Birmingham Neuroscience
Neuroscience at the University of Birmingham is at the forefront of neuroscience research, bridging fundamental and translational research with real-world impact.
With a strong interdisciplinary ethos, the university is home to multiple neuroscience research centres that span molecular genetics, brain imaging, neurotrauma, and mental health.
From understanding how the brain develops and changes, processes information and adapts to injury, to unravelling neural circuits underlying behaviour and shaping the future of youth mental health services, Birmingham offers an integrated and translational approach to brain science.
Why Birmingham stands out in neuroscience
- Cross-disciplinary integration - linking genetics, cell biology, neural circuits and behaviour, neuroimaging, psychology, NHS practice, and public policy.
- State-of-the-art infrastructure - including neurobiological platforms for research using model organisms, laser scanning confocal microscopy and 2-photon microscopy, animal behaviour, MRI, MEG, Sleep, EEG, fNIRS, TMS, tDCS, FUS and OPM in humans, and AI tools.
- Translational impact - research moves quickly from lab to clinic.
- Next-generation training - through MSc, MRes, and PhD programmes.
- Public engagement and policy reach—supporting meaningful change in health systems and communities.
Neuroscience at the University of Birmingham is more than research - it’s a coordinated effort to understand, heal, and protect the brain across all stages of life. By uniting expertise in genetics, cell and neural circuit biology, imaging, trauma, brain function and mental health, and by collaborating closely with clinicians and policymakers, Birmingham is shaping the future of neuroscience with clarity, compassion, and scientific rigour.
At the heart of this effort are key hubs, each contributing to a shared mission of understanding and improving brain function and health across the lifespan:
Centre for Human Brain Health (CHBH)
CHBH drives brain health research with advanced imaging and cross-disciplinary collaboration—bridging science and clinical care.
Birmingham Centre for Neurogenetics
Our centre unites research into how genes, cells and neural circuits shape brain structure, function and behaviour
Institute for Mental Health (IMH)
The IMH advances mental health care for young people through research, training, and NHS partnerships—focusing on early intervention and service innovation.
Centre for Trauma Sciences Research
Located within the Centre for Trauma Sciences Research and closely allied with NHS partners, this centre investigates how the brain responds to traumatic injury
Centre for Rare Disease Studies
We provide a focus point for the University of Birmingham’s international expertise in rare diseases, sharinginformation on clinical services, teaching and research.