Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences
Edinburgh Neuroscience and CCBS logos

Research methodologies

Research at CCBS is multi-disciplinary, spanning a wide spectrum of methodologies from molecular analyses through human stem cell biology to neuroimaging and clinical trials.

Biobanking & disease registers

Cartoon representing biobanking
Disease registers and biobanks permit detailed phenotyping for clinical and biological studies.

Clinical research & trials

Clinical procedure on the legs
Clinical research - investigating the people affected by brain diseases - is a mainstay of CCBS research.

Complex trait genetics

Chromosome analysis
We aim to dissect the genetic factors that cause or predispose people to brain diseases and conditions.

Meta-analysis, systematic review & health economics

Graph showing statistical data
Research that helps us design the best experiments, interpret the results of others, and assess benefits to patients and healthcare providers.

Molecular/cellular biology & disease modelling

Researcher handling samples on a glass slide
CCBS research spans the spectrum of molecular and cellular biology through to in vivo disease modelling.

Neuroimaging

magnetic resonance image of the brain
Imaging the function and structure of the brain using state-of-the-art techniques.

Neuropathology

Large florid plaque in the cerebral cortex in variant CJD a florid CJD plaque
The neuropathologists collaborate widely across CCBS and beyond, and also play a major national role in brain and tissue banking.

Stem cell biology & regenerative neurology

Neural progenitor cells in culture
State-of-the-art stem cell research to model brain diseases.