Research leaders in neurological, neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders in children

Norcliffe Foundation Center for Integrative Brain Research

Researchers in the renowned Norcliffe Foundation Center for Integrative Brain Research (NFCIBR) are playing a pivotal role in the rapid evolution of neuroscience research. Their ongoing discoveries of the underlying causes of pediatric neurological disorders are setting the stage for preventing such disorders entirely and for innovative, comprehensive therapies and cures for children.

NFCIBR brain researchers integrate knowledge at the genetic, molecular, cellular, network and behavioral levels to better understand neuronal functions and brain-related diseases. Their work is leading genetic and molecular research breakthroughs in areas as diverse as autism, ADHD, brain tumors, neurological disorders, obesity, Dravet syndrome, epilepsy, Kawasaki disease, opioid use and SIDS, and translating this research to life-changing clinical care. Instead of only alleviating symptoms, our brain researchers are working to identify and correct the underlying causes of neurological disorders and cure them or to better treat patients with personalized, precision medicine.

Seattle Children’s believes laboratory research and patient care are inextricably linked. NFCIBR brain experts are conducting both innovative neurological research and making bench-to-bedside progress to better understand and treat a wide spectrum of neuronal functions and pediatric brain-related diseases.

National Experts in Neuroscience Research

NFCIBR’s diverse team includes top U.S. experts who are leading or partnering in clinical trials for treatment of neurologic disorders in children, as well as heading numerous national pediatric neurological steering committees and clinical research networks.

NFCIBR scientists and physician-researchers work hand-in-hand with physicians in Seattle Children’s Neurosciences Center, consistently ranked among the top pediatric neurology and neurosurgery programs in the nation. Continuous interaction between research and clinical experts provides Seattle Children’s patients with access to more research studies and advanced technologies for diagnosis and treatment.

Dr Nino Ramirez, Director of the Norcliffe Foundation Center for Integrative Brain Research

One billion people in the world are suffering from neurological disorders. I’ve seen firsthand how devastating these disorders can be. These families need cures, and I know we can find them. But one person cannot solve these problems. The vision of this research center is to bring together different people with wide-ranging expertise to understand the complexity of the brain.

— Dr. Nino Ramirez, neuroscientist and director, Norcliffe Foundation Center for Integrative Brain Research

Featured Research

Connecting the Genetic Dots in Sudden Unexpected Infant Death

Research from Dr. Nino Ramirez and colleagues significantly expands the list of potential gene variants associated with infants’ vulnerability to sudden, unexpected death.

Turning a New Page on Autism Research

Dr. Damon Page at Seattle Children’s studies the genetic mutations behind autism and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Study Medication Proves Promising for Hypothalamic Obesity

Research from Dr. Christian Roth and colleagues testing the medication setmelanotide showed significant reductions in weight and hunger in patients with hypothalamic obesity.

Brain Researchers Offer Insights into Brainstem Region’s Role in Low Oxygen Levels, Disrupted Swallow

A Norcliffe Foundation Center for Integrative Brain Research team provides new understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying disordered swallow.

Explore NFCIBR

About NFCIBR

NFCIBR comprises nearly 20 research teams focused on unraveling the mechanisms beneath neurological, neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.

NFCIBR Research Labs

NFCIBR scientists boldly lead research to prevent, treat and cure pediatric neurological disorders faster.

Careers, Educational and Training Opportunities

Seattle Children’s is looking for the best and brightest to help accelerate pediatric neuroscience research.

Donate to NFCIBR

More than half of the kids who come to Seattle Children’s will live with conditions that they will have for the rest of their lives. Research can give them a different future. Under designation, select “Other” and enter Norcliffe Foundation Center for Integrative Brain Research.

Longtime Support

Our center’s name — Norcliffe Foundation Center for Integrative Brain Research — honors a private family foundation that has been one of Seattle Children’s most committed and generous donors, helping to meet the needs of Seattle Children’s patients and families for over 40 years.