Center for the Neurobiology of Learning & Memory's Mission

The Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory at UC Irvine is directed by Michael A. Yassa. It is the first institute in the world dedicated to the study of learning and memory. In 40 years since it was first established in 1983 by the UC Regents, with James L. McGaugh as its Founding Director, it has significantly transformed our understanding of the brain and how it stores information. It has long been heralded as the “Mecca of Learning and Memory” and has been at the forefront of brain science ever since its inception.

Here, biologists, engineers, computer scientists and other specialists work across disciplines to generate transformative breakthroughs in brain science together. CNLM scientists use state-of-the-art techniques to study the intricate mechanisms of learning and memory across every level of analysis, from molecules to mind.

At the CNLM, we have a bold vision for the future of brain science and how it can make a positive impact on the lives of millions of people across the globe, including those who are living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, people who have been diagnosed with epilepsy or traumatic brain injury, individuals living with depression and anxiety disorders, those who struggle with learning disabilities, and many more.

To realize our vision, we will focus on three pillars of excellence:

1. Accelerating groundbreaking research

By leading high-risk, high-reward research programs that reside on the cutting edge, our researchers will be empowered to explore visionary ideas and develop proofs of concept for transformative technologies. We aim to expand our scientific core facilities and team science resources, fostering advancements in next-generation microscopy, animal behavior, and large-scale computation which will further propel us toward transformative discoveries.

2. Training the next generation of leaders

At the CNLM, we are globally renowned for developing the brightest scientists and cultivating innovators equipped with advanced skills sought by academia and industry alike. Our commitment to training future leaders in brain science begins with K–12 students and extends through every stage of academic development. We partner with local schools to make neuroscience education accessible to students of all backgrounds. In addition, Additionally, we have built world-class programs at the CNLM, including a top-ranking graduate training program for doctoral students and the highly coveted Summer Institute in Neuroscience for undergraduates, which attracts brilliant student scholars from all around the country. To bridge the gap between science and society and redefine the training and career landscapes in neuroscience, the CNLM is developing innovative postdoctoral training opportunities. We aspire to become the nation's leading institute for training postdocs, equipping them with the skills and experience needed to excel as top brain scientists in both academia and industry.

3. Partnering with our communities

Since its inception, the CNLM has been at the forefront of introducing our community to the exhilarating world of brain science. The CNLM's dedicated Office of Outreach and Education, led by Manuella Oliveira Yassa, Ph.D., is a world-class leader in neuroscience education and engagement. By developing pioneering and impactful programs such as the highly sought-after UCI Brain Camp, supporting the Distinguished Lecture Series on Brain, Learning and Memory, a free public lecture series has featured brain science luminaries, including Nobel laureates, and educated more than 50,000 community members, and creating of the world's first university-based community neuroscience research laboratory the Office of Outreach and Education continues to engage the community with neuroscience and offer authentic and meaningful neuroscience experiences to individuals of all ages and backgrounds.