In recognition of the need in the United Kingdom for a major centre for neuroscience, the BBSRC established at the University of Sussex an Interdisciplinary Research Centre, based in the School of Biological Sciences, to study the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the nervous system. The Centre builds on the existing strengths in neuroscience at the University and also incorporates the research group of Professor Michael O'Shea, who moved from the University of London to direct the activities of the Centre.
The Sussex Centre for Neuroscience concentrates on simpler model nervous systems, mainly but not exclusively in invertebrates.
The primary objectives are to further understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the generation of behaviour, the processing of sensory information, the acquisition and storage of information, and the development of specific connections between neurons. By studying the nervous systems of organisms far simpler than humans, insight can be gained into the fundamental requirements for a functioning nervous system of any type.
The Centre has set itself some ambitious and exciting goals which it believes can be achieved through a truly multidisciplinary approach involving a wide range of cellular, molecular, electrophysiological and behavioural techniques applied to carefully selected model systems.
Members of the Centre are highly interactive and have also established strong contacts with the School of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences. Projects are currently under way in the following areas: the cell and molecular biology of peptidergic neurons; the analysis of neural networks which underlie the generation of simple behaviour; the biophysics of arthropod vision and the analysis of its implications for robotic vision; the molecular basis of learning and memory; the regulation of neuronal gene expression and molecular mechanisms of neuronal determination and synaptogenesis.
In addition to engaging in these very fundamental research projects, the Centre also exploits the practical applications of its work for the benefit of human health and the environment. Links with the agrochemical and pharmaceutical industries have been established.
The Centre has excellent facilities in recently refurbished laboratories. Instrumentation including automated protein and DNA sequencing, electrophysiology, and HPLC are available as core facilities to members of the Centre. A postgraduate training programme provides the opportunity to gain experience in all the techniques essential to the success of an interdisciplinary project. Postgraduates entering the Centre are encouraged to develop projects with a strong interdisciplinary flavour which may involve more than one member of the scientific staff. Students can look forward to careers in industry or to furthering their academic training in this exciting and rapidly expanding field.