The Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit (URNC) (SGR: 2021 SGR 00121) stands at the forefront of cognitive neuroscience research, with a specialized focus on the complexities of pregnancy. Employing a comprehensive approach, the URNC integrates neuroimaging, neuropsychological assessments, and metabolomic analysis to delve into the fundamental aspects of pregnancy. This includes studying the neurological adaptations for motherhood, mother-infant bonding, and the intricacies of perinatal mental health.
Currently, the URNC is actively pursuing several research avenues: exploring the neurological and psychological adjustments during pregnancy and the postpartum period; and investigating mental health disorders in these critical phases. Through these diversified research lines, the URNC aims to uncover deeper insights into the neural, cognitive and emotional processes underlying pregnancy and motherhood, contributing to a broader understanding of human development and well-being.
In the last years the group has obtained the following funding: ERC Advanced Grant, “la Caixa” Foundation Research Health Grant, Pathfinder Grant, FIS La Marató de TV3, Retos I+D grant and a Fundación Tatiana.
The lab now has a track record of publications in neuroimaging of pregnancy, and it has also publications in Nature Reviews Neuroscience, Nature Neuroscience, Lancet Psychiatry, JAMA Psychiatry, American Journal of Psychiatry, PNAS. Some of the URNC publications are now pioneering references. In addition, the URNC has also initiated a collaboration with Artis International, a transnational organization that seeks to understand the phenomena of social intractable conflicts in scientific terms.
