Research Laboratories

Our research focuses on prenatal risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders. We use rodent models to examine how immune activation, stress or drug exposure during fetal life might have persistent effects on brain development even into adulthood. We measure the impact of these exposures on brain and behaviour using behavioural phenotyping, in-vivo MRI and analysis of gene and protein expression in brain tissue. Our work has particular relevance to autism, psychosis and related disorders.

We use MRI to help establish the brain basis of neurodevelopmental disorders including Autism, Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder and Psychosis.  Brain structure and function is analysed before and after treatment using advanced neuroimaging computational routines.  The aim is to provide fresh insights into cause and outcome in these challenging disorders and establish new targets for treatment.

Facilities

Projects and collaborators of Neuroimaging Research Laboratory