Duncan Sinclair

Dr. Duncan Sinclair is a Senior Lecturer in Dementia Studies at the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania. His research focuses on molecular, cellular, and lifestyle factors influencing responses to stress and their links to dementia progression. He holds a PhD in Psychiatry from the University of New South Wales and has held a National Health and Medical Research Council CJ Martin ECR Fellowship (2014–2017).

Education:

• PhD in Molecular Stress Signaling in Human Psychiatric Illness, University of New South Wales (2012)
• BSc (Hons I) in Biological Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney (2003)

Research Interests: Stress resilience, neurodegenerative mechanisms, dementia risk factors, and disaster preparedness. He investigates how stress hormones and lifestyle interact with aging to affect brain health, using cell models, human tissue, and cohort studies.

Key Projects:

• ISLAND Resilience Initiative: Examines bushfire impacts on health and resilience in older adults.
• Mechanisms linking stress and Alzheimer’s pathology using human neuronal cell models.
• Education programs to reduce bushfire health risks in vulnerable communities.

Awards:

• NH&MRC CJ Martin ECR Fellowship (2014–2017)

Teaching & Supervision: Coordinates units in dementia neurobiology and supervises PhD students in stress-related dementia research.