RESEARCH AT IBCHN
IBCHN leads pioneering research in brain chemistry, maternal nutrition, and neurodevelopment. Our work spans clinical studies, biochemical analysis, and global collaborations that shape modern understanding of DHA, AA, and essential nutrients critical to human brain health.
Current Research Projects
Our research teams are engaged in multidisciplinary projects addressing key questions in maternal-infant health and brain development.
- Maternal Omega-3 & Omega-6 Nutrition Studies
- Preterm Infant Clinical Nutrition Research
- Marine Agriculture & Sustainable Brain-Specific Nutrition
- DHA Supplementation & Sickle Cell Disease
- Infant Brain MRI Development Project
RESEARCH AREAS
01
Brain-Specific Fatty Acids (DHA & AA)
Understanding their role in neural structure, function, and evolution.
02
Maternal Nutrition & Pregnancy Outcomes
Connecting dietary intake to fetal brain growth, birthweight, and developmental health.
03
Neurodevelopment & Mental Health
Investigating how early nutrient deficiencies affect cognitive and emotional outcomes across life.
04
Evolutionary Nutrition
Studying how access to marine-based nutrients shaped human brain evolution.
05
Placental & Embryonic Development
Examining the vascular and neural development pathways driven by essential fatty acids.
06
Global Nutrition Policy
Translating biochemical discoveries into guidelines that shape maternal-infant care worldwide.
RESEARCH MILSTONES
Over three decades, IBCHN’s fundamental discoveries laid the foundation for modern brain nutrition science.
quantum brain
Building on decades of groundbreaking work in brain chemistry, the Institute has become a leading centre for quantum brain science. Under the scientific direction of Professor Michael Crawford and the advanced research leadership of Dr. Manahel Thabet, the Institute explores how quantum processes influence neural development, cognition, and the fundamental architecture of the human brain.
Their partnership brings together biochemistry, quantum physics, neurology, and computational modelling—opening new pathways for understanding intelligence, mental health, and the brain’s interaction with the physical universe.
This work has positioned the Institute as a global reference point in the rapidly expanding field of quantum neuroscience.
