SEED’s social neurosciences research theme works to understand how the brain develops and ages. We study how communication, social perception, emotions and memory function in the brain. We also develop interventions and programs to help people with neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders.
Healthy social and emotional development starts with the brain
Your brain manages your thoughts and behaviours using complicated neural circuitry.
How your brain circuitry develops is the result of a combination of your biology and experiences. For example, your genetics can influence how your brain is built. But your social context can also influence how it works – for example through your early relationships (attachments) with parents or caregivers.
Understanding how the brain develops is key to promoting healthy social and emotional development. It is also crucial for healthy aging.
Knowing what happens in the brain following social or physical trauma can also be used to develop interventions or programs to improve mental health and prevent harmful impacts on brain aging.
How our research looks at ageing on a molecular level
The molecular sciences research branch works to understand how a person’s social context can ‘get under the skin’ to shape brain systems related to social cognition, language and memory.
We measure biological ageing (your body’s age) as distinct from chronological ageing (your calendar age). We examine how experiences in the first half of the life course shape destinies in the second half, including earlier patterns of:
- physical health (exercise, nutrition and sleep)
- relationship quality (family and non-family social networks and support)
- emotional regulation (prosocial behaviour, depression, anxiety, substance use)
- social context (neighbourhood safety, resources and opportunities).
How we research the brain
Our researchers work to understand how the brain develops and changes throughout the lifecourse.
We focus on neuroscience processes involved in social perception, communication and emotional regulation. We are also interested in the impact of aging on social cognition, language and memory.
To study these processes, we use non-invasive neuroscience techniques. They include brain imaging (neuroimaging), neurocognitive assessment, brain stimulation and electrophysiology. Brain imaging techniques we use include electroencephalogram (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional MRI, diffusion MRI and connectomics.
We also study neurological disorders like acquired brain injury and Alzheimer’s disease. Our program of neurodevelopmental research studies spans the continuum of care, from public health to clinical intervention.
Our purpose
To enhance our understanding of brain development and brain aging, with a particular focus on social and affective (emotional) processes.
To increase our understanding of the effect of trauma on the developing and aging brain.
To advance research in developmental epigenetics to understand the early life determinants of biological ageing.
To develop and assess new biomedical interventions for neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders.
Research Labs
Read more about our key laboratories here.
Brain and Cognitive Development Lab
Leader: Tim Silk
Electroencephalography and Cognitive Dynamics Laboratory
Leader: Jarrad Lum
Neuromotor Development Lab
Leader: Christian Hyde
Brain Systems and Neurotherapeutics Lab
Leaders: Aaron Hill and Talitha Ford
Neuroplasticity and Multimodal Imaging Lab
Leader: Karen Caeyenberghs
