The Stockholm Brain Institute

An interdisciplinary approach 
(All operations transferred to Stockholm Brain Institute in February 2006)

In the search for new methods of preventing and treating cognitive disorders, the newly formed Stockholm Brain Institute (SBI) will give ten research groups from three universities the chance to make new inroads into cerebral function.

The Stockholm Brain Institute is the initiative of scientists from Karolinska Institutet (KI), the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) and Stockholm University (SU), led by Professor Hans Forssberg from KI.

"This is an important step in the partnership that has been formed amongst these three universities," says Professor Forssberg. "The level of excellence, the intense research environment and the advanced technology will give us totally new opportunities to understand how the brain processes cognitive information."

Cognitive neuroscience is a growing field, and one of broad relevance to healthcare and education. Research here focuses on the relationship between the brain structures and cognitive function and human behaviour.

The findings can help scientists understand and treat cognitive disorders related to learning, memory and awareness. Common diseases such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's in adults and developmental disorders in children are attributable to the disruption of some of these functions.

Nine interdisciplinary research groups will be trying to understand the human brain in all its complexity, from the genetic level to the behavioural. This requires approaches involving psychology and psychiatry as well as genetics, molecular biology and neurophysiology. Mathematical modelling, computer simulation and modern imagery techniques will also be needed for them to describe complex cerebral relationships.

"In its role to foster and catalyze interdisciplinary research collaboration, SSCi - Bioscience was involved in early stages of the development", says Ola Björkman, responsible for SSCi - Bioscience. "Stockholm Brain Institute constitutes a key element for SSCi Bioscience with a clear potential to attract companies and scientists to the bio-cluster in Stockholm."

Thanks to a new investment, the researchers will now have access to world leading brain imaging facilities. Through a cooperation agreement with KI, AstraZeneca has pledged SKr 80 million for the development of the newest PET methodology, which will be of immense importance to the research conducted by the Institute. PET is a modern imaging technique that allows scientists to see into organs in the living human body.

"We hope to become one of the world's leading centre for cognitive research," says Professor Forsberg. "What we do know is that the Stockholm Brain Institute will be very attractive to highly competent scientists at home and abroad."

To get to the web page of Stockholm Brain Institute click here.


For more information about Stockholm Brain Institute please contact:
Teresa Soop, Phone: +46 734 38 38 77