The Brain Dynamics Centre - Convenor of BRAINnet

Infrastructure at BDC

BDC has been working since the 1970's in the area of brain function measurement. 

Our current research facilities include:

COGNITION-BRAIN FUNCTION LABORATORIES

• Two labs for performing recordings of EEG, ERPs and simultaneous autonomic activity
• Two labs for performing recordings of psychological functions and cognition.

These labs make use of the standardized Brain Resource methodology:
WebQ: web-based questionnaire covering demographics, illness history and psychological measures
IntegNeuro: Touchscreen cognitive assessment battery, with tests of general and social cognition
LabNeuro: Based on Neuroscan NuAmps and custom hardware. Includes resting EEG conditions, and protocols for task-related ERPs (habituation, oddball, working memory, Go-NoGo, eye tracking, Startle and PPI, Facial emotion perception).

GENOTYPING

As part of our research, we acquire samples for genotyping. Via our collaborators and the WMI, we have access to state-of-the-art genotyping facilities. These facilities will be expanded to other molecular analyses in the future.

MRI SUITE

Also, we have access to a 3T GE MRI scanner, located nearby in the MRI Unit (Diagnostic Imaging Department) of Westmead Hospital. There is also a 1.5T GE scanner.   The scanner is used to record structural MRI, functional MRI and DTI, using equivalent standardized protocols.
The functional activation tasks parallel those used for ERP recording.

HIGH-CAPACITY SERVER

Supporting these acquisition systems is a 2 TB file server and network area storage system, with supporting backup and administration facilities. This system is constantly expanding.

ASSESSMENT ROOMS

For interviewing participants, and undertaking trials on therapies, we also have a suite of assessment rooms.