Kelly Clemens

Associate Professor Kelly Clemens is a leading researcher at the School of Psychology, UNSW, where she serves as Associate Dean of Impact Partnerships. Her work bridges molecular neuroscience and translational addiction research, focusing on the causes and consequences of drug addiction. Having trained at the University of Otago, University of Sydney, and University of Bordeaux, she established her lab at UNSW in 2012.

Education:

• University of Otago
• University of Sydney
• Post-doctoral: University of Bordeaux, Macquarie University

Her research spans molecular epigenomics, behavioral neuroscience, and gene therapy development to combat addiction. Collaborations include School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences and Royal Hospital for Women.

Recent publications highlight her expertise in nicotine dependence, opioid exposure, and epigenetic mechanisms. Key subfields include neuroinflammation, neurodevelopmental impacts, behavioral conditioning, and translational therapies.

Scientific Awards:

• UNSW Scientia Fellowship (2018-2022)
• NHMRC Ideas Grants (2024-2027)
• ARC Discovery Project (2020-2022)
• Faculty of Science Research Grant (multiple years)

She supervises PhD and Honours students in addiction biology and collaborates with Neonatologists and industry partners on gene therapy innovations.