Division 3 | Translational Neuroscience
Aim and mission
The mission of the division Translational Neuroscience is to improve significantly the understanding of the mechanisms mediating normal and aberrant functioning of the nervous system, and to innovate clinical care at the levels of prevention, diagnosis and treatment for patients with disorders of the nervous system.
We therefore aim to gain knowledge of physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying diseases of the nervous system including mental and motor disorders and sensory system disfunctions and to develop strategies for improving healthy living, as well as preventing and treating such diseases. In particular we aim to:
- Gain insight into the (epi)genetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms in disease areas of the central nervous system including Dementia, Depression, Psychosis, Post-Traumatic Stress disorder, Epilepsy, Movement Disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, as well as mechanisms mediating central control of peripheral bodily functions such as Pain, (auto)Immunity, Opthalmological and Vestibular and Neuro-Urogenital functioning. There is also an interest in developmental programming including prenatal and perinatal life.
- Translate relevant scientific findings into biomarkers development as well as new therapeutical applications including lifestyle interventions, pharmacological and antibody-based therapies, or neuromodulative treatments.
Strategy
Our strategy is to embark on this mission by performing high-quality translational and back-translation neuroscience, with a bidirectional roadmap from fundamental via preclinical to clinical neurosciences, and in a life span perspective.
Division Leader
Dr. Tim Vanmierlo
Division Deputies
Dr. Marlies Gijs
Dr. Ali Janhanshahi
Secretary
Rachelle Capponi