Diseases that impair the function of the central and peripheral nervous system are the main cause of a reduced quality of life and permanent disabilities. Examples include brain tumors, psychiatric disorders, chronic pain, stroke and neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases. Demographic trends and environmental factors will lead to an increase in the incidence and prevalence of these diseases, particularly in the context of cities and urban living spaces. Treatment options are often limited as the underlying pathomechanisms have not been fully understood yet.

The Mannheim Comprehensive Neuroscience Campus (MCNC) has evolved from the Translational Neuroscience research focus. It integrates the research activities of the Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience (MCTN) with the clinical activities of neurology, neurosurgery and neuroradiology within the University Medical Center Mannheim as well as with the Center for Innovative Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Research (ZIPP) at the Central Institute of Mental Health (ZI). In addition, there is a connection with the German Center for Mental Health (DZPG) via the ZI.

Research in our research focus area aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the clinical manifestations of neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders and to translate this knowledge into concrete tools for the treatment and prevention of these disorders. Our scientists develop and apply a variety of different methods, such as innovative imaging techniques, animal models, single-cell analyses, mathematical models and high-throughput analyses of large databases in order to understand the neurophysiological, neurooncological, neurodegenerative, neurogenetic or neuropharmacological processes underlying the diseases and to develop innovative precision therapies.

Scientists and clinicians at the MCNC are in close contact with scientists and clinicians at the other Comprehensive Campuses and Centers of the Medical Faculty Mannheim, such as the Mannheim Comprehensive Angioscience Campus (MCAC) for the promotion of neurovascular research, the Mannheim Comprehensive Tumor Campus (MCTC) for the promotion of neurooncological research, the Mannheim Comprehensive Medical Systems Technology Campus (MCSC) to promote the development of data science and devices in the neurosciences, the Mannheim Comprehensive Inflammation Campus (MCIC) to support the development of targeted immunotherapies, and the Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD) to promote the prevention of neuropsychiatric diseases.

Well-established links to research institutions within the Heidelberg Mannheim Health and Life Science Alliance strengthen the existing scientific and clinical excellence of Heidelberg University and its partners, the German Cancer Research Center, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory and the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research.

Of particular importance to the MCNC is the promotion of young scientists and clinicians to create an environment that enables them to conduct independent research and achieve scientific and clinical excellence. PhD students, scientists and physicians are supported by special training programs offered by our School of Translational Medicine.

The Mannheim Comprehensive Neuroscience Campus represents the following institutions:

• Mannheim Center for Translational Neurosciences (MCTN)
• Central Institute of Mental Health (ZI)
• Center for Innovative Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Research (ZIPP)
• German Center for Mental Health (DZPG)