Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR) Amsterdam

The Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR) was founded jointly by the Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam and the VU University Medical Center. The founding directors were Prof. Dr. D.I. Boomsma (FPP), Prof. Dr. W.P.M. Geraerts (FALW) and Prof. Dr. M.P. Witter (VUmc).

At the the center, neurobiologists, clinical and preclinical neuroscientists and psychologists collaborate to contribute to the development of a new integrative neural science, rooted in molecular biology and genetics and extending all the way to behavior and cognition in health and disease.

Two new research groups were attracted to Amsterdam, forming the new departments of Functional Genomics and Medical Genomics. Two new groups, Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience and Cognitive Neurophysiology were recently established. A large number of investments is being made in existing departments.

The center generates integrated research programs from gene to behavior, each combining mouse and human studies. The first program on attention and attention disorders has started in 2003. A second program on anxiety and depression has started in 2004 and a third program on addiction has started in 2005. A forth program on neurodegenerative diseases is currently being established.