The University of Liverpool has launched the Liverpool Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Centre (LINC) — a world-leading research hub uniting brain and mind research to tackle urgent neurological, neurosurgical, psychiatric, and brain health challenges.
Neurological disorders are the leading cause of disease burden, affecting more than 3 billion people worldwide, and the second leading cause of death.
In recognition of this global health challenge, The World Health Organisation (WHO) published its global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders. Based at the University of Liverpool, LINC is a strategic partnership with The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Brain Health Northwest (which also includes Mersey Care and Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust) and is directly responsive to the WHO’s strategic objectives. Along with its international collaborators, LINC positions Liverpool as a global leader in neuroscience, advancing both research and healthcare delivery.
Neuroscience has traditionally been divided into two separate areas of research: the ‘brain’—the physical organ—and the ‘mind’—our thoughts, emotions, and consciousness. This divide is also reflected in how disorders are studied: conditions like epilepsy, brain tumours, and infections are classified as brain disorders, while mental illness, cognitive dysfunction, and developmental issues fall under mind disorders. Historically, these areas have been researched in isolation, with minimal collaboration between them.
However, these problems are deeply interconnected and cannot be effectively addressed in silos. For example:
• Brain infections and inflammation can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.
• Epilepsy often occurs alongside brain tumours, and its treatment can significantly impact mental health.
• Chronic pain—a leading cause of work absence and disability—is shaped by a complex interplay of brain physiology, mental health, and early childhood experiences.
To tackle these challenges, LINC brings together nearly 170 neuroscience researchers and regional clinicians with expertise spanning both brain and mind disciplines. Their goal is to develop innovative diagnostics, treatments, and interventions for a broad range of neurological and psychiatric conditions. By integrating clinical and behavioural neuroscience, LINC aims to improve health outcomes and enhance quality of life for individuals affected by these complex disorders.
Centre Director Professor Benedict Michael, Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Liverpool, MRC Clinician Scientist, and Honorary Consultant Neurologist at The Walton Centre said: “This interdisciplinary approach allows us to bridge the gap between neurology, neurosurgery, pain, psychiatry, and psychology. By exploring the complex relationship between brain disease, dysfunction and mental health, LINC will develop pioneering solutions that transform lives.”
Dr Andy Nicolson, Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive of The Walton Centre, and Consultant Neurologist, said: “At the heart of LINC is its foundational partnership with The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, renowned internationally for its neurological care. It is the UK’s only specialist hospital trust in the UK dedicated to providing comprehensive neurology, neurosurgery, spinal and pain management services. We treat nearly 150,000 individual patients annually and want them to receive the best care possible. It is tremendous to bring together the Trust’s clinical expertise and trials with the innovative research of LINC, and the benefit will extend beyond our region, to neurological patients worldwide.”
The Liverpool Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Centre was officially launched this week at an event which gathered partners from industry (including Roche Diagnostics UK and Ireland), policy makers (including the World Health Organisation and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority), third sector (including the Epilepsy Research Institute), and professional bodies (including the British Neuroscience Association).
Former Liverpool FC striker David Fairclough, also attended the launch. David Fairclough has maintained close ties to The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust since his wife, Jan, sadly passed away in April 2011 after suffering a brain aneurysm. His personal experience has made him a passionate advocate for brain health.
Professor Louise Kenny, Executive Pro Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the University of Liverpool said: “A core pillar of our work in the Faculty of Health and Life is building strong partnerships with organisations both locally and globally to create meaningful impact. The Liverpool Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Centre is the latest example of this commitment. It will be a world-leading centre focused on addressing urgent challenges in neurology, psychiatry, and brain health. Its work will have significant local and global relevance, making a real difference in people’s lives.”
Pictured l-r: Rosie Corbin, LINC Manager, Dr Nicoline Schiess, World Health Organisation (WHO), Professor Tony Marson, Deputy Director, LINC, Professor Louise Kenny, Professor Benedict Michal, David Fairclough.