The brain determines feelings, thoughts and actions. In JARA-BRAIN, researchers of RWTH Aachen University and Forschungszentrum Jülich are looking into the neuroscientific principles of the human control centre.
This brain research alliance between a university and a large research centre, which is unique in Germany, aims at a better understanding of the structure of the brain and how it works – and thus at helping many million people.
JARA-BRAIN: Combined Expertise
Within the framework of the JARA-BRAIN strategic partnership, scientists of the School of Medicine and other institutions of the RWTH Aachen University and of the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine at Forschungszentrum Jülich cooperate in numerous neuroscientific research projects. These projects cover the entire spectrum of expertise, from basic neurobiological research to the development of new clinical therapies.
The priorities of the collaboration are:
research into neurodegenerative disorders against the background of demographic development. In addition to schizophrenia – a typical example of a disorder occurring in middle age – and dementia, which affects senior citizens, scientific interest is focused on developmental disorders in children and adolescents.
analysis of causes for psychological and neurological disorders using imaging techniques (MRI, fMRI, PET, MEG) and animal models.
new therapeutic methods such as brain computer interfaces (BCI) and deep brain stimulation.
transfer of technological innovation in imaging techniques to clinical applications.
JARA-BRAIN enables research projects that deliver neuroscientific findings for clinical applications on a high, internationally competitive level.
This requires studies with a large number of subjects in different samples, using the latest methods. The structured collaboration within JARA-BRAIN satisfies both these requirements.
The close interlinkage between basic research and clinical application is also ensured by “clinician scientists”.
To find out more about JARA-BRAIN's research activities download our new brochure.