Cambridge University Launches Institute To Study Brain Health At All Stages Of Life

NEW DELHI: The University of Cambridge has announced the new Cambridge Mind and Brain Institute, with a focus on understanding and improving brain health from early childhood through old age.

The institute will be launched in April 2027, bringing together diverse expertise to tackle these challenges.

As part of the initiative, researchers will use cutting-edge on-site neuroimaging and brain stimulation techniques, supported by technical expertise, advanced methods advice, and scientific computing. The facilities will be available to members of a wider research community.

This autumn, the university will enroll its first cohorts of postgraduate students and researchers to the new MPhil in NeuroAI and Intelligent Systems and the established MPhil in Cognitive Neurosciences.

Both programmes offer foundation training in cutting-edge research topics and techniques.

The University of Cambridge will unite world-class research, facilities, and the lived experiences of patients and partners, said Vice-Chancellor Deborah Prentice.

“The Cambridge Mind and Brain Institute will unite world-class research, facilities, and the lived experiences of patients and partners. By unlocking the mysteries of brain and mind health, it aims to transform how we understand and support individuals experiencing cognitive and emotional difficulties at every stage of life,” she said.

Cambridge University announces a new Cambridge Mind and Brain Institute focused on understanding and improving brain health across our lifespan, from early childhood through to old age.

This autumn, it will welcome its first cohorts of postgraduate students and researchers,… pic.twitter.com/LkDtEMDWPX

— Cambridge University (@Cambridge_Uni) September 25, 2026

The institute will bring together researchers to work alongside patients, carers, practitioners, policymakers, and innovators to support individuals experiencing cognitive and emotional difficulties at every stage of life.

Brain health is increasingly at risk from factors including digital lifestyles, diet, physical inactivity, acute or chronic illnesses, climate change, conflicts, and social cohesion. However, researchers do not yet fully understand why or how these factors affect cognitive and emotional well-being, or why individuals respond differently to them.

The institute aims to train translational cognitive neuroscientists through its postgraduate research degrees, taught programmes, shorter courses, and training workshops.

It will host weekly headline lecture series and diverse academic events. Scheduled events during the institute’s first term include a showcase for postdoctoral researchers, an EDI and wellbeing day, and a research culture workshop.

The institute will strengthen the involvement of the public and special interest groups in brain and mind research through participatory, outreach, and engagement activities.

For more details visit the official website, cmbi.cam.ac.uk.