| Sainsbury Wellcome Centre

Long-term learning trajectories: uncovering the role of dopamine

Dopamine plays an important role in learning. However, we know little about how it governs diverse learning across individuals over long periods of time. A research collaboration between the Lak Lab at the University of Oxford and the Saxe Lab at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre at UCL set out to investigate the role of dopamine and the rules that govern long-term learning.

Diagram showing four images depicting behaviour, striatal dopamine, deep RL model and saddle points

Mini microscopes: advances in two-photon imaging for neuroscience

In a recent SWC Seminar, Dr Weijian Zong, Group Leader at the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, presented his work developing new generations of miniature two-photon (2P) microscopes. These miniscopes offer resolution, field of view, speed, and z-scanning capability similar to that of 2P benchtop microscopes. In this interview, Dr Zong discusses the impact of these advances on neuroscience research.

Photo of a miniscope being held between index finger and thumb with blue background and text overlaid on orange background "SWC Speaker Series"

From music to neuroscience: decoding the brain through birdsong

Why do birds sing - and how do they learn to do it? For decades, researchers have turned to songbirds to explore the mysteries of vocal learning, a rare and complex behaviour shared with humans. In this interview, SWC Seminar speaker Richard Mooney, Professor at the Duke University School of Medicine, reflects on a path that led him from classical guitar to cutting-edge auditory research, and explores what birdsong can teach us about learning, communication, and the intricate relationship between sound and behaviour.

Photo of a Zebra Finch sitting on a branch, overlaid with 'SWC Speaker Series'

From PhD to PI: a neuroscientist’s mission to map environmental stressors

After completing her PhD at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, Dr Egzona Morina has carved out a unique and inspiring career path that bridges neuroscience, environmental health, and community impact. In this Q&A, Egzona shares her journey – from navigating uncertainty post-PhD to founding a research incubator and developing innovative educational initiatives in Kosovo.

Illustrations of PhD students, and the title 'SWC PhD Alumni - Where are they now?'

Why join SWC?

Career development is personal, and it can look different for different people. As SWC expands there are lots of opportunities to become involved and carve out a meaningful career path with us. We’re proud to be a place where talent is recognised and developed.

Group Floor Lecture Theatre

SWC Seminar: Conflict in a Rodent Society

Janelia Research Campus

Ground Floor Lecture Theatre

SWC Hybrid Seminar: Motor preparation and learning: a multiregional perspective

Tsinghua University