NeuroConvergence

Neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs) are among the leading causes of human suffering, premature death, and reduced productivity worldwide. Despite their impact, current treatments are often outdated, with limited effectiveness and specificity. Many were developed decades ago, based largely on chance discoveries.
Recent advances in molecular genetics have identified genetic loci and brain-specific pathways strongly linked to NPDs, offering promising new therapeutic targets. At the same time, groundbreaking technologies in computational and experimental life sciences are opening new frontiers for drug discovery.
The NeuroConvergence project harnesses these developments to systematically identify and test novel molecular targets for NPD treatment. This ambitious initiative brings together an interdisciplinary team from two faculties at the University of Bergen, combining expertise in machine learning, human genomics, structural biology, medicinal chemistry, molecular pharmacology, and clinical neuropsychiatry.
Using advanced artificial intelligence, big data analytics, modeling, and experimental biotechnology, the team will explore new treatment strategies. These technologies—never before integrated in this way—will enable the discovery of radically new therapeutic options.
In parallel, the project will evaluate the druggability and therapeutic potential of promising targets already identified in pilot studies, paving the way for more effective and personalized treatments for brain disorders.