The ability of synapses to alter activity in response different stimuli (synaptic plasticity) is thought to underlie central functions such as learning and memory and chronic pain. Aberrant plasticity is also thought to be involved in a wide range of neurological conditions including neurodegenerative disease, schizophrenia and epilepsy.

Collaborative and multi-disciplinary research is aimed at understanding the mechanisms involved in these processes and how they relate to both normal and pathophysiological function.

We are also investigating the use of pluripotent stem cells as a mechanism to effect repair of the CNS following age related or traumatic damage to the brain.