Utrecht Brain

From early brain development to complex cognition, and from childhood disorders to neurodegeneration: the human brain is at the core of who we are. Neurological disorders are among the leading causes of disability worldwide. Tackling these challenges requires more than medical knowledge alone: it calls for close collaboration between neuroscientists, clinicians, data scientists, psychologists, engineers, ethicists, and more.

The Utrecht Science Park is a hub for world-class expertise in neuroscience research, clinical care, and technological innovation. Utrecht Brain connects fundamental, clinical, and societal research across the life span with the goal to translate discoveries into real-life impact - improving diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for patients with neurological conditions.

Unique in the Netherlands: Utrecht Brain unites neuroscience, brain technology, clinical care, and humanities in one integrated ecosystem - spanning neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration. And all in walking distance from each other!

Our mission

Utrecht Brain aims to accelerate breakthroughs in nervous system health. We support interdisciplinary research and innovation that contributes to earlier detection of neurological disorders, better treatment, and more personalized care for people with brain-related, neuropathic, and psychiatric conditions.

Utrecht Brain builds on a strong foundation: a rich network of top-tier research groups, leading academic hospitals, and clinical expertise centers. It offers fertile ground for collaboration and talent development in all areas of neurological research, such as big data and AI as well as developmental science and neuroimaging.

We focus on questions with high societal relevance, including:

  • How can we detect nervous system injury or disease earlier and less invasively?
  • How do we predict individual outcomes after a seizure, stroke, or brain surgery?
  • How can we support the developing brain in vulnerable newborns?
  • How do genes, sleep, language, and emotion shape brain health?
  • How do we optimize innovative technologies for people with severe disabilities?
  • How can rehabilitation support recovery and resilience?

By connecting diverse perspectives, Utrecht Brain strengthens our understanding of the brain in all its complexity and translates that knowledge into solutions that matter.

Research innovations

Five main research innovations have been selected based on the areas of expertise, scientific excellence and educational programs for which neuroscience research in Utrecht is renowned.

Next generation experts

Our responsibility includes educating and training the next generation of researchers, where we create a dynamic environment in which innovative neuroscience will continue contributing to an ever-improving outcome for our patients. There are a multitude of educational programs tailored to this goal, ranging from high school programs to continuing education for professionals in the research field. Interested students can visit our PhD programmes, Master's programmes or Bachelor programs at Utrecht 木瓜福利影视 or one of the neuroscience-oriented . 

Connected partners & research groups Utrecht Brain

Any relevant public and/or private partner is invited to collaborate.

Dynamics of Youth

Dynamics of Youth invests in our future. Inspired by societal issues, researchers from different disciplines integrate their expertise to answer crucial questions for future generations. How does the interplay between biology and environment determine how children learn to function in society?

About Dynamics of Youth

Faculty of Humanities

The Faculty of Humanities encompasses the disciplines of history, art, philosophy, music, literature, language, religion and media. Our education and research are primarily aimed at contributing to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context.

About the Faculty of Humanities

Faculty of Medicinal Sciences (founding partner)

The Faculty of Medicinal Sciences of Utrecht 木瓜福利影视 and the UMC Utrecht work together in the field of medical education, biomedical education and research. The various tasks are carried out in the UMC Utrecht.

About the Faculty of Medicinal Sciences

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science is a place to share and exchange ideas and insights with other curious people who are fascinated by how the world works. The Faculty of Science gets a thrill out of advancing fundamental and applied research and inspirational teaching, bringing future innovations closer.

About the Faculty of Science

Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences (founding partner)

The Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences is known as a leader in education and research in the social and behavioural sciences. As a faculty that helps form young talent in a wide array of degree programmes and contributes to the in-depth exploration of diverse issues in the field of behaviour and society.

More about the Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Helmholtz Institute

The Helmholtz Research School provides PhD training and education in the brain and cognition domain.

About the 

Prinses M谩xima Center

At the Princess M谩xima Center for pediatric oncology they work together every day in a groundbreaking and passionate way to improve the survival rate and quality of life of children with cancer. Now, and in the longer term.

Wilhelmina Children鈥檚 Hospital

A chronic illness or hereditary congenital condition has a major impact on life. From the child and from the parents. At WKZ we are committed to making life as happy and healthy as possible. We look for the best solution based on different specializations and scientific insights. 

Ambassadors

Official representatives of the values and mission of Utrecht Brain.

Initiators and coordinators

Do you have any questions about Utrecht Brain? Don鈥檛 hesitate to contact us at UtrechtBrain@UU.nl.