University of Cambridge launches new institute to research brain health challenges

The University of Cambridge has announced the Cambridge Mind and Brain Institute to study brain health across all stages of life. It aims to improve understanding of cognitive and emotional difficulties before its official launch in April 2027.

In Short

• Researchers will study cognitive and emotional difficulties across every life stage
• Digital habits, diet, inactivity and illness will be examined closely
• Climate change, conflict and relationships are among wider research themes

The University of Cambridge has announced a new institute to study brain health and understand why people experience cognitive and emotional difficulties.

The Cambridge Mind and Brain Institute will bring together researchers from across the university, alongside patients, carers, healthcare practitioners, policymakers and innovators. Its work will focus on brain health throughout life, from early childhood to old age.

The institute has been founded by the university’s Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry. It will build on research carried out by the Medical Research Council’s Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES TO BRAIN HEALTH?

The institute will examine how factors such as digital lifestyles, diet, lack of physical activity, illnesses, climate change, conflicts and social relationships affect brain health.

Researchers want to understand why these factors affect people differently and how they influence cognitive and emotional well-being.

The university said that treatments for conditions affecting the brain and mind are often ineffective because researchers do not yet fully understand these effects.

WHAT FACILITIES WILL RESEARCHERS GET?

The institute will provide researchers with access to advanced brain imaging and brain stimulation facilities. They will also receive technical support, advice on research methods and access to scientific computing resources.

These facilities will be available not only to the institute’s researchers but also to members of the wider research community.

The institute will also organise lectures, academic events and public engagement activities to encourage people to take part in brain and mind research.

WHICH COURSES WILL STUDENTS BE ABLE TO TAKE?

The institute will train postgraduate students and researchers through research degrees, taught programmes, short courses and workshops.

Its first postgraduate cohorts will join the new MPhil in NeuroAI and Intelligent Systems and the existing MPhil in Cognitive Neurosciences.

The programmes will introduce students to current research topics and techniques in the field.

The institute has also planned activities for its first term, including a showcase for postdoctoral researchers, an equality, diversity and inclusion and wellbeing day, and a research culture workshop.

WHAT DOES THE CAMBRIDGE SAY?

University of Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Prentice said the institute would bring together research, facilities and the experiences of patients and partners.

She said it aims to transform how brain and mind health are understood and how people experiencing cognitive and emotional difficulties are supported.

The institute has been announced ahead of its official launch in April 2027.

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