Alonso Lab
RNA control of neural development and behaviour
Neuroscience
We aim to understand the structure, function and development of the nervous system and the causes of neurological disorders.
Our areas of expertise
Our research the School of Life Sciences investigates the structure, development and function of neural circuits. We use a range of modern complementary approaches including genetic, cellular, physiological and system-level analyses. We aim to explain normal neural processes as well as the mechanisms underlying various types of neurodegenerative disorders. Our research can be described under four interdisciplinary themes:
- Neural circuits of behaviour
Many of our groups study the neural circuitry underlying behavioural outputs, using a wide variety of model systems and applying advanced microscopy techniques, electrophysiological recording, and behavioural analysis.
Our faculty
- Sensory neuroscience, computation and evolution
We have a strong history of research into the neurobiology and computation of sensory processes, their evolution and how they relate to animal behaviour and to human health.
Our faculty
- Synapses, receptors and ion channels
Our expertise in the structure and function of synapses, receptors, ion channels and their roles in cell signalling spans a number of Neuroscience labs, and contributes to collaborations with the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre and the Genome Damage and Stability Centre.
Our faculty
- Neurodegeneration and disorders of the nervous system
Several of our labs examine the molecular mechanisms and cellular neurobiology of neurodegeneration. Our expertise in fundamental neurobiology also contributes to an understanding of a range of disorders of the nervous system.
Our faculty
Sussex Neuroscience
The University of Sussex has one of the highest densities of neuroscience faculty of any university in the UK, as well as large numbers of research fellows and doctoral students. There are over 50 research groups working on the nervous system, distributed across four Schools: the Schools of Life Sciences, Psychology, Engineering & Informatics, and the Brighton and Sussex Medical School. This community is represented by Sussex Neuroscience, one of the University’s Centres of Excellence, which encompasses all neuroscience research on campus.
Our labs
Hafezparast Lab
Molecular mechanisms of Motor Neuron Disease
George Kemenes Lab
Memory function and dysfunction
Ildiko Kemenes Lab
Memory formation
Kros Lab
Function and development of auditory hair cells
Lagnado Lab
Neural circuits processing sensory information
Maravall Lab
Sensory messages carried by neurons in the whisker system
Murrell-Lagnado Lab
Ion channels: cell biology, structure and function
Penn Lab
Glutamate receptor ion channels and synapse dysfunction
Richardson Lab
Molecular and cellullar basis of hearing
Schroeder Lab
Vision and behaviour
Serpell Lab
Structure and function of amyloidogenic peptides and proteins
Staras Lab
Synapses: function and dysfunction in learning and disease
Our history
The strength of Neuroscience at Sussex is the legacy of John Maynard Smith (JMS), who identified the study of brain and behaviour as a key area when he founded the School of Life Sciences in 1965. JMS believed that divisions between traditional academic subjects were an unnecessary constraint to research. Thus, in 1970, Sussex became the first university in the UK, and perhaps the world, to offer a degree in Neuroscience. Sussex continues in this tradition of innovation and exploration.
Contact
If you have any queries, contact our Head of Department: Professor Kevin Staras at K.Staras@sussex.ac.uk.