Research Focus Research in the Institute of Molecular Psychiatry aims to help solving one of the greatest challenges of biomedical research: understanding how the brain works and how psychiatric illnesses develop. At the focus of our research are molecules that modulate the interaction between the different cells of the central nervous system, which include neurons, glial and immune cells. Most brain disorders are caused by disturbances in brain cell communication or a loss of neurons. Both processes are often intertwined. Research focus: • The endogenous cannabinoid system • Animal models for drug addiction • Aging research • Chronic pain • Neuro-immune interactions