CON BRIO: Collaborative Network for Bipolar Research to Improve Outcomes.

Bipolar disorder is the sixth leading cause of global disability, but has been neglected and remains poorly understood. We see a unique opportunity to link basic and clinical scientists to establish an inter-disciplinary translational research programme, to transform its understanding and treatment. A key concept, arising from recent work, is that mood instability (rather than episodes of elevated or depressed mood per se) is critical. We propose four interlinked and evolving themes. First, to measure and model mood fluctuations and their interaction with behavioural and environmental factors, using big data and new technologies. Second, to investigate genetic contributions to mood stability, and the expression and function of bipolar risk genes. Third, to characterise the cognitive and neural correlates of mood stability. Fourth, driven by findings from these themes, to develop novel ways to evaluate pharmacological and psychological treatments to stabilise mood. Crucially, we bring new investigators and new ideas to the field, drawing in expertise from mathematics, computational biology, cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging. Together, weare optimally placed to conduct innovative and transformative research. We will also provide training opportunities, and establish a sustainable network legacy, allowing us to move rapidly towards treatment trials and other clinical benefits.