Neuroscience, Neurodisability and Neurological Disorders
We are a diverse group of scientists and clinicians who aim to understand how the nervous system works, in both health and disease.
We are a diverse group of scientists and clinicians who aim to understand how the nervous system works in both health and disease.
We aim to:
- understand the principles of information processing in the brain
- understand how genes, the environment, diseases, and accidents impact on the nervous system
- develop tools for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of nervous system disorders
- address important clinical and societal needs in relation to neuroscience
Auditory neuroscience
Our research spans fundamental, translational and clinical fields. We explore the neurobiological underpinnings of auditory perception from brainstem to cortex.
We have particular interests in sound segregation and localisation. We study the perception of complex sounds such as speech and music, as well as prosody and the evolutionary origins of human speech.
We research the interactions of vision and other senses with auditory perception. We have translational research projects aimed at improving speech perception and ameliorating tinnitus.
Our clinical goal is to improve auditory perception in patients with brain disorders. We study patients with misophonia, neurodevelopmental and degenerative disorders, and acquired brain injury.
We conduct studies in both experimental animals and humans. Our techniques include:
- microscopy
- optogenetics
- in vivo electrophysiology
- electroencephalograms (EEG)
- magnetoencephalography (MEG)
- functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
- psychophysics
Principal investigators
- Kai Alter
- Sasha Gartside
- Tim Griffiths
- Sukhbinder Kumar
- Christopher Petkov
- Adrian Rees
- Will Sedley
- Quoc Vuong
Researchers
Cells, circuits and networks
Our fundamental research focuses on understanding how the central and peripheral nervous systems function at the subcellular and single cell levels. We investigate how neurones function in systems and networks.
We research neuronal function at the subcellular and single cell levels. We are also interested in how neurones and glia function in systems and networks.
We explore the function of neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels and we examine the morphological and topographical features of cells and networks.
We investigate how neurones and networks change during learning and development. Here we study synaptic plasticity, long term potentiation, and long term depression.
We explore neuronal function in pathologies such as chronic pain.
We investigate topology and function of cells and networks using electron, confocal, and two-photon microscopy.
We manipulate systems with optogenetics, pharmacogenetics, and pharmacology. Function is investigated with in vitro and in vivo electrophysiology. This includes patch clamping and multielectrode arrays. Computational models help us to understand network function.
Principal investigators
- Gavin Clowry
- Sasha Gartside
- Sarah Judge
- Fiona Le Beau
- Richard McQuade
- Ilona Obara
- Claudia Racca
- Evelyne Sernagor
- Demetris Soteropoulos
- Seva Telezhkin
- Alexander Thiele
- Andrew Trevelyan
Fellows
Researchers
Visual neuroscience
We study visual function and perception and how these link to attention, emotion, and cognition. We investigate the development, plasticity, and function of the visual system from the retina to the cortex.
We have on going research in the perception of colour, 3-dimensional forms, recognition of objects and faces, and multimodal integration.
Our translational work investigates retinal plasticity in health and disease. We investigate developmental dyslexia and stereo-acuity deficits in children and the impact of colour blindness in education and working life.
We use:
- psychophysics
- electroencephalograms (EEG)
- functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
- eye tracking
- retinal imaging
- in vitro and in vivo electrophysiology
- computer modelling
We conduct our studies in humans and diverse experimental animal models. Our research benefits from collaborations with clinicians, public services, and industrial partners.
Principal Investigators
- Michael Clarke
- Anya Hurlbert
- Gabriele Jordan
- Jenny Read
- Evelyne Sernagor
- Alexander Thiele
- Quoc Vuong
- Laura Young
Fellows
Researchers
Neuronal excitability and epilepsy
Our research aims to understand the neural basis of epilepsy and improve clinical therapy. We investigate ictal and interictal activity. The generation and spread of seizure activity, and spreading depression. We pursue novel approaches including optogenetics and closed loop electrical stimulation to develop clinical interventions.
Our research combines:
- clinical genetics
- drug studies
- cellular and network dynamics
- bioengineering
- computation
Our research benefits from technologies including fast confocal and 2-photon imaging. We use patch-clamp and multielectrode array electrophysiology, and molecular biology.
We record brain activity in experimental animals in vitro and in vivo. We make EEG recordings from patients with epilepsy and in vitro recordings from human brain tissue removed during epilepsy surgery.
Bioinformatics and large scale computational modelling underpins fundamental and translation approaches.
ERUK Doctoral Training Hub
Epilepsy Research UK (ERUK) has awarded our team funding to create an Epilepsy Doctoral Training hub. This represents an investment of more than £500k to train and support new research students in the field of epilepsy.
