Scientists at the Brain Health Research Centre are undertaking cutting-edge internationally recognised research into the workings of the brain in health and disease, and are developing new treatments for neurological disorders.

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Brain research supports our communities and families

An ageing population means more people will be affected by neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and stroke in the future. Fortunately, brain research offers hope to individuals, families and society. Every day brings new findings that enhance our understanding of brain health and disease.

The BHRC has 240 multidisciplinary researchers and clinicians across 44 laboratories, who are committed to finding new treatments to harness the brain's restorative potential, and testing innovative new therapies.

The Misbehaving Brain 2018

Each year the BHRC has a theme it uses to guide its communication to the wider public. This year our theme is The Misbehaving Brain.

Our brains consume all of the information they can, from the outside world and from inside our bodies, in order to help us to navigate situations and survive the day. We know that, for example, when we see an object hurtling toward us that we should move out of its way, and that behaviour is decided upon and driven by our brains. But what happens when our brains get it wrong? What if it decides there is something coming toward you when there isn’t? This can cause your brain to misbehave, to drive actions, thoughts, or emotions that are unnecessary. Over the next year we’ll be discussing some examples of how the brain misbehaves, and why this happens.

We will be holding various public events around Otago and Southland over the year. Keep an eye on this webpage or our  Facebook page for our events.

Our Mission

The mission of the Brain Health Research Centre is to undertake internationally excellent research aimed at understanding the mechanisms of brain health, disease and repair, to develop new treatments for neurological disorders, to provide international quality training for early-career neuroscientists, and to develop active educational links with the lay community.