PlasticityDefinition: the adaptability of an organism to changes in its environment.
Our brains adapt whenever we learn a new skill, such as juggling. Our brains also adapt as we get older, or following damage such as stroke. Changes in our lifestyle, like taking up exercise, can also affect our brains. Understanding how the brain adapts to change can help us to design new rehabilitation treatments, to promote healthy ageing, or to enhance learning.
The Plasticity Group, lead by Heidi Johansen-Berg, is a multidisciplinary research group using advanced brain imaging techniques to monitor brain change. We also use training programmes, brain stimulation and neurofeedback to try to influence brain change. Find out more about our research projects via the link below.
The Plasticity Group is part of theNeuroplastics collaborative network, which also includes thePhysiological Neuroimaging Groupheaded by Charlotte Stagg and theAction, Cognition & Neurotherapeutics Groupheaded by Jacinta O'Shea. The three groups work together on research projects as well as public outreach activities.