Research centres and units

Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre; Koestler Parapsychology Unit; Edinburgh Centre for Data, Culture & Society

Our centres act as hubs of best practice and research excellence, bringing together internationally renowned scientists to collaborate on key themes in psychology. Centres also aim to build capacity by providing leadership, training, and resources for early career researchers. The aim is to create a collaborative environment where science can thrive and key research questions are answered. 

Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre

The Centre carries out research into the causes and treatment of dementia. Current projects include evaluating cognitive assessments used in diagnosis, and developing methods to predict whether or not a particular patient will respond positively to current drugs, which have been shown to work inconsistently. Researchers also aim to develop and maintain a dementia brain tissue bank (the Scottish Dementia Brain Tissue Bank).

The Centre is funded by Alzheimer Scotland and this funding was extended for a further five years from summer 2016.

Koestler Parapsychology Unit

The Koestler Parapsychology Unit is one of the UK's leading groups teaching and researching ostensibly paranormal experiences and beliefs. The unit was established in 1985 following a bequest from Arthur and Cynthia Koestler. 

Topics of interest include:

  • the possible existence of psychic ability
  • anomalous experiences and belief in the paranormal
  • deception and self-deception
  • historical and conceptual issues in parapsychology

Koestler Parapsychology Unit

Edinburgh Centre for Data, Culture & Society

The Edinburgh Centre for Data, Culture & Society (CDCS) brings together a vibrant network of researchers engaged in exploring the ways in which data and digital technology are transforming our world. Its mission is to support, facilitate and inspire data-led and digital research across the arts, humanities and social sciences. Hosted by the College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences, our website provides a single point of information on events, training, resources and support. The CDCS lead for PPLS is Professor Kenny Smith.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @EdCDCS

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