Research

Brain Sciences is home to outstanding research that has helped UCL become the top-rated university in the UK by research strength (according to REF 2014).

The research undertaken by the Faculty has had a demonstrably strong impact both nationally and internationally. We are exceptionally influential (according to RAND bibliometrics) in many fields, including psychology, deafness, clinical neurology, audiology and dementias. Our neuroscience and behaviour research is the most-cited by scientists across Europe and second most-cited in the world (according to Thomson Reuters).

Our vision for the future is to solve the greatest health and wellbeing problems in the brain sciences, in order to transform society and reduce the global burden of disease. Our research spans the entire bench to bedside spectrum, from basic cellular biology, through experimental medicine, to clinical studies in patients, and focuses on five key themes: Neurodegeneration and Neuroprotection; Mental Health; Sensory Systems and Therapies; Lifelong Cognition and Behaviour Change; and Stroke.

The Faculty of Brain Sciences comprises of six Institutes and Divisions and thirteen Research Centres, which are portals to exciting and innovative research. To support our mission we form collaborative partnerships with both global industrial partners (for example, Santen, Eisai and Takeda) and local health partners (for example, UCLP, UCLH and Moorfields).

Research Institutes and Divisions

Find out about the Faculty's six component Institutes and Divisions.

Research Centres and Domains

Research Centres and Domains are platforms for cross-collaborative, interdisciplinary research across the Faculty, UCL and beyond.

Research impact

Our research is highly influential on a national and international scale. Find out about the real-life impact of our work

How we perform

Find out why UCL Faculty of Brain Sciences is a fantastic place to conduct research.

Resources for research staff

SLMS resources

UCL resources

Postgraduate research

The Faculty is the perfect environment to take on postgraduate study. Supported by world-leading experts, our postgraduate research students go on to make a significant difference to their field. Our doctoral training is often cross-disciplinary to address critical research challenges such as dementia and mental health, allowing students to take full advantage of the range of expertise and facilities distributed within and beyond the Faculty.