We, the Center for Neuroscience, are proud of our mission to support excellence in neuroscience research to advance our fundamental knowledge of brain function in both health and disease. Our teams of internationally acclaimed scientists engage in broad research programs that span all facets of brain development, function, and dysfunction. The insights from our work serve as the foundation for advancements in health and innovative therapies.
Founded in 1992, the Center for Neuroscience was among the first interdisciplinary centers of its kind in the United States. Today, we are recognized globally for our excellence and are among the most productive and well-funded research centers at UC Davis. Our vibrant community includes 21 core faculty members, 42 postdoctoral fellows and research associates, 23 staff, 48 graduate students, and over 50 undergraduate volunteers. Our faculty members investigate all levels of neuroscience, from genetics and molecular mechanisms, to circuits, cognition, addiction and degenerative diseases. We unite our 21 in-house research groups with over 60 affiliate lab groups from across our undergraduate and medical school campuses, creating rich opportunities for collaboration and expanding the scope of neuroscience research at UC Davis. Through cross-cutting themes such as neurodevelopment, synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, and perception and decision-making, we foster collaboration and find new research directions emerging from spontaneous synergy among our faculty and their research groups. This collaborative spirit is evident in our numerous joint projects, grants, and scientific publications.
The Center hosts a variety of academic and outreach events, acting as a nexus for the UC Davis neuroscience community and fostering connections with other departments, schools, local industries, and community organizations. Additionally, the Center hosts several innovative training programs, including a renowned Vision Sciences Training Program and a pioneering initiative aimed at bridging the gaps between cognitive, systems, and cellular/molecular research on learning, memory, and plasticity. This training initiative is designed to deepen our understanding of psychiatric disorders and alleviate their significant impact on families, society, and public health.
We invite you to explore our website and discover the breadth of groundbreaking research and training opportunities available at our Center. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our research and how to support our mission, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Marie E. Burns, Ph.D.
Interim Director, Center for Neuroscience
Professor, Ophthalmology & Vision Science