Our key : the brain
To understand the illnesses that haunt the brain, our scientists will head off in exploration of this most complex human organ. After establishing its geography (brain regions) and observing how its inhabitants (synapses and neurons) interact, they will build a road map of the neuronal connections traversing this mysterious country. In doing so, they hope to gain a clearer view of the functions and dysfunctions of the brain.
Our approach: between genes and environment
Many mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, autism and bipolar disorder are to some degree genetic in origin. In parallel, the cultural, social and psychological context in which an individual is raised also influences the development of an illness. The challenge our scientists face is to sort out the roles of both of these factors on the origin and development of mental illness.