Cognitive Neuroscience

Dr Anke van Eekelen
Dr Eugen Mattes
Associate Professor Jonathon Foster

The Cognitive Neuroscience group are investigating the impact of stress during early life, childhood and adolescence on cognitive function (thinking, attention, memory) and mental health in teenagers. During the 16/17 follow up assessment, the Raine teenagers give biological samples for stress hormone and genetic measurement. They complete a questionnaire related to mental health and wellbeing as well as a computer based skills test designed to evaluate thinking skills. This Group of researchers is interested in how genetic factors, combined with experiences during childhood and adolescence (stressful life events, sleep etc) can affect brain development and functioning. As part of adolescent brain maturation, the structure and functioning of the brain is reorganised or 'rewired' during the teenage years, and the team are trying to determine the main factors that influence this.