Cambridge has a strong tradition in Neuroscience, having
hosted the first analyses of neural signalling in the 1930s (Matthews,
Adrian), determination of the mechanisms of action potential generation
in the 1950s (Hodgkin & Huxley), and some of the first
theoretical approaches to function in brain circuits since the 1960s
(Marr, Barlow). Neuroscience at Cambridge continues to grow and to
incorporate new ideas and new approaches. This breadth of interest and
expertise is reflected in the diversity of research in the merged
department, with integration across disciplines and departments. For
descriptive purposes our Neuroscience research can be divided into
three 'levels', cellular & molecular, systems and behavioural.
- At Cellular and Molecular Level we have substantial
strength with groups working on synaptic transmission, local network
properties and plasticity in local neural circuits (Jones, Parker,
Robinson), aspects of molecular signalling and sensory transduction
(Crawford, Hardie, Matthews, Schwiening, Thomas) and developmental
neurobiologists working on problems associated with building the brain
(Adams, Baker, Brand, Bray, Cook, Harris, Holt, Keynes, Rogers).
- At Neural Systems Level strong groupings work on the
representation and processing of information in sensory systems
(Barlow, Mason, Patterson, Tolhurst, Winter) in motor systems
(Carpenter, Edgley & Parker) and in neuroendocrine systems
(Colledge, Dyball).
- At the level of Behaviour, we have groups working on
aspects of motivation and cognition (Barlow, Carpenter, Roberts, Schultz).
