The Bahn laboratory is conducting an extensive research programme to define the molecular basis of major neuropsychiatric disorders. Our specific focus is currently on schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, major depressive disorder and autistic spectrum disorder. The internationally recognised scientific team is supported by ’state of the art’ laboratory facilities at the Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam and the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Cambridge. A research unit has been established within the Department, the Cambridge Centre for Neuropsychiatric Research (CCNR), under the direction of Prof Sabine Bahn. The centre and the associated laboratory in Rotterdam aim to conduct and coordinate fundamental empirical research into major neuropsychiatric disorders, focusing on biomarkers and novel target discovery and translating the finding from the bench to the bed. The Bahn group has received the second largest centre grant awarded by the Stanley Medical Research Institute (SMRI), has attracted support and interest from prominent pharmaceutical companies, and found promising results to justify expanding research.