The Hilliard lab is interested in recruiting talented PhD students and Postdocs to join our team. If you're interested in our research, please reach out to Massimo Hilliard at m.hilliard@uq.edu.au.
Group leader
Professor Massimo Hilliard
Professorial Research Fellow
Queensland Brain Institute
Faculty of Health, Medicine & Behavioural Sciences
Affiliate of the Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research
0404 784 264
Massimo Hilliard
m.hilliard@uq.edu.au
Neuronal degeneration & regeneration
The Lab investigates the molecular mechanisms regulating neuronal development, maintenance and repair, using Caenorhabditis elegans and rodents as model systems. The lab’s research is focused on understanding how neurons develop and can be repaired following injuries, and how viruses impact neurons and the nervous system. The group’s core research areas include:
- Neuronal repair & regeneration – uncovering how damaged axons regenerate and can be repaired following severing injuries
- Neuronal maintenance & degeneration – identifying how axons preserve their integrity and function throughout the life of an organism
- Viral impact on neurons – discovering how viruses affect the nervous system, altering neuronal function and circuitry.
Research breakthroughs
By integrating molecular biology, genetics, advanced imaging and laser-based microsurgery, the Hilliard Lab has made significant discoveries in neurodegeneration and nerve repair.
Key research breakthroughs include:
Understanding these natural repair mechanisms may inform future strategies to enhance nerve repair and recovery in clinical settings, including potential applications in neurodegenerative disease.
Latest news
- 21 May 2026
- 8 January 2026
- 8 June 2023
- 17 March 2022
- 9 March 2022