Interventions
Mental Health
We aim to use the latest neuroscience knowledge to create healthy habits, brains and lifestyles so as to empower people against addictions and compulsions
Division Leader: Prof Murat Yücel
The Mental Health division is using the latest knowledge from the brain sciences to create healthy habits, brains and lifestyles. The team is creating the next-generation of integrated and interdisciplinary research capabilities and clinical interventions that are safe, accessible, ethical, and effective.
For instance, we have developed BrainParkTM , a world-first facility for developing lifestyle and technology-based interventions to help those experiencing compulsive disorders including addictions and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). BrainParkTM is a purpose-built clinical research facility that will fast track the translation of knowledge in brain sciences into clinical and public good. The team is undertaking research that will lead to the development of novel interventions combining lifestyle modifications (such as physical exercise, meditation, and cognitive training) and innovative technologies (including non-invasive brain stimulation, virtual reality, and electronic assessment). Our aim is to realise the promise of neuroscience research on compulsive conditions while minimising harms.
We have a strong partnership with the David Winston Turner Endowment Fund (DWTEF). We are also growing our partnerships with clinical services, industry and leading international research groups.
Research Areas
- Substance and behavioural addictions
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Physical exercise
- Cognitive training
- Non-invasive brain stimulation
- Meditation
- Virtual and augmented reality
- Gamified, app-based technology
- Brain imaging
- Neuroethics