Pioneering global collaboration launches platform for world-leading research in NeuroArchitecture & NeuroDesign

RISE, Research Institutes of Sweden and University College London (UCL) are proud to announce the launch of the world's first International Centre for NeuroArchitecture & NeuroDesign. This initiative combines neuroscience and cutting-edge technology with architecture and design to redefine the spaces in which we live and work. The aim is to create environments that enhance well-being, foster resilience and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals for holistic human, economic and environmental sustainability.

"This Centre brings UCL’s strengths in neuroscience and architecture onto the international stage in a dynamic new way through the partnership with RISE. The Centre represents a bold addition to activities under the bi-lateral agreement the UK has with Sweden," says UCL's Vice-Provost for Research, Innovation and Global Engagement, Professor Geraint Rees. This unique initiative exemplifies how interdisciplinary efforts can address modern challenges by creating environments that prioritise well-being, while remaining sustainable and adaptable.

"By combining RISE's expertise in applied research and innovation and UCL’s expertise in neuroscience and architecture, this partnership is focused on exploring new opportunities and driving sustainable change across the globe. Our focus to interdisciplinary research and industry collaboration aims to transform how we understand and design the built environment to better meet the needs of society,” says Malin Frenning, CEO of RISE.

The Centre for NeuroArchitecture & NeuroDesign, inspired by the UK - Sweden Government Strategic Partnership, is setting a benchmark for cross-border collaboration in research and development. With an open invitation to industry partners, academic researchers and policy makers, the Centre aims to act as a beacon of innovation and collaboration, shaping the future of urban development for generations to come.

Centre for NeuroArchitecture & NeuroDesign founders and directors from UCL and RISE at the launch event held at The Swedish Residence in London. From left to right: Prof Hugo Spiers, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Behavioral Neuroscience, and Vice Dean of Enterprise & Innovation, Faculty of Brain Sciences, UCL, Carina Carlman, Director of Research and Business Development at RISE, Isabelle Sjövall, Neurodesigner and Brain Researcher at the Institute of Behavioral Neuroscience, UCL, Dr Fiona Zisch, Researcher in Architecture and Neuroscience at The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL. Photo: UCL Global Engagement/Kirsten Holst

Founders and directors for the Centre for NeuroArchitecture & NeuroDesign are Carina Carlman, Director of Research and Business Development at RISE, Prof Hugo Spiers, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Behavioral Neuroscience, and Vice Dean of Enterprise & Innovation Faculty of Brain Sciences, UCL, Dr Fiona Zisch, Researcher in Architecture and Neuroscience at The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, and Isabelle Sjövall, Neurodesigner and Brain Researcher at the Institute of Behavioral Neuroscience, UCL. Together, the founding team represents extensive, world-leading expertise in neuroscience and architecture.

For more information go to: www.nandcentre.com

Press contacts:

Johanna Stål, Head of Communications, Built Environments at RISE Johanna.stal@ri.se, +46 (0)73 040 75 19

Chris Lane, UCL Media Relations chris.lane@ucl.ac.uk +44 (0) 7717 728648