see - https://www.ed.ac.uk/discovery-brain-sciences/our-staff/research-groups/prof-richard-morris

Understanding memory and helping to develop treatments for those with memory problems are two connected ‘Grand Challenges’ of contemporary neuroscience.

The primary research interest of my group is the neurobiology of learning and memory, and specifically whether and how memory depends on the ‘plasticity’ of the brain. We seek an understanding of memory mechanisms at the level of synapses, neurons, brain systems and circuits, with reference to the physiology of relevant brain networks.

We develop and use analytically powerful behavioural protocols (e.g. the ‘event arena’), together with neuropharmacological, optogenetic and molecular-engineering tools.

The topic of plasticity is of considerable translational relevance. Given this, we also have an active interest in applying concepts and techniques from this fundamental work to develop new therapeutics targeted at Alzheimer's Disease and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.