9T), large animal, and human MRI.