The Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences conducts basic and clinical research on the variation and disorders of the brain, also playing a key role in translating research findings into benefits for patients.

Within the University hierarchy, CCBS is part of Edinburgh Neuroscience, the Deanery of Clinical Sciences, and the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.

CCBS comprises 77 Principal Investigators (58 staff and 19 honorary)—including 23 Personal Chairs. Of these, 70% are active NHS clinicians, which grounds the Centre’s research aims close to unmet clinical need and facilitates the translation of research findings into real-world impact.

The 300+ members of CCBS conduct research of international recognition and reputation and publish approximately 500 research outputs a year. Major strengths include clinical trials and trial methodology, neuroimaging, neuropathology and regenerative neurology (including human stem cell research) in a wide range of conditions encompassing brain vascular disease/stroke, neurodegenerative disease, prion disease and psychiatric disorders.

CCBS researchers attracted £32M in grant-funding over the last three years and collaborate widely, leading national and international clinical trials in stroke including small vessel disease (e.g. FOCUS, RESTART, LACI-1 and 2, R4VaD), dementia (e.g. EPAD, AMYPAD) and motor neuron disease (MND-SMART). Two of our Principal Investigators are programme leads in the UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh. The National CJD Research and Surveillance Unit is a WHO Reference Centre for Human Prion Disease. The research generates significant and measurable impact in terms of patient health and wellbeing, NHS policy and economy, and public awareness.

CCBS currently has 47 postgraduate students, mostly PhDs. It is particularly strong in clinical PhD training, with a number of bespoke funding schemes including Rowling Scholarships and the Alzheimer’s Society Clinical Training Partnership. The Centre also has a strong record of attracting philanthropic donations to establish specialist research hubs (Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, MS Society Edinburgh Centre for MS Research, Muir Maxwell Epilepsy Centre, Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre, Sackler Institute for Psychobiological Research, Row Fogo Centre) that are maintained and expanded by community fundraising.