Long-term memory: HU acquires DFG research project

Treatment methods for dementia and Alzheimer's disease

How does our long-term memory work? – This is the question to be investigated intensively starting July 2018 by researchers of the Humboldt University (HU) together with colleagues from other major science institutions, including the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the Cluster of Excellence NeuroCure.

The project has been made possible by a successful application to the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) for the Collaborative Research Center (SFB) "Mechanisms and Disturbances in Memory Consolidation: From Synapses to Systems", initiated by the Institute of Biology of the HU.  Approval by the DFG reflects the high recognition and professionalism of the institute - not least because of its participation in the Cluster of Excellence NeuroCure.

"Nowhere in the world is there such a diverse group of researchers investigating the consolidation of memory," comments Matthew Larkum, Professor of Neuronal Plasticity at the HU and Spokesperson of the Collaborative Research Center regarding the positive decision by the DFG.

Memory is a phenomenon that defines us as human beings, but so far, almost nothing is known about its function. This is the starting point of the new Collaborative Research Center, which will receive 10 million euros over four years starting July 1, 2018. The SFB team consists of around 50 participants.

The goal of the project is to describe and understand the processes underlying the evolution of long-term memory. The research group seeks to decipher the basics of memory building in order to understand how memory education can be positively influenced and strengthened. The aim is to develop new treatment methods for previously virtually untreatable conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Methodologically, basic research and clinical projects that work directly with patients will be combined.

The following institutions are involved in the SFB "Mechanisms and Disturbances of Memory Consolidation: From Synapses to the System Level":

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main

Source: Press release of the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Contact:
Prof. Dr. Matthew E. Larkum
Spokesperson of the SFB
Phone: 030 450-539117
Email: matthew.larkum@hu-berlin.de