Neurosciences and mental health

Research on the workings of the brain and the nervous system at the Sydney Medical School cover a complex span of enquiry from structure to function of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscle, through genetics, biochemistry and physiology to pharmacology and pathology. While our neurophysiologists diagnose human motor control disorders and our clinical neuroscientists investigate and treat the neuromuscular disorders that are a major cause of ongoing disability in childhood, others investigate diseases of the brain and mind, including substance abuse, clinical depression and dementia.

Our researchers demonstrate a wide range of expertise in both basic and clinical science, from the molecule through to systems approaches and on to the diagnosis and management of patients with neurological and psychiatric diseases. Researchers and therapists in all areas work closely to ensure that laboratory discoveries today are translated into real answers for affected patients and their families tomorrow.

Some of the research questions we are focusing upon include:

Which genes contribute to athletic performance and which ones cause muscular dystrophy and other muscle wasting diseases?

What goes wrong in the forgetful brain?

Can we prevent stroke and treat it when it occurs?

Why do some people suffer bipolar disorder and others schizophrenia?

Why do we experience pain and why do pain killers stop working?

Theme Co-leaders

Professor Bernard Balleine and Associate Professor Anthony Harris

Find a Researcher

Looking for a researcher or a PhD supervisor? Take a look at the "Find a Researcher" page to search for our world-class neuroscience and mental health researchers.

Latest News

Australia Day Honours 2012
Professor Kathryn North and Professor Garry Walter have been conferred as Members (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia. more

Neuroscience and Mental Health Theme Development Day
Over 200 people attended our most recent Neuroscience and Mental Health Theme Development Day on September 30th, 2011. The day was a great success, and gave researchers and students the opportunity to learn about current Neuroscience and Mental Health research and develop future collaborations. (more)

Professor Ian Hickie appointed as Mental Health Commissioner
Professor Ian Hickie, Executive Director of the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Research Institute, has been named as one of eight commissioners to lead Australia's first National Mental Health Commission. (more)

NHMRC success for Theme members
Professor Jillian Kril, Associate Professor Lars Ittner and Professor Jurgen Goetz, along with colleagues from UNSW and Neuroscience Research Australia, were awarded a NHMRC program grant to study frontotemporal dementia and motor degenerative syndromes. The grants funding totals $11,011,390 over five years 2013-2017.

Brain and Mind Research Institute works to beat dementia
The ABC's 7.30 Report covered Associate Professor Sharon Naismith's research investigating whether early intervention programs promoting mind health can reduce cognitive decline. The segment aired on 13th December 2011. (view the transcript here)

2011 Queen's Birthday honours for the University of Sydney
Congratulations to Clinical Associate Professor Catherine Storey. Associate Professor Storey received the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to medicine in the field of neurology, to stroke education, and to professional associations.

Brain and Mind Research Institute

The University's Brain and Mind Research Institute brings together patients, support groups and front-line carers with scientists and clinicians working in neurosciences and brain research, providing hope for those affected by diseases of the brain and mind, including substance abuse, clinical depression and dementia. (Click here to visit the BMRI website)