Sainsbury Wellcome Centre Core Grant Renewal (360G-Wellcome-219627_Z_19_Z)

The Sainsbury Wellcome Centre aims to understand how computation in neural circuits generates flexible behaviour—a complex, scientific challenge that cannot be tackled by any one laboratory. The Centre is in a unique position to reveal general principles that link behaviour to neural processes across scales, by relating algorithms to neural circuits, cells and synapses. We will determine how these neural elements give rise to computations contributing to innate and learned behaviours, and develop a theoretical framework that explains how flexible, adaptive behaviour arises from neural activity. We have assembled outstanding scientific talent in an exceptional environment, with access to shared resources and state-of-the-art facilities that deliver new technologies, empowering bold research. We will exploit new models of scientific collaboration by integrating experiment, theory, data science and engineering, in close partnership with colleagues at the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit. Our multi-disciplinary collaborative approach extends to the training and support of early career researchers, enhancing their success within and beyond our walls. By sharing our resources, knowledge and research culture, and through initiatives with our UCL, UK and international partners, we will collectively advance global efforts to understand the neural underpinnings of behaviour.