Researcher in focus

Dr Daniel Johnstone
I am currently working as an NHMRC Early Career Fellow within the Bosch Institute. I was awarded a PhD from the University of Newcastle in 2011, where I undertook research relating to the effects of the iron overload disorder haemochromatosis on molecular systems in the brain. This was followed by post-doctoral research in bioinformatics, which primarily focused on the discovery of blood biomarkers for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.In 2012, I relocated to Sydney to join the lab of Prof. Jonathan Stone, part of the Bosch Institute and Discipline of Physiology.

My current research focusses on developing safe yet effective therapies for the treatment of age-related diseases of the central nervous system, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and macular degeneration.

I’ve long been fascinated by the complexity of the human body and eager to better understand how it works and why things go wrong. It is this curiosity that essentially guided me towards a career in medical research. The sense of discovery associated with empirical research provides a great deal of excitement and gratification, while the aim of making advances that could ultimately benefit the health and well-being of others provides a great deal of motivation and inspiration.

Outside of work, I’m a big fan of sports (go the Knights!) and enjoy travelling, playing guitar, reading about world politics and basically any outdoor activity… as well as the occasional lager with the boys.