NeuroDiscovery

Many brain disorders like stroke, brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, motor neurone disease and Huntington’s disease remain poorly understood. Research into the basic biology of the genetics, progression and functioning of these disorders is critical.

Underpinning the Neurological Foundation Human Brain Bank, Biobank and Stroke Clinic is the wealth and expanse of our internationally renowned neuroscience research. Working together enables our CBR researchers to remain at the leading edge of international neuroscience, and provides an exciting new opportunity to establish vital new links with commercial opportunities both locally and internationally.

The Centre for Brain Research has established world-class leads in:

• Pioneering stem cell biology, reprogramming human cells to neurons, for the study and treatment of brain diseases
• Gene therapy and AAV vector technologies for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and Huntington's disease
• Innovative treatments for stroke and spinal cord injury recovery
• Immunotherapies for neurodegenerative diseases
• Human brain studies and cell culture models for all the major diseases
• Genetic models for brain diseases such as Huntington’s disease
• Behavioural models of neurological disease
• Ground-breaking therapies for prevention of brain damage in new-born babies
• Hormonal influences on brain disease and related disorders like obesity

NeuroDiscovery includes laboratories in the School of Biological Sciences and the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at Grafton Campus. The facilities include the Neurobehavioural Unit (NBU) led by Associate Professor Deborah Young, operating in the Vernon Jansen Unit, and the Spinal Cord Injury Research Facility led by Dr Simon O’Carroll.