About Us

The Brain Imaging and Analysis Center (BIAC) was created in 1998 as a component of the campus-wide neuroimaging initiative. BIAC brings together scientists from throughout Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to find interdisciplinary solutions to fundamental research questions about the human brain. Two key themes are closely weaved to achieve this goal. The first is to improve research techniques in neuroimaging, through improvements in MR pulse sequence design, applications to high-field fMRI, experimental control, and understanding of brain hemodynamics. Second, BIAC researchers investigate the functional properties of the human brain by applying these state-of-the-art research techniques into basic and translational neuroscience studies. BIAC researchers investigate neural circuits and processes (e.g., memory, emotion, attention) in healthy and diseased brains (e.g., Alzheimer's, Autism, Schizophrenia). More specific information on the related neuroscience research can be found in the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience (CCN), the Mental Illness Research, Education & Clinical Center (MIRECC) at Durham VA Medical Center and the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies, all close affiliates to BIAC. To reach our research goals, BIAC combines world-class technical facilities, including MRI and electrophysiological research labs, with outstanding faculty drawn from many departments.