NPARC (Neuropsychopharmacology Application and Research Center) - About

Our knowledge concerning the functions of the brain is still limited even though the period we live in, is considered as the era of information and communication. Consequently, alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, parkinson's disease, autism and other major disorders that are directly related to the brain functions such as depression and substance abuse as well as the psychosocial problems, cannot be treated radically with medical agents.

In recent years, more funding has been allocated in technologically and scientifically advanced countries to research and develop projects in order to treat the brain-related disorders. According to some prominent scientists, the present century will witness the brain researches to be at the forefront of scientific studies and some important treatments to the brain-related disorders will be imminent. In this context, The United States of America which is considered to be the best in the field of neuroscience research, has declared the 21st century as the "Century of Brain". Scientific researches are of utmost importance in finding the causes of the disorders and improving new drugs for the possible treatments. In order to conduct researches at the standards of the universal science, well-equipped labs and well-trained scientists are required.

Üsküdar University is a thematic university that focuses on brain researches. The University has all the capabilities in which high-toned scientific researches and projects can be realized through a multidisciplinary approach. The neuropsychopharmacology is an important and dynamic field of neuroscience which embodies all the research activities for the treatment of disorders associated with the central nervous system and the development of new and more effective drugs. Psychiatry collaborates with many other independent disciplines especially pharmacology, neurology, psychology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics and biophysics. Most of the scientifically advanced countries conduct neuropsychopharmacological researches. Therefore, Neuropsychopharmacology Application and Research Center (NPARC) has been founded within the structure of the Üsküdar University, which is a thematic University that is well focused on the brain. The NPARC is the very first center in Turkey, aimed to conduct brain related researches. We are proud to underline the fact that there are only a few research centers in the worldwide that operate in similar standards and subject the same issues.


Through Researches: To adopt a mental perception to conduct scientific researches, leading to innovative findings, producing new & alternative theories and applications while questioning the use of present ones which might eventually lead to a Nobel prize nomination in the field.

Through Education: To instill a scientific thinking and encourage students to take part in scientific projects and to popularize science, find talented students and involve them in the researches. To train highly qualified academics who adopt an exemplary lifestyle and understanding as model scientists.


  1. To attain the scientific information for the diagnosis and treatment of major brain disorders through transferring and converting this information into technological novelties. To serve to this end, to conduct qualified research projects that lead to new findings, new drugs and diagnostic techniques that are secured by patents.
  2. To conduct significant researches and train scientists to maintain a highly competitive capability worldwide in accordance with the ethical principles in the field of neuropsychopharmacology.
  3. To motivate students at Üsküdar University through the necessary approaches to create a scientific research passion, to have keen and talented students to work in the laboratories. To involve them in ongoing projects through which we can pave the way to train them as qualified scientists.
  4. To collaborate with other universities and scientific research centers both in Turkey and abroad to exchange information and ideas. To develop and conduct joint projects on brain researches through a multidisciplinary approach.
  5. To hold meetings, conferences, seminars and to utilize brochures and media to inform individuals about the new developments and pharmacological treatments for major brain disorders such as alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, autism, depression, parkinson's disease and drug addiction.


  1. Laboratories in which the nervous system can easily be modeled and behavior of the disorder can be analyzed, are established and put into operation. The Laboratory has international scientific and ethical standards for the experimental neuropsychopharmacology studies.
  2. Animals such as rats and mice are bred in the Center to be used in experimental studies, which are in accordance with the international ethical and accreditation rules.
  3. All major brain disorders can be modeled in experimental animals. Efforts to develop new approaches to understand the etiopathogenesis and treat major brain disorders, especially schizophrenia and substance abuse, are currently in progress.
  4. Preclinical psychopharmacological screening studies of newly synthesized drugs that might be used in the treatments as psychotropic medication, can be performed.
  5. Experimental neuropsychopharmacology studies can be converted into more qualified data with the participation and support of the significant disciplines such as neuroanatomy, experimental psychology, molecular biology, pharmacogenetics and biochemistry. An opportunity to work in conjunction with the clinics, is a splendid chance for the potential scientists.
  6. Considering the benefit ratio for the psychotropic drugs, information that the clinician and/or the patient needs can be provided quickly and will be reliable for the most effective use of medication.