Understanding the brain

We fund a significant portfolio of neuroscience and mental health research - ranging from studies of molecular and cellular components to work on cognition and higher systems. We also have strong interests in applied clinical research on neurological and mental health disorders and support activities that explore historical, ethical, social and artistic perspectives on the mind and mental health.

Understanding the brain: an introduction

Running time: 4 mins 50 s

Showreel: neuroscience research and public engagement

We support multidisciplinary approaches that integrate molecular, physiological, behavioural and computational studies and embrace work that explores the ethical, social and philosophical questions raised by this research. The film below showcases a range of clips exemplifying some of the best neuroscience research and brain-themed public engagement works supported by the Wellcome Trust.

Running time: 10 mins 18 s
Read the transcript [PDF 150KB]

Examples of our funding

The following examples illustrate the work we have funded to develop a better understanding of the brain and mental health.

Integrating research efforts

At the Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, clinicians and scientists study higher cognitive function to understand how thought and perception arise from brain activity, and how such processes break down in neurological and psychiatric disease. Other major integrated research programmes that we support include the London Pain Consortium, which facilitates broader approaches to the study of pain and trains the next generation of pain scientists, and the Neurodegenerative Diseases Initiative, which aims to develop better approaches for early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions.

Mental health disorders

We support a number of studies providing insights into the genetics of mental health disorders, such as the Bipolar Disorder Research Network. Our researchers have developed cognitive behavioural therapies to treat conditions such as eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder [PDF 68KB]. We also support research looking at mental health problems in low- and middle-income countries. For example, the 10/66 Dementia Research Group revealed the true prevalence of dementia in these countries, and Vikram Patel [PDF 86KB] is developing a sustainable healthcare programme for treating depression in southern India.

Translational research and innovation To enhance the diagnosis and management of brain disorders, we have provided funding for the development and testing of a neonatal seizure detection system and for functional electrical impedance tomography of evoked responses, which will enable the brain imaging of more people than is currently possible. Our Seeding Drug Discovery programme has funded a number of candidate therapeutics aimed at slowing or reversing the progress of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, memory loss and dementia, spinal cord injury and brain tumours.

Public engagement and dialogue To inform and engage the public in a better understanding of the brain and mental health, we have supported a number of short films and documentaries, including the award-winning films ‘The English Surgeon’ and ‘Love at First Sight’. We have supported the website mentalhealthcare.org.uk, which helps relatives and friends of people with mental health problems navigate through the many myths and misinformation about psychosis, and the ‘Troubled Minds’ series of animations, exploring issues affecting young people.

For full information on this challenge, see our Strategic Plan 2010-20. Details of the support we provide to researchers can be found in Funding.