Neurophysiology & neuropharmacology

The functioning of the nervous system under physiological conditions is at the heart of all neuroscience research. Deciphering and modelling how the nervous system and its component parts function in normal conditions is essential for studying alterations and adaptations during ageing and disease. This research also paves the way for possible therapeutic interventions, particularly using drugs. At the Institute of Neuroscience, several research groups are exploring the nervous system from the angles of neurophysiology and neuropharmacology. They are examining the functioning of the nervous system at the systemic, cellular and molecular levels. Activity within nervous circuits is studied using electrophysiological, biochemical and pharmacological approaches whereas complex tasks are examined by combining behavioural, perceptual and cognitive exploration of brain activities. The Institute has also a strong expertise in neuroimaging techniques and electroencephalographic recording and interpretation. As detailed in the dedicated sections of the website, research carried out by several groups within the Institute spreads from the study of sensory activities and pain to the nervous control of motor activity and eye movements and cognition or memory.