Professor Victor Fung is a leading academic in neurology and motor control at the Sydney Medical School , University of Sydney. He serves as Director of the Movement Disorders Unit at Westmead Hospital and holds prominent roles in the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (President) and the Asia Pacific Affairs Committee of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Neurologists. His research focuses on Parkinson's disease , dystonia , tremor , and movement disorder genetics , with over 250 peer-reviewed publications and an h-index of 61. His work spans Clinical trials for Parkinson's treatments (e.g., foslevodopa/foscarbidopa infusion, incobotulinumtoxinA) Genetic studies on dystonia and Parkinsonism Neurophysiological assessments of tremor and balance Development of screening tools for dystonia and Parkinson's complications Key article trends highlight genetic diversity in dystonia, neuroinflammatory mechanisms in tremor, and behavioral neurology in Parkinson's disease. He contributes to editorial boards of npj Parkinson's Disease , Journal of Clinical Movement Disorders , and Faculty Opinions . While no explicit student lists are provided, his collaborations span global institutions. His clinical work at Westmead Hospital addresses device-assisted therapies and complex movement disorders.
Dr. Rebecca San Gil is a Lecturer at the School of Medical Sciences , University of Sydney, Australia. She leads the NeuroMolecular Discovery Group within the Neuroscience theme and is a member of the Charles Perkins Centre . Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases such as motor neuron disease (MND) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) , with an emphasis on protein aggregation, stress responses, and therapeutic discovery. PhD, University of Wollongong (2018) Postdoctoral Research, Queensland Brain Institute (2018–2025) Endeavour Research Fellow (University College London) Her research spans molecular biology , neurosciences , and biochemistry , integrating techniques like genome-wide CRISPR screening , multi-omics analysis , and translational research . Key themes include the role of molecular chaperones , heat shock response , and protein folding dynamics in mitigating neurodegeneration. Dr. San Gil’s recent publications (2016–2025) highlight her work on TDP-43 pathology , heat shock proteins , and therapeutic strategies across ALS/FTD models. She has received awards such as the FightMND Early Career Research Fellow and the Sydney Dementia Network Future Research Leader Award (Travel Support Scheme) in 2025. Scientific Awards : FightMND Early Career Research Fellow, Sydney Dementia Network Future Research Leader Award (2025) Dr. San Gil actively mentors researchers like Celine CHYE and collaborates with institutions globally. Her team welcomes new members to explore neurodegenerative disease biology and therapeutic discovery .
Hongfu Sun is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Engineering, University of Newcastle. His research focuses on innovating MRI mechanisms for clinical and research applications, particularly in Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM). He is internationally recognized as a pioneer in QSM and integrates MR physics, signal processing, and AI for medical imaging advancements. Sun holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Alberta, Canada. Professional Experience: Senior Lecturer at University of Newcastle (current) ARC DECRA Research Fellow at University of Queensland (2021–2023) Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Calgary (2015–2019) Research Interests: Focuses on MRI innovation, including QSM, deep learning for medical imaging, and AI-driven reconstruction techniques. His work addresses challenges like sub-millimeter resolution and artifact reduction in MRI. Recent projects involve generative AI models for MRI analysis and accelerated quantitative imaging methods. Grants and Funding: AU$1.69M in grants, including a 2021 ARC DECRA for microscopic MRI techniques 2024 NHMRC grant for Parkinson’s disease MRI diagnostics Teaching: Course coordinator for Medical Imaging and Signal Processing at University of Newcastle Focus on biomedical imaging, computational methods, and signal analysis Labs/Teams: Leads research in MRI innovation, collaborating on QSM, deep learning applications, and translational imaging techniques. Active in interdisciplinary projects combining physics, AI, and clinical medicine.
Dr. Maryam Ghahramani is a Senior Lecturer in AI & Robotics at the Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Canberra, Australia. She holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering from Shiraz University, Iran, and a PhD in Biometric Gait Analysis from the University of Wollongong, Australia. Biomedical Engineering Researcher Machine Learning Specialist Human Motion Analysis Expert Her research focuses on applying machine learning to human motion analysis for rehabilitation purposes, particularly in three key areas: Parkinson's Disease: Using fNIRS and machine learning for disease detection and motor function assessment Fall Prevention: Analyzing postural sway and risk of falls in older adults Spatial Disorientation: Studying balance in hypoxic aviation environments Recent publications demonstrate her work at the intersection of biomedical engineering, machine learning, and clinical rehabilitation. Current projects include: Young Onset Dementia Detection with 12-week Home-Based Exercise Programs Mild Hypoxia Analysis for Aviation Safety Balancing Mat Performance Evaluation
Ibrahim RADWAN is an Associate Professor in Machine Learning/AI and Robotics at the University of Canberra. His research focuses on advancing AI techniques in areas such as human pose estimation, affective computing, and healthcare technology. He leads projects addressing challenges in robotics, autonomous systems, and human behavior analysis. RADWAN’s work bridges theory and application, contributing to fields like sports science, medical diagnostics, and security through innovative machine learning approaches. Research Projects: Assistive Technologies for Young People Safety on Two-Wheelers AI-Based Methods for Driver Sentiment and Mood Prediction Robotics Applications in Organic Waste Management Research Interests: RADWAN’s expertise spans human pose reconstruction , nonverbal behavior analysis , and EEG-based healthcare diagnostics . He pioneers methods for real-world applications such as: 6G Extended Reality systems using wearable sensors Multimodal deception detection via motion analysis Affective computing for mood and emotion inference Publications: His recent work emphasizes trends in spatiotemporal data analysis, few-shot learning, and synthetic data applications in healthcare and robotics. Key contributions include novel architectures like CrossFormer for 3D pose estimation and Resanet for dense prediction tasks. Advising & Grants: RADWAN supervises PhD students and has secured grants for projects integrating AI with robotics and medical technology. His team collaborates on interdisciplinary challenges, including railway safety and surgical instrument tracking. Labs/Teams: Part of the AI and Robotics research group at the University of Canberra, contributing to cutting-edge solutions in autonomous systems and human-centered AI.
