Neuroscience

Neuroscience is the fastest growing discipline in biomedical research and represents the largest biological research activity on the planet. It is one of the few research disciplines that encompasses a broad range of research technologies, such as molecular biology, physics, chemistry, drug design, cell culture, computing, mathematic modelling, behaviour, nano-technologies, biomechanics, and genetics. All these, in various combinations, are and will be future drivers of important breakthroughs in our understanding of how the brain works, in order to alleviate various neural health disorders, enhance neural repair and contribute to the rapidly growing fields of bio-engineering and nanotechnology.

How all multi-cellular organisms think, learn, remember, and respond to their environment relies on effective communication between neurons and their target cells. Understanding how neural circuits develop, function and are repaired is central to human and animal health. Such studies also offer the opportunity to develop agents that will improve these neural processes. Ultimately, they will lead to the development of artificial sensing and motor technologies eg remote sensor devices, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

Vision Statement

To understand the evolution, development, regeneration and function of the peripheral and central nervous systems in health and disease. To train the next generation of leading neuroscientists in Australia.

Membership

	Dr Mark Bellingham Synaptic transmission, ion currents and central pattern generation in CNS neurones		Dr Stuart Mazzone Understanding neural pathways
	Dr Nikolas Lavidis Structural and molecular factors influencing the efficacy of the nerve terminal and neural transmission		Dr Peter Noakes Molecular mechanisms that underlie synaptic development
	Dr Kerstin Fritsches Vision and visual ecology of pelagic fish and marine turtles		Dr Jim Pickles Function, development, regeneration, and pathology of the hair cells of the cochlea
	Dr Uli Siebeck Colour communication and visual perception in reef fish		Dr Ethan Scott The structure and function of behavioural circuits in zebrafish