We partnered with Wellcome to establish this new research centre, where scientists are using state-of-the-art techniques and theoretical models to investigate how circuits in the brain process information to create neural representations and guide behaviour.

Impressive progress has been made over the last 20 years in understanding the organisation and function of the brain, yet there is much we still do not know. By developing a world-class research centre which can host a diverse group of scientists with a common interest in the workings of the brain we hope to achieve significant progress towards a new goal of understanding exactly how the brain's neural circuits carry out the information processing that directly underlies behaviour.

The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour at University College London (UCL) was formally opened in 2016, with Professor Thomas Mrsic-Flogel appointed as the Director in the same year. 

Following an ambitious programme of recruitment, SWC scientists are using cutting-edge molecular, cellular, imaging, electrophysiology and behavioural techniques, supported by theoretical modelling, to investigate how circuits in the brain process information to create neural representations and guide behaviour.

The Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit occupies a central location that connects with the SWC experimental laboratory space and nearby break-out spaces to facilitate discussions and collaborations bewteen theorists and experimentalists.

The Centre is located on the UCL main campus and complements the current strength of UCL's neuroscience research community and its relationships with other medical research organisations in the local area.