The new hub will pair established research leaders with up-and-coming researchers to supervise six Masters / PhD fellows. The research projects are bespoke but share a common theme of using new technology and innovative mechanisms to analyse data and improve treatments and understanding of epilepsy. They build on existing expertise combining technology and computing to help us better understand how seizure start and how to predict them.
Principal Investigators
- Fiona Le Beau
- Gavin Clowry
- Rob Forsyth
- Andrew Jackson
- David Lewis-Smith
- Claudia Racca
- Ian Schofield
- Seva Telezhkin
- Rhys Thomas
- Andrew Trevelyan
- Roger Whittaker
Fellows
Researchers
- Rob Graham
- Faye McLeod
- Mark Turnbull
- Darren Walsh
Neurodevelopment and neurodisability
Our research examines the fundamental development, plasticity and repair of the nervous system. We explore the ways in which genetic factors, accident, and insult can disrupt these processes.
We use molecular neuroanatomical approaches including neural tracing, immunohistochemistry and gene expression profiling. These are combined with pharmacogenetics and neurophysiology.
We examine neurodevelopmental disease susceptibility genes in the early foetal human brain.
We use animal models to investigate how early experience impacts on neural connectivity. Our clinical work focusses on diagnosis and description of neurodevelopmental neurodisability disorders. These include autism spectrum disorders and Williams syndrome.
We research neurodisability resulting from acquired brain injury.
Our research focuses on communication and motor deficits, and anxiety and suicidality. Our goal is to develop therapies to improve the quality of life for people with neurodisability.
Principal Investigators
- Gavin Clowry
- Allan Colver
- Rob Forsyth
- Barry Ingham
- Sinead Mullally
- Jeremy Parr
- Miranda Penman Splitt
- Lindsay Pennington
- Jacqueline Rodgers
- Evelyne Sernagor
- Seva Telezhkin
- Marc Woodbury-Smith
Fellows
Researchers
Motor systems
Our research starts by asking fundamental questions about how we move. This informs our work on new treatments to restore movement following injury or disease.
We study patients with:
- motor neurone disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (MND/ALS)
- stroke
- spinal cord injuries
- age-related muscle weakness
We examine how motor commands are generated in the brain and relayed via the spinal cord to the muscles. We examine the role of different descending pathways in controlling upper-limb movements. We explore how oscillatory dynamics co-ordinate sensorimotor integration.
We study the neural circuits that mediate bi-manual activities and that control gait and balance. We use new technologies, such as brain-machine interfaces and neurostimulation, to restore function following injury.
Nanotechnology helps us develop novel electro-diagnostics. Our animal work helps develop novel models of human movement disorders and test possible interventions prior to clinical use.
Principal Investigators
- Stuart Baker
- Mark Baker
- Gavin Clowry
- Andrew Jackson
- Annette Pantall
- Demetris Soteropoulos
- Roger Whittaker
Fellows
Researchers
- Emine Bagdatlioglu
- Annie Gott
- Thomas Guiho
- Rachel Jones
- Hilmar Sigurdsson
- Wei Xu
Stroke and neurodegeneration
We examine the cells and circuits affected by neurodegenerative disease. We study changes as disease progresses and we determine the impact of novel therapies.
We use behavioural, electrophysiological, and immunohistochemical techniques in animal models of neurodegeneration.
Our clinical research focuses on patients with neurodegenerative disorders. We use positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We image the structural and functional changes and the effects of therapeutic interventions.
We undertake clinical studies and health services research.
Our aim is to improve the care of patients with Parkinson's disease and dementia, and those who have suffered stroke. We research the delivery of services for acute treatment of stroke.
We examine how structured therapy and assistive technologies can benefit patients post-stroke. Our aim is to improve movement, cognition and independence.
Principal Investigators
- David Brooks
- Gavin Clowry
- Barbara Gregson
- Michael Keogh
- Fiona Le Beau
- Chris Price
- Helen Rodgers
- Phil White
Researchers
Cognitive neuroscience
We study attention, decision making, memory, and executive functions in children, adults, and animal models.
We investigate cognitive development, learning, and interactions between cognition, perception, and emotions.
We use:
- psychophysics
- electroencephalograms (EEG)
- positron emission tomography (PET)
- functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
- neuropharmacology
- eye tracking
- in vivo electrophysiology
Theories of cognitive function are underpinned by experimental and computational approaches.
Principal Investigators
Fellows
- Meher Lad
Researchers
Centre for Transformative Neuroscience
Our theme is the central hub for the Centre for Transformative Neuroscience, a Newcastle University Centre of Research Excellence. The centre unites researchers from across all three Newcastle University Faculties and partners beyond the university.
Understanding the brain in health and disease remains one of the great challenges of our time. We support collaborations in established partnerships as well as emerging teams to bring about transformations in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.