Brain Research & Imaging Centre (BRIC)
A brand new state-of-the-art human neuroimaging facility
The Brain Research & Imaging Centre (BRIC), the most advanced multi-modal brain imaging facility in the South West, will provide the sea-change to enhance the quality of our research in human neuroscience.
With seven cutting-edge human research laboratories, each represented by the facility’s logo, BRIC will include an MRI suite with the most advanced 3-Tesla scanner in the region. It will critically advance our enquiry toward the most advanced brain research, improved radiological diagnostics and better patient care.
The partnership of University of Plymouth, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and DDRC Healthcare is central to our wider aims of delivering rapid improvements to health and wellbeing in the region and beyond, supporting commercial development and integrating research into education at the highest levels.
- Construction began: April 2019
- BRIC opens: Summer 2020
- Teaching starts: Autumn Term 2020
“A diverse range of internationally excellent researchers in the field of neuroscience underpins the University of Plymouth’s strong track record in brain research. We ask important questions that draw upon expertise from the single molecule to the whole human, explore the basic mechanisms of cognition and behaviour and apply advanced computational methods to improve our understanding of the brain in health and disease.
“I am confident that with the new BRIC facility, we will realise our aim to translate this world-leading research into outcomes that improve the lives of everyone, locally, nationally and internationally.”
Stephen Hall
Director of the Brain Research & Imaging Centre
Professor of Human Neuroimaging, University of Plymouth
Laboratories
The new facility will be located alongside DDRC Healthcare at Research Way, Plymouth Science Park. The seven BRIC research laboratories will be:
- Brain stimulation | Dr Elsa Fouragnan
- Cognition and behaviour | Dr Alastair Smith
- Computational modelling | Professor Andy Wills
- Fundamental and applied electroencephalography (EEG) | Dr Giorgio Ganis
- Motor control | Professor Jonathan Marsden
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) | Dr Matt Roser and Dr Patric Bach
- Psychopharmacology | Professor Stephen Hall
In addition to the research laboratories, examination and observation spaces, the new development by DDRC Healthcare will provide lecture theatres, seminar rooms and access to its advanced hyperbaric chamber technology.
Opportunities for commercial collaboration
BRIC’s cutting-edge research facilities and world-leading expertise across a range of disciplines will present attractive commercial opportunities, particularly in the areas of healthcare, sports and pharmaceuticals, to support the real-world application of advanced skills and techniques.
For enquiries or further information please contact: bric@plymouth.ac.uk
Apply for a PhD Studentship in Psychology
Ahead of the opening of the Brain Research & Imaging Centre (BRIC), the School of Psychology are inviting applications for PhD Studentships in Psychology.
Deadline for applications:
21 January 2020
Start date: 1 October 2020
In the news
- Will depression treatment work for me? Research shows that brain activity may help predict success of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 2 August 2019
- Brain imaging lie-detector can be beaten with simple techniques, research shows 2 May 2019
- Low-intensity ultrasound can change decision-making process in the brain, research shows 15 April 2019
- New cutting-edge facility to transform brain research in South West 8 April 2019
Other publications
Brain rhythms in Autism Spectrum Disorder
A collaborative study between the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and BRIC, improves our understanding of abnormal patterns of movement in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This work, which shows the role of specific brain rhythms in ASD, is the latest in a series of studies on the motor system by Professor Stephen Hall (BRIC Director) and collaborator and first author, Professor William Gaetz at the University of Pennsylvania. The open access paper is available to download here.
The partnership
This project is a unique £9 million collaboration between the University of Plymouth, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHPNT) and the research charity DDRC Healthcare. This partnership represents an important commitment to advancing excellence and synergy between research, healthcare and education.
University of Plymouth
The University is a top-20 UK university for psychology, neuroscience and psychiatry with 83% of the University’s research output rated world-leading or internationally excellent in the REF2014.
DDRC Healthcare
With Care Quality Commission registration and a long-established reputation for delivering treatment, training and research in hyperbaric medicine, DDRC have an excellent track record of providing clinical services for the NHS, treating around 100 patients a year.
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHPNT)
UHPNT is the largest hospital in the south west peninsula, providing comprehensive secondary and tertiary healthcare and is fast becoming a leading centre for medical research, enabling patients to have access to the latest technologies, treatments and care by world opinion leaders in their respective fields.
“Every aspect of this project will allow DDRC Healthcare to grow and develop. It is a true collaboration that consolidates our many years of working with the University of Plymouth and the NHS. The co-location of neurological research excellence, state-of-the-art imaging facilities and a hyperbaric medical centre will move us to the forefront of international research and training.”
Dr Gary Smerdon
Chief Executive, DDRC Healthcare
“Our patients will be scanned on a state-of-the-art 3T MRI scanner. This means improved diagnosis and treatment, and improved access to timely imaging. Moreover the project will allow our patients to participate in more clinical research trials than they have previously had access to.”
Dr Lucy Lee
Consultant Neuroradiologist, UHPNT
