02 – Neurosciences including mental health

Neurosciences, including mental health, is one of the pillars of research excellence in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct. There is a strong translational thread running through the program, bringing the science out of the research institutes and into the community, hospitals, clinics and patients. The spirit of collaboration is evident in the establishment of pioneering umbrella organisation Neurosciences Victoria (NSV).

Advancing areas of strength

Epilepsy program − including expertise in genetic causes, imaging techniques and treatment.
Neurodegenerative diseases of the ageing brain − including understanding the molecular basis of Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease.
Translational research in youth mental health – led through Orygen, one of the world’s leading translational research centres in mental health of young people.
Psychosis − including molecular neuroscience, neuroimaging, behaviour modification, early recognition, clinical intervention and policy in youth mental health services.
Stroke − The Melbourne Biomedical Precinct has been involved in almost every important clinical trial involving early management of stroke using thrombolysis and is a global leader in acute stroke imaging. Australia’s first specialist ‘stroke ambulance’ was launched in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct (November 2017), offering earlier intervention for time critical care.
Complex human processes − expertise in understanding and modelling complex human behaviours, from basic psychology of individuals to theories that describe social networks.
Multiple sclerosis − developing effective approaches to identify and treat inflammatory autoimmune diseases of the nervous system.
Neural bionics − using latest neural engineering expertise to investigate how the nervous system controls digestive, urinary, cardiac, blood pressure, visual and auditory functions.