Welcome to MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion Diseases
The Institute of Prion Diseases was created in 2017 within the Faculty of Brain Sciences at University College London. The Institute incorporates the MRC Prion Unit which has transferred to the new Institute as part of the MRC's national strategic programme of transferring existing MRC Units to universities.
About the Prion Unit
The Institute undertakes ground-breaking research and is one of the world’s leading research centres for the study of prion disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Study at the Prion Unit
Our programmes let students explore prion biology and neurodegeneration through genetics, cell and molecular biology, structural biology, protein biochemistry, therapeutics, and clinical research.
Research
Our research programmes are highly multidisciplinary and focus both on areas of public health concern and on long-term approaches to the understanding of prion diseases.
National Prion Clinic
The National Prion Clinic (NPC) is the national referral centre for prion disease and is part of the University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH).
News
MRC Prion Unit at UCL and National Prion Clinic Open Day 2025
18 Mar 2025
A competition of molecules: Natural Selection in its tiniest form
Prion Protein (PrP) is a normal protein found in healthy cells, though its exact role is not yet clear. However, when this protein changes shape into a misfolded form, it becomes infectious and is lin
21 Feb 2025
Distinguished medical researcher Professor Michael Alpers has died
We are very sad to announce the death of Professor Michael Alpers, a long-time collaborator and close friend to many at the MRC Prion Unit and Institute of Prion Diseases at UCL.
19 Dec 2024