Brain and Mind Research Institute

Diseases of the brain and mind, including substance abuse, clinical depression and dementia now account for more than 40 percent of all illness. These diseases are devastating for those affected, their families, and for society, costing the Australian economy an estimated $30 billion each year.

The BMRI brings together patients, support groups and front-line carers with scientists and clinicians working in neurosciences and brain research, providing hope for those affected.

Patient services

The Clinical Centre provides high quality mental health services for people with a range of disorders affecting the brain and mind.

The BMRI also regularly recruits members of the community to participate in clinical research.

Latest news & events

• Shorter sleep duration linked with greater risks of mental distress in young adults

  1 September 2010: A/Prof Nick Glozier released research today indicating that young adults who get fewer than eight hours of sleep per night have greater risks of psychological distress as well as a combination of high levels of depressive and anxious symptoms. The study was reported in The Brisbane Times, ABC News and ABC AM, Channel 7 News, Daily Mail, Wired and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

• Parkinson's Disease Research on ABC Catalyst

  5 August 2010: Dr Simon Lewis' research into the cause of 'freezing of gait', which affects over 50% of patients with advanced Parkinson's Disease (PD) featured on ABC Catalyst. For more information and details on how you can participate in this study call +61 2 9351 0702 or email pdclinic@med.usyd.edu.au. Additional information can be found at the Parkinson's Disease Research Clinic.

• Alzheimer's breakthrough published in prestigious journal Cell

  23 July 2010: Researchers led by Professor Jürgen Götz and Dr Lars Ittner from the BMRI's Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease Laboratory have achieved a major breakthrough by finding the causes of Alzheimer's disease at a cellular level and thereby identifying a potential therapy as a result. Read the press release and coverage in the Herald Sun, Alzheimer Research Forum, ABC news, Channel 7 news, and Channel 10 news.

• Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease scholarships

  4 June 2010: The Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease (A+PD) Laboratory is offering three PhD top-up scholarships. If you are interested please contact Prof. Jürgen Götz or Dr. Lars Ittner by 29 October 2010.

• Partnership demonstrates the vital role of molecular imaging in combating disease

  7 June 2010: The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Life Sciences (ANSTO) and BMRI is establishing Australia's first fully dedicated medical research cyclotron and radiochemistry facility that will produce radiopharmaceuticals for the Australian imaging research community.

• "E-mental health" to assist rural areas

  6 June 2010: The internet offers huge potential to bridge the gap between mental health services and those marginalised Australians most in need, and Professors Helen Christensen and Ian Hickie have joined forces to call for a major expansion of "e-mental health" in Australia.