MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit – Using cognitive theory and innovations in neuroscience to understand and improve mental wellbeing across the lifespan

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Welcome to the Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit

The MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit is a leading research centre for advancing understanding of human cognition such as memory, attention, perception, language and emotion. We aim to translate research findings to improve health and wellbeing, including developing psychological therapies for mood disorders, improving our understanding of cognitive problems in childhood, and optimising diagnostic and rehabilitative techniques for neurological conditions.

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We investigate fundamental human cognitive processes such as attention, language, memory, and emotion.

Our research is organized into 13 programmes funded by the MRC, each led by a senior scientist and supported by a research team. Find out more here.

Would you like to help our research by volunteering? Find out more here

We host 20-30 graduate students at any time and applications are invited from prospective PhD students in experimental cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, computational modeling and neuroimaging using MRI, MEG, and EEG.

Information about our October 2017 places can be found here.

The CBU hosts the Chaucer Club programme of talks from leading scientists in the field of cognitive neuroscience. Find details here.

The CBU Wednesday Lunchtime seminars are open to all and have talks from scientists from in and around Cambridge talking about their current research projects. Find out more here

Latest news

Rik Henson appointed as the new BNA President-Elect

April 17, 2019

Huge congratulations to MRC CBU’s Rik Henson, who has recently been appointed as the new BNA President-Elect. The President-Elect, along with the President…

Chaucer Club Seminars – Easter Term 2019

April 8, 2019

The Chaucer Club Seminar schedule for Easter term 2019 is now available. Talks are free to attend and are open…

Wednesday Lunchtime Seminars – Easter Term 2019

April 8, 2019

The Wednesday Lunchtime Seminar programme for Easter term 2019 is now available. Talks are free to attend and are open…

A core role for cognitive processes in the acute onset and maintenance of post‐traumatic stress in children and adolescents

April 8, 2019

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common reaction to trauma in children and adolescents. While a significant minority of trauma‐exposed…

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