Core Research Area Neurosciences and Cognitive Systems

The Hamburg Center of NeuroScience (HCNS) forms a network of neuroscientific activities in Hamburg from the molecular level to clinical research. It provides numerous interfaces between institutes, faculties and universities in Hamburg.

The main task of HCNS is to promote and facilitate large collaborative research projects. A second, equally important goal is to optimize the education of students and the career development of researchers in the neurosciences.

The HCNS comprises more than 400 scientists and PhD students from 31 institutes and clinical departments of the University of Hamburg and Helmut Schmidt University.

The HCNS follows the general philosophy that modern neuroscientific methods enable us to understand the normal and pathological function of the brain and to develop new and more effective treatments for diseases by understanding disease mechanisms.

The main topics of HCNS are:

• neuronal plasticity,
• learning and memory,
• regeneration of the nervous system,
• neuroscience of emotion and cognition,
• mechanisms of neurodegeneration,
• mechanisms of signal transduction and
• communication in the brain from the molecular to the systems level,
• molecular basis, innovative diagnostics and therapy of neurological and psychiatric diseases.

The mission of the HCNS is to expand and enhance the local neuroscience network to make Hamburg one of the leading neuroscience centers worldwide.