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About Us

Who We Are

The Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA is a world leader in human neuroscience research, education, clinical care, and wellbeing. The Institute provides a collaborative home for preeminent researchers and faculty across many disciplines to study complex human behavior. Their research includes the genetic, biological, behavioral, and sociocultural underpinnings of behavior and the causes and consequences of neuropsychiatric disorders. This transdisciplinary work leads to breakthroughs and developments of new and effective interventions that improve the lives of those around us and across the world.

Our Vision

Educators, researchers, and clinicians working together to advance the mental health and wellbeing of the people of California and throughout the world through education and training, translational research, and clinical service.

Our Mission

To improve the mental health and wellbeing of the people of California and throughout the world through education and training, translational research, and advancements in the prevention and clinical care of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Our Commitment

The faculty of the UCLA Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences are an intellectually vibrant group of individuals who share a common commitment to:

1 Train

Train the next generation of leaders in education, science, and clinical care who will serve the healthcare needs of our diverse population and reflect the people of California.

2 Advance

Advance basic and translational research to improve treatment for diverse populations of patients suffering from mood and anxiety, psychotic, substance use, developmental and other behavioral health disorders.

3 Provide

Provide state-of-the-art interventions for individuals at risk for or suffering from neuropsychiatric illnesses and enhance access and wellbeing for all communities.

4 Enhance

Enhance equity in mental health services by co-creating innovative community partnerships with the diverse communities of California that support implementing and disseminating novel interventions and educating the public about mental health and wellbeing.

Our Core Values

The work of the Semel Institute, including researchers, staff, and faculty are guided by and implement programming that exemplifies a set of core values.

1 Diversity, equity, inclusive excellence, and respect for all individuals.

2 Continuous learning, mentorship, professional and leadership development.

3 Collaboration internally and externally. Partnerships among organizations and individuals regionally and globally, and among departments at UCLA.

4 Integrity, accountability, and transparency.