Neuroscience is the fastest growing area in basic scientific research. Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field designed to improve our understanding of neural communication mechanisms in health and disease. Treatments, cures, and, above all, knowledge are the possibilities that continue to be discovered through neuroscientific research. The Neuroscience Group at the Medical Faculty of the University of Greifswald promotes interdisciplinary investigations from the level of gene expression in single neurons to imaging of localized regions of the human brain and neurorehabilitation. The Neuroscience Group at the Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University is located in a convergence region, and the paucity of high-tech, expensive equipment for research, the lack of a critical mass of experienced researchers, a reduced level of experience and knowledge of researchers as well as fewer international collaborations with highly competitive groups put severe limitations on the impact of our publications and our capacity to attract research funds from EU programs. Therefore the major aim of this proposal is to redress this balance by (i) stimulating the realization of the full research potential of our Neuroscience Group by acquisition of cutting-edge technology and equipment; (ii) increasing the quality and international impact of our research by cooperation with high profile institutions and recruitment of experienced researchers; (iii) improving S&T experience and knowledge of researchers by short term and long term trainings with our Strategic Partners and exchange of know-how and experience with the scientific experts; (iv) organization of workshops to facilitate knowledge transfer at international level; (v) plenary meetings; (vi) dissemination and promotional activities. These measures should allow the Neuroscience Group in Greifswald to successfully participate and contribute to the EU Framework Program projects.