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
Senior academic and early career 2025-26 staff promotions
44 academic staff from the Faculty of Brain Sciences have been awarded a senior promotion and 35 early career staff have been awarded a promotion in this year's UCL academic promotions round.
07 Aug 2026
A cellular “Traffic Controller” protein helps shape how prion diseases develop
Prion diseases are infectious, rare and fatal brain disorders caused by misfolded prion protein that can spread within the nervous system.
27 Jul 2026
MRC Prion Unit at UCL and National Prion Clinic Open Day 2026
We were very pleased to welcome patients, relatives, at-risk family members, supporters, government and other colleagues to the MRC Prion Unit National Prion Clinic Open Day on 14th April 2026.
18 May 2026