WashU is among the world’s largest centers of neuroscience discovery and innovation. Our highly collaborative research enterprise encompasses deep expertise across all related fields, from basic discovery through translational science.
Collaborative approach
By joining forces across disciplines, our researchers nurture talent, spark new avenues of investigation and accelerate progress.
50+ research centers
Collaborative teams are pushing the boundaries of science to understand the brain, improve patient care and develop new technologies.
Spanning the continuum
At WashU Medicine, our neuroscience spans the continuum of research — from exploring how the brain and nervous system function in both health and disease to translating those findings into novel clinical solutions, and finally applying those solutions in our large, diverse patient population. All along that continuum, the clinical perspectives of physician-scientists shape research priorities. Deep expertise and resources across all related disciplines creates a rich environment for discovery.
Areas of study
Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases • brain tumors • childhood neurological diseases • developmental disabilities • genomics of neurological disease • itch • mechanisms of anesthesia • neural connectivity • pain • sleep and circadian rhythm • systems neuroscience
Departments
Anesthesiology: Foundations of pain, sleep, itch, inflammation, general anesthesia and clinical outcomes
Developmental Biology: Organogenesis, encompassing the earliest developmental processes in the embryo, organism and cellular physiology, as well as tissue homeostasis and repair
Genetics: How genes contribute to health and disease, with traditional strengths in computational biology, genome science, model organisms, and evolutionary and human genetics
Neurology: Basic, translational and clinical studies to understand, treat and prevent neurological disease
Neuroscience: Fundamental research on the mechanisms that govern brain function
Neurosurgery: Translating fundamental discoveries of the roots of neurological disease into clinical solutions, with a rare focus on technology and innovation
Psychiatry: Psychiatric disorders and developing new methods of evaluation and treatment
Radiology: Advancement of imaging technology and image interpretation
Office of Neuroscience Research
The definitive resource for investigators
The Office of Neuroscience Research (ONR) serves the WashU neuroscience community by providing research updates, advertising events, organizing symposia and promoting training opportunities.
Research stories
Obituary: Mary Bartlett Bunge, former professor and neuroscience pioneer, 92 (Links to an external site)
How does waste leave the brain? (Links to an external site)
