Queensland Brain Institute

Research Groups

Our research groups

CJCADR has 12 research groups, operating on the principle that a deep understanding of the brain is essential for advancing dementia treatments and developing new therapies. The Centre adopts a holistic approach, encompassing a wide range of basic science research to drive comprehensive advancements in dementia care.
Synaptic Neurobiology
Our research integrates biochemical, molecular, and cellular biology using both cell cultures (primary neurons and cell lines) and mouse models. We employ gene editing, advanced microscopy, proteomics, next-generation sequencing, and behavioural analysis techniques.
Associate Professor Victor Anggono
Neurogenic regulation of cognition
We focus on studying how new neurons are produced and function, generated from stem and precursor cells in the hippocampus, a region of the adult brain.
Emeritus Professor Perry Bartlett
Neurotrophins in Alzheimer's disease
We study how and why certain neurons die in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease and motor neurone disease (MND).
Professor Lizzie Coulson
Ageing and dementia therapeutic ultrasound
Our aim is to understand Alzheimer's disease (AD) initiation and progression at a molecular and cellular level using cellular and animal models, and to develop new therapies.
Professor Jürgen Götz
Molecular and cellular neurobiology
We study the molecular mechanisms that control neuron development, maintenance, and repair, using C. elegans as a model system.
Professor Massimo Hilliard
Single molecule neuroscience
Our goal is to determine how brain cells communicate and survive in health and disease.
Professor Frederic Meunier
Cognitive Neurology
We aim to relate the neuropsychological and behavioural profiles of degenerative dementias, such as Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia, to regional brain damage through neuroimaging (MRI and PET) and and microscopic study of brain tissue.
Professor Peter Nestor
Molecular and systems medicine
Our research integrates experimental, advanced imaging and mathematical modelling approaches to uncover the molecular and systems-level mechanisms driving infectious and neurodegenerative diseases.
Dr Pranesh Padmanabhan
Cognitive and clinical neuroscience
Our clinical research focuses on understanding brain-behaviour relationships and improving cognitive assessment and treatment for conditions like neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, brain tumours, and stroke.
Professor Gail Robinson
Neurodegeneration pathobiology
We aim to identify new potential therapies for fatal neurodegenerative diseases including motor neurone disease and frontotemporal dementia.
Associate Professor Adam Walker
Systemic brain rejuvenation
We investigate the mechanisms that control the lifespan of adult neurons in the brain.
Dr Tara Walker
Epigenetics and mitochondrial biology
We aim to discover new molecules and mechanisms that protect cells from the effects of mitochondrial dysfunction (a hallmark of ageing) and which may be used as new interventions to counteract neurodegenerative disease.
Associate Professor Steven Zuryn