Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre (BPNRC)

The Brain Performance and Nutrition Research Centre (BPNRC) has earned an international reputation for its research into the effects of nutritional interventions on behaviour. Under the leadership of its director: Professor David Kennedy, and associate directors: Dr Crystal Haskell and Dr Emma Stevenson, the BPNRC has firmly established itself at the forefront of nutritional neuroscience research. Our huge portfolio of controlled trials include fundamental investigations assessing the neurocognitive effects of the most basic units of brain fuel – oxygen and glucose – as well as investigations of the cognitive mechanisms and mood effects of herbal extracts, nutraceuticals and food supplements and a range of projects that have examined the psychopharmacology of commonly consumed everyday substances such as caffeine, social drugs, and even chocolate!

The research centre is located in a new, purpose built, specialist unit with state-of-the-art testing facilities including: our own COMPASS cognitive assesement system, internet and mobile phone testing technology, neuro-imaging capability (Near Infrared Spectroscopy, Transcranial Doppler and EEG) and physiological sampling facilities. Additional facilities, shared with Sport Science include dedicated Nutrition, Exercise and Metabolism laboratories with facilities for conducting a range of ‘in house’ in vitro assays.

Our research centre provides a supportive environment for researchers and students. Staff members include full time research staff, PhD students, technicians, and academics with a broad range of specialities in nutrition, neuroscience and exercise/metabolism. We encourage collaboration and have excellent links with departments in other universities both in the UK and abroad as well as connections with local, UK and global industry working together to conduct cutting edge research of broad relevance. The BPNRC has contributed to hundreds of peer-reviewed journal publications and our scientists are frequently invited to present work at major national and international conferences making this centre a world leader in nutritional neuroscience research.