XClose

UCL Global

Menu

UCL and RISE launch Centre for NeuroArchitecture & NeuroDesign

22 November 2024

UCL and RISE collaborate to pioneer NeuroArchitecture and NeuroDesign, blending brain science, technology, and design to reshape the environments we live in and tackle complex societal challenges.

UCL and RISE launch Centre for NeuroArchitecture & NeuroDesign

University College London (UCL) and RISE, Research Institutes of Sweden and are proud to announce the launch of the world's first International Centre for NeuroArchitecture & NeuroDesign. This initiative combines neuroscience and cutting-edge technology with architecture and design to redefine the spaces in which we live and work. The aim is to create environments that enhance well-being, foster resilience and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals for holistic human, economic and environmental sustainability.

"This Centre brings UCL’s strengths in neuroscience and architecture onto the international stage in a dynamic new way through the partnership with RISE. The Centre represents a bold addition to activities under the bi-lateral agreement the UK has with Sweden," says Professor Geraint Rees, UCL Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation & Global Engagement).

This unique initiative exemplifies how interdisciplinary efforts can address modern challenges by creating environments that prioritises well-being, while remaining sustainable and adaptable. 

"By combining RISE's expertise in applied research and innovation and UCL’s expertise in neuroscience and architecture, this partnership is focused on exploring new opportunities and driving sustainable change across the globe. Our focus to interdisciplinary research and industry collaboration aims to transform how we understand and design the built environment to better meet the needs of society,” says Malin Frenning, CEO of RISE.

The Centre for NeuroArchitecture & NeuroDesign, inspired by the UK - Sweden Government Strategic Partnership, is setting a benchmark for cross-border collaboration in research and development.

With an open invitation to industry partners, academic researchers and policy makers, the Centre aims to act as a beacon of innovation and collaboration, shaping the future of urban development for generations to come.

Founders and directors for the Centre for NeuroArchitecture & NeuroDesign are Carina Carlman, Director of Research and Business Development at RISE, Prof Hugo Spiers, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Behavioral Neuroscience, and Vice Dean of Enterprise & Innovation Faculty of Brain Sciences, UCL, Dr Fiona Zisch, Associate Professor in Architecture, Programme Director Design for Performance and Interaction MArch, The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, and Isabelle Sjövall, Neurodesigner and Brain Researcher at the Institute of Behavioral Neuroscience, UCL. 

Together, the founding team represents extensive, world-leading expertise in neuroscience and architecture.

Links

Featured image

Centre for NeuroArchitecture & NeuroDesign founders and directors from UCL and RISE at the launch event held at The Swedish Residence in London.
From left to right:

  • Prof Hugo Spiers, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Behavioral Neuroscience, and Vice Dean of Enterprise & Innovation, Faculty of Brain Sciences, UCL
  • Carina Carlman, Director of Research and Business Development at RISE
  • Isabelle Sjövall, Neurodesigner and Brain Researcher at the Institute of Behavioral Neuroscience, UCL
  • Dr Fiona Zisch, Associate Professor in Architecture, Programme Director Design for Performance and Interaction MArch, The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL

Press contact

Chris Lane, UCL Media Relations
chris.lane@ucl.ac.uk, +44 (0) 20 7679 9222, +44 (0) 7717 728648

Johanna Stål, Head of Communications, Built Environments at RISE
Johanna.stal@ri.se, +46 73 040 75 19