University Brain Research Imaging Centre tops out

A topping out ceremony has taken place to mark the progress of the £44m Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC).

The new CUBRIC building is the second phase of Cardiff University’s Science and Innovation Campus at Maindy Road, the first being the Hadyn Ellis Building (HEB), also designed by IBI Group.

It will house MRI scanning suites, a Magnetoencephalography (MEG) unit, laboratories, medical suite, drug trial unit, sleep laboratories and psychology testing labs, as well as office and seminar spaces.

Research at CUBRIC is focused on four inter-related research themes: Imaging Science; Neuroscience; Clinical Research; and Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics. This research aims to have a direct impact on understanding human health and wellbeing, including the brain changes that lead to disordered cognition and mental health.

“This project is an excellent example of where IBI Group is cross-fertilising its expertise across various sectors, including science, education and healthcare,” said IBI’s Richard Golledge. “Similar to IBI’s collaborative approach, CUBRIC’s close proximity to HEB will bring added benefits of improved opportunities for teamwork between the University’s two research groups.”  

Assembly Minister for Health and Social Services Mark Drakeford said: "This facility will bring together Cardiff University's world-class academics and the very latest technology in this field. I believe it will help to attract more expertise to Wales to undertake cutting-edge research."

The CUBRIC building is due to complete in December 2015.