University of Liverpool Launches LINC to Unite Brain and Mind Research for Global Health Impact

University of Liverpool Launches LINC to Unite Brain and Mind Research for Global Health Impact

(IN BRIEF) The University of Liverpool has launched the Liverpool Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Centre (LINC), an ambitious collaboration uniting nearly 170 researchers and clinicians from the University, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Brain Health Northwest, and global partners. LINC aims to bridge the historical divide between ‘brain’ and ‘mind’ research to tackle interconnected conditions such as epilepsy, brain tumours, neurodegeneration, psychiatric illness, and chronic pain. Guided by the WHO’s Global Action Plan on Neurological Disorders, the Centre will integrate clinical and behavioural neuroscience to develop advanced diagnostics, treatments, and interventions that enhance patient outcomes and quality of life. The launch event featured stakeholders from industry, government, third-sector organisations, and professional bodies, as well as former footballer David Fairclough. Leadership emphasised that LINC positions Liverpool at the forefront of neuroscience research and healthcare innovation.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIVERPOOL, 10-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of Liverpool has unveiled the Liverpool Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Centre (LINC), a pioneering research hub uniting experts in neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry, and brain health to address the world’s most pressing neurological and mental health challenges. Neurological disorders now represent the leading cause of global disease burden—impacting over three billion people—and rank as the second leading cause of death worldwide.

In alignment with the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders, LINC brings together nearly 170 researchers and clinicians from the University, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Brain Health Northwest (including Mersey Care and Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust), and international partners. By integrating the traditionally separate domains of ‘brain’ (physical organ) and ‘mind’ (thoughts, emotions, consciousness), the Centre aims to break down silos in the study of conditions ranging from epilepsy and brain tumours to psychiatric and developmental disorders.

LINC’s interdisciplinary team will explore how brain infections and inflammation drive neurodegeneration, how epilepsy and its treatments intersect with mental health, and how chronic pain is shaped by neurological, psychological, and early-life factors. Their collaborative research will accelerate the development of novel diagnostics, therapies, and interventions designed to improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with complex brain and mind disorders.

Professor Benedict Michael, LINC Director and MRC Clinician Scientist at The Walton Centre, said: “By bridging neurology, neurosurgery, pain, psychiatry, and psychology, we can unravel the intricate links between brain disease and mental health to create transformative solutions.” Dr Andy Nicolson, Medical Director of The Walton Centre, added: “Combining our clinical excellence—treating nearly 150,000 patients annually—with LINC’s cutting-edge research ensures that breakthroughs here will benefit patients locally and globally.”

LINC was officially launched in Liverpool this week, with attendees from industry—including Roche Diagnostics UK & Ireland—policy makers such as the WHO and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, third-sector organisations like the Epilepsy Research Institute, and professional bodies including the British Neuroscience Association. Former Liverpool FC striker David Fairclough, whose late wife Jan died of a brain aneurysm, also joined the event as a passionate advocate for brain health.

Professor Louise Kenny, Executive Pro Vice-Chancellor of Health and Life Sciences at the University, emphasized: “LINC exemplifies our commitment to forging powerful partnerships that drive global impact. This Centre will lead the way in tackling urgent neurology, psychiatry, and brain health challenges, making a tangible difference in people’s lives worldwide.”

Media Contact:

Alison Cornmell
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0) 7771 700680
E: Alison.Cornmell@liverpool.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Liverpool