The MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit is a research centre for advancing our knowledge of human cognition, with programmes that cover childhood development, mental health, ageing and dementias, neurological and sensory disorders, and fundamental cognitive neuroscience.
As a Unit we also work together to address three Grand Challenges. First, to build models that bridge brain and mind. Second, to understand and support complex psychological and cognitive disorders. Third, to identify how people respond to adversity and how this response can be improved.
We then translate findings generated by each programme, and across our Grand Challenges, to improve health and wellbeing across the lifespan. This includes developing and enhancing psychological therapies for mood and anxiety disorders, and optimising diagnostic and rehabilitative techniques for sensory and neurological disorders.
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.




Latest news
Neurostimulation Open Day at the MRC-CBU- Thursday 11th June (3-8pm)
Join us for the first Neurostimulation Open Day at the MRC-CBU on Thursday 11th June (3-8pm)! We’re opening our neurostimulation…
The University approves plans for the Cambridge Mind and Brain Institute
We are delighted to announce that the University of Cambridge has approved our proposal for the new Cambridge Mind and…
Cognitive Training Can Reduce Automatic Avoidance Biases
Why do we sometimes freeze when we should act—or act when we shouldn’t? These behaviours reflect Pavlovian biases: automatic tendencies…
Dr Lewis Owens, CBU supporter and fundraiser, recognised in New Year’s Honours
We are delighted to send congratulations to Dr Lewis Owens on the announcement of his MBE in the New Year’s…
Parents of children with a genetic diagnosis need better support
Advances in genetic testing have enabled families of critically ill children to receive early diagnoses that can open up new…
MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit






