My research explores unanswered fundamental questions related to understanding the physiological basis of memory and adaptive behaviour, drawing on the influence of psychological models.

• What are the neurochemical signalling requirements of memories associated with drugs of abuse, appetitive experience or memories of fear?
• How do memories last?
• How flexible or malable are memories that control behaviour?

We also investigate the relationship of fear and anxiety, and whether the two emotional states may be supported by neurochemically and anatomically distinct mechanisms. This is important to consider given that many psychiatric disorders are characterised by symptoms related to anxiety and therapeutic options are currently limited.

For these projects, we also collaborate with partners in the pharmaceutical industry to develop pre-clinical tasks and tests, and with colleagues who work on animal welfare to develop our understanding of how experience influences animal behaviour.