Research into the brain basis of neuropsychiatric conditions can use clues to identify which brain regions are implicated, based on the known relationships between brain structure and function. Using human brain tissue donations as well as live brain scanning, in Oxford University we are conducting research into the brain architecture of basic sensory processing and higher cognitive functions which are disrupted in these neuropsychiatric conditions. This talk describes recent developments that will fuel current and future neurobiological and clinical research, including potential new biomarkers and neuroimaging technology.

Steven Chance: After studying for an undergraduate degree in Human Sciences at UCL in London, Dr Chance undertook his doctoral research in psychiatry and neuroscience at the University of Oxford. He was then awarded a research fellowship and he and his research group have since conducted several research projects on the neurobiology and functional anatomy of autism, schizophrenia and dementia. He is now Associate Professor in Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Oxford where he is also co-director of the UK Autism Brain Bank. He has been one of the pioneers in the application of post-mortem brain imaging and in the assessment of columnar organization of the cerebral cortex in neuropsychiatric conditions.