Why study with us?
If you want a rewarding career supporting the health of people living with neurological conditions, study at the Centre for Brain Research and contribute to our life-changing research.
World class research
The Centre for Brain Research is at the forefront of neuroscience research. We are located within the University of Auckland, which is internationally recognised for its neuroscience research
As a student in our centre, you will work alongside Aotearoa New Zealand’s best neuroscientists and clinicians. We bring together over 80 research groups from across the University. Our members boast world-class expertise in key areas such as neurodegeneration, neurogenesis, neuroprotection, neuroplasticity, regeneration and recovery.
Our expertise also extends internationally with links to more than 60 groups in major universities and research institutes around the world.
Cutting-edge facilities
As a student at the Centre for Brain Research, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, resources and equipment that support our cutting-edge research. These include the Neurological Foundation Human Brain Bank, the Hugh Green Biobank, a Tissue Screening Facility, the NeuroDiscovery platform, the Spinal Cord Injury Research Facility and New Zealand’s first Sports Brain Bank.
Clinical connections
The Centre for Brain Research works in partnership with clinicians and the District Health Board to translate our research findings and ensure our work has a direct benefit to patients.
Auckland City Hospital’s Neurology and Neurosurgical departments are amongst the largest in Australasia. Clinical teams are actively involved with leading national and international research projects and have extensive expertise in clinical trials, such as, for Alzheimer's disease, stroke, brain trauma, epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington's disease, Muscular Dystrophy and Motor Neurone Disease.
The Centre for Brain Research also supports a number of clinics for people living with neurological conditions, such as dementia, neurogenetic conditions and stroke.
Students at the Centre for Brain Research have access to our clinical specialists and can complete research projects within our clinical initiatives.
Community engagement and science communication
Outside of the lab, our students can gain valuable experience in science communication by supporting our busy outreach programme.
The Centre for Brain Research works in partnership with a range of community groups, with our researchers regularly giving talks to promote brain health and educate about brain disease. You could also get involved in our community initiatives by volunteering for the CeleBRation Choir or the Gavel Club, our Brain Bee neuroscience competition, or our Being Brainy school outreach programme.
Career development and support
The Early Career Researchers Committee at the Centre for Brain Research supports people in the early stages of their careers to thrive in their profession. The Committee runs a mentoring programme, organises events and writing retreats, facilitates networking, and promotes career development opportunities.