IMAGEN: Groundbreaking research into the teenage mind

In a nutshell

The teenage mind is a mind in transition. It's complex and fascinating. We want to understand it better.

We are particularly interested in behaviours and attitudes around taking risks.

We are focusing on how thinking modes, attitudes, brain activity patterns and genetics impact on risk-taking decisions.

IMAGEN is a European wide research project.

It will involve two thousand 14 year-olds, their parents and research teams from England, France, Ireland and Germany.

Research methods will include:

  • Self-report questionnaires
  • Behavioural assessment
  • Interviews
  • Neuro-imaging of the brain
  • Blood sampling for genetic analyses

Would you like to take part?

IMAGEN is the first ever study on this topic using the latest research technology from the fields of medicine, psychology, physics, and biology.

It involves a very large group of teenagers from all over Europe. There will be different attitudes to risk - from the daring to the more cautious. We want to hear from all types.

Would you like to be part of this exciting research or like to find out more? If so, please sign up on this website and get in touch with our research team to receive further information!