About us

The Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition had its “grass-roots” origin in 2006, when it was founded by Carel ten Cate (Biology), Bernhard Hommel (Cognitive Psychology), Mark van Buchem (Radiology), and Lisa Cheng (Linguistics) to give brain and cognition research at Leiden University a boost. And a boost it gave! With financial support from the Executive Board of Leiden University a 3T MRI was acquired that was earmarked for research, and fMRI specialist Serge Rombouts was recruited as director of the LIBC. The presence of a research-dedicated MRI and high-quality support attracted promising young talent, like Eveline Crone and Andrea Evers, and many big research grants funding interdisciplinary fMRI research were obtained. This effect has remained to this day! 

While (f)MRI research forms an important research focus within LIBC, interdisciplinary research using other methods, e.g. fNIRS, EEG and behavioral methods, has also flourished within the institute. LIBC stimulates interaction between researchers from different disciplines by organizing the Sylvius lectures, member meetings, get-togethers around developments in diverse (statistical) methods, and sharing scripts. 

In education, LIBC initiated a highly popular Minor program Brain & Cognition for bachelor students from all disciplines. Researchers from LIBC are also involved in several other interdisciplinary minor- and MA programs. 

The highlight of the year is the “LIBC public day,” organized with support from the municipality of Leiden in the Stadsgehoorzaal. Every year a different theme in brain and cognition research is in the spotlight, and is presented to and discussed with the general public in a vibrant atmosphere.