CENIBRE

Overview

The aim of CENIBRE is to investigate the nervous system in health and disease, and develop novel preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to improve neurological and mental health. An interdisciplinary approach, a unique mix of expertise, the application of state-of-the-art technologies and innovative data analysis will be the main attributes of the Centre.

The Centre builds on the integration of broad but complementary expertise of its founding members ranging from fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuronal signaling all the way to behavioural and wider determinants of population health and wellbeing.

Research

1. Fundamental molecular and cellular mechanisms of neuronal signalling in health and disease: This line of research employs methodology at the molecular and cellular levels to better understand intracellular signalling in health and disease. It aims to uncover and explain the mechanisms underlying development of tumours in the nervous system and a range of other pathologies including neurological and psychiatric disorders, inflammatory conditions of the brain and the spinal cord, vascular diseases, demyelinating diseases, leukodystrophies, traumatic injuries, neurodevelopmental abnormalities and neuromuscular disorders.
2. Computational neuroscience, electrophysiological signal processing and advanced data analysis: This line of research investigates the function and measurement of neural circuits at a range of different spatial and temporal scales using recent advances in computational modelling and time series analysis of electrophysiological data collected at multiple spatial scales. The role of collective phenomena such as synchronization, resonance and oscillations in reduced neural network circuits and in the real brain is studied. There are particular applications in the study of dysfunctional brain states (epilepsy, neurodegenerative and mental health disease), anaesthetic-induced unconsciousness, sleep, and brain-computer interfaces.
3. Behavioural and brain determinants of mental health and neurodegenerative diseases and behavioural intervention: This line of research deals with behavioural and brain imaging or pathology data to predict mental health diseases such as schizotypy and schizophrenia and neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s dementia, Pick’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. The ultimate aim of this pillar is to develop behavioural and public health interventions in order to improve prognosis and the quality of life of patients with such diseases.
4. Promoting neurological and mental health in a public health context: This include the investigation of the determinants of neurological and mental health through the life-course using observational studies and systematic reviews, and the development of intervention programmes across all levels of prevention (primary, secondary and tertiary) and therapy. The aim is to promote the health and wellbeing of patients and their care-givers using lifestyle and community strategies, together with digital health technologies in neurology, psychiatry and surgery (among others: blockchain, artificial intelligence, machine learning, telehealth, augmented reality and the Internet of Things).

Education

CENIBRE provides outstanding environment for student research at undergraduate and postgraduate level. If you are interested in conducting research in CENIBRE, please contact the member of CENIBRE fitting into your interest. Contact information for each member is available here.

Donation

Your contributions can help us to find out solutions to some of the most important problems in medicine today. You can offer an unrestrictive support or support a particular research area. For donations, please contact Prof Aleksandar Jovanovic.