The Basic and Clinical Neuroscience department’s mission is to change the therapeutic options for people with neurological and psychiatric disorders and inspire the next generation of neuroscientists. Our vision is to link up fundamental biological research and clinical research to gain a better understanding of disease mechanisms, identify novel opportunities for intervention and test out new therapies. This will only be achieved through close collaboration of scientists and clinicians working on a common problem.

Our research explores the cellular and molecular basis of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, motor neuron disease, schizophrenia, depression and autism spectrum disorder. We use human brain tissue, rodent and fly models, cells and patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells to identify genes, proteins and signalling pathways implicated in the development of motor neuron disease, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, with a view to developing novel disease-modifying therapies for the treatment of these diseases.

Our current research facilities have been greatly enhanced with the opening of the Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, which provides cutting-edge technology for more than 200 Neuroscientists. The institute hosts the Wohl Cellular Imaging Centre, providing state-of-the art light microscopy equipment, image analysis software and workstation for neuroscience and biomedical research. We are driving research that will translate molecular discoveries made in the laboratory into therapies for our patients.

Key benefits

• Access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities
• Interaction with internationally recognised researchers in a wide range of neuroscience topics
• Excellence in basic and clinical research and development
• Strong partnerships with hospitals, industry and other research centres
• Access to rich and varied clinical populations
• Access to academic mentoring
• PhD students have access to a wide range of educational resources, ranging from neuroscience specific seminars at the Department to transferable skills and career development resources at the KCL level.
• Opportunities to be involved in laboratory demonstrations/supervision for undergraduate and taught post-graduate research projects

A list of recent publications can be viewed here.

The Department’s mission is to change the therapeutic options for people with Neurological and Psychiatric disorders and inspire the next generation of Neuroscientists. Our vision is to link up fundamental biological research and clinical research to gain a better understanding of disease mechanisms, identify novel opportunities for intervention and test out new therapies. This will only be achieved through close collaboration of Scientists and Clinicians working on a common problem.

The Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience sits within the Division of Neuroscience at the IoPPN. Related courses include:

• Neuroimaging MD (Res) / MPhil / PhD
• Developmental Neurobiology Mphil/PhD
• Old Age Psychiatry Research Mphil/PhD