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This institute conducts research aimed at a better understanding of human perception and mental functioning and the brain as a whole, as well as at developing more effective treatments for current and future patients. The facility’s researchers draw inspiration from the care provided. In turn, the research conducted by them improves the care provided. Our activities include:
A healthy brain and mind are key to a high-quality life. Unfortunately, not everyone has a healthy brain or mind. Therefore, treatment may be required. However, not all people with specific brain disorders may require the same treatment and the effectiveness of treatment may also vary from person to person.
By focusing on the mechanisms underlying brain disorders and their progression rather than on specific diagnoses or syndromes, it is possible to design and implement innovative and more effective interventions for each individual patient.
To develop optimal treatments:
By focusing on the mechanisms that lead to brain disorders and their progression, rather than on the specific diagnoses or syndromes, we will be able to design and implement innovative and more effective interventions for each individual patient.
To develop optimal treatments,
The facility makes state-of-the-art techniques available, such as organoid development, brain-on-a-chip, advanced genetic analysis techniques, for example EM nanotomy provided by the UMIC, and single-cell nuclear RNA sequencing. Access is also provided to excellent neuroimaging facilities with state-of-the-art MRI and PET equipment for brain research in laboratory animals as well as in humans.
Access is provided to various patient populations to conduct new studies, both within the UMCG and region-wide (e.g. via the Rob Giel Research center (RGOc), the MS Center Noord Nederland, DUtch PARkinson Cohort (DUPARC), and Punt voor Parkinson). Several ongoing cohort studies focus on different disorders, such as psychosis or Parkinson’s disease.
Annual meetings are held with stakeholders, such as the Dutch Brain Foundation, ZonMW, and patient organizations including Mind, the Dutch Parkinson patient’s society, and Alzheimer Nederland. During these meetings, knowledge is being exchanged and stakeholders are being listened to, which leads to a very fruitful dialogue.
The human mind is one of the greatest marvels in the universe. To explain the complexity of the human mind to everyone who is interested, we organize monthly Marvelous Mind movies. These movies feature aspects of the human mind or specific brain disorders and are introduced by a scientist specialized in the topic discussed. The Podcast series "De Bovenverdieping" is also available, explaining the complex universe of the brain.
Marvelous Mind is a platform to share our findings with the general public and has been set up in collaboration with the Groninger Forum, Studium Generale, and RTV Noord.
University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
Institute BRAIN
P.O. Box 196
9700 AD Groningen
The Netherlands