Neuroimaging

Lead

Prof David Linden
Professor of Biological Psychiatry

Summary

The aim of the group is to develop collaborative proposals for clinical projects utilising the techniques of structural and functional imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography and single-photon emission tomography.

Structural and functional imaging techniques have become core methods of psychiatric research. They can contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms of mental disorders, the development of biomarkers, the assessment of treatment effects and the development of new therapeutic strategies. With two established (Bangor, Cardiff) and one developing (Swansea) academic imaging research centres, Wales is very well placed to play a future leading role in psychiatric imaging. This can be aided by the excellent research and patient recruitment infrastructure afforded by MHRN-C and the multitude of collaboration opportunities with related disciplines, particularly in the field of psychiatric genetics and basic neurobiology. However, the recruitment of sufficient numbers of well-characterised patients is sometimes difficult, particularly in rural areas, and collaboration across Wales therefore beneficial. This group would provide a useful platform for academics, clinicians, patients and carers to interact and jointly develop a research programme that fulfils both clinical and academic needs. A further positive outcome of this group would be the pooling of expertise (e.g., MR physics, specialist hard- and software development) across institutions and the streamlining of imaging protocols for multicentre studies.

Contact details

School of Psychology
University of Bangor
Bangor
Gwynedd
LL57 2AS

Tel: 01248 382211
Email: d.linden@bangor.ac.uk