Associate Professor Alfred Huah-Syn Wong is a finance and economics academic at Charles Sturt University's School of Business. With a PhD in Finance from RMIT University and Masters in Financial Management from the University of Queensland, he teaches undergraduate courses in Financial Management, Financial Planning, and Treasury Risk Management, plus postgraduate courses in Corporate Treasury Management and Financial Planning. His research spans Asset Pricing, Risk Management, ESG Finance, Renewable Energy Economics, and Regional Healthcare Economics . Wong actively contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through sustainable finance research and regional development projects. Recent work focuses on renewable energy microgrids for regional Australia and healthcare access disparities during the pandemic. His publication trends reveal growing emphasis on sustainable finance (2023-2025), with key themes in corporate governance, ESG integration, and regional economic resilience. Recent articles address MENA environmental governance, Australian healthcare access, and Industry 4.0 workforce adaptation. CSU PhD Writing Up Award 2010 ($5,000) CSU Competitive Grant Award 2010 ($10,191) RMIT University Research Prize 2010 ($1,000) CSU Seed Grant 2007 ($3,000) MRFF Rapid Applied Translation Grant 2024 Vice Chancellor’s Research Awards 2024 Wong supervises research aligned with regional development, evidenced by his role in the Ageing Well Research Group and Aspro Ageing Well projects. His grants portfolio includes the $3,000 CSU Seed Grant (2007), multiple 2023-2024 sustainability grants, and industry partnerships with Mid North Coast Health District. Current work focuses on renewable energy microgrids and Parkinson's disease nursing advocacy. He leads the Business Workforce Wellness Research Unit and collaborates with the Regional Entrepreneurship Research Group. Recent activities include the 2024 Regulating for Decent Work Conference and 2023 launch of Australian Microgrids research, demonstrating strong industry engagement in regional economic development.
Professor Rajesh Ramanathan is a renowned interdisciplinary scientist and research leader at RMIT University's School of Science. He holds the rank of Professor and co-leads the NanoBiotechnology Research Lab (NBRL). His work focuses on nanotechnology, materials chemistry, and sensor development for healthcare applications, with over 85 peer-reviewed publications and 20 patents. He has secured AUD $22 million in research funding and mentored 16 PhD students and 3 postdocs. Education: PhD in Science (RMIT University, 2012), Master of Biotechnology (RMIT, 2006), and Bachelor of Science (Ruia College, 2004). Awards include the Hartung Lecturer Award (2022), Rising Star Award (2022), and Philip Law Postdoctoral Award (2019). Research interests span nanobiotechnology, nanozymes, antimicrobial surfaces, and sensors for environmental/clinical analytes. He leads projects in supercapacitor materials, inflammation theranostics, and UV protection textiles. Current students include Pyria Mariathomas (antibacterial nanozymes) and Shalu Yadav (2D nanocomposites for viral biomarkers). Professional roles include President of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute VIC Branch and leadership roles in the Australian Nanotechnology Network. His work bridges academia and industry, with collaborations in biomedical imaging and sensor commercialization.
Dr. Premdass Ramdas is a Senior Lecturer at Monash University Malaysia, affiliated with the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He joined in October 2023 with over 13 years of experience in medical biotechnology and health sciences, focusing on cancer research and bioactive natural compounds. PhD in Cancer Proteomics and Genomics, University of Malaya MSc in Medical Sciences (Cancer Genomics and Natural Products), International Medical University BSc with First-Class Honors His research focuses on the anticancer mechanisms of tocotrienols, utilizing proteomics, genomics, bioinformatics, and mouse models. He explores epigenetics, nutrigenomics, RNA/microRNA analysis, exosome biology, and AI-driven big data in cancer. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals in health and well-being. Recent publications show a strong trend in systematic reviews and mechanistic studies on vitamin E analogues in cancer, particularly colorectal and breast cancers. His research integrates molecular biology with computational approaches, including molecular docking and data mining. First-class honors for BSc Malaysian Palm Oil Board Scholarship for MSc MyBrain15 Scholarship for PhD Dr. Ramdas has secured research grants such as FRGS and actively supervises research projects. He is currently accepting PhD students and has co-supervised non-HDR reviews, indicating active mentorship. He has no known labs or teams explicitly mentioned, but collaborates extensively, particularly with Prof. Radhakrishnan A.K.
Scientia Professor Bernard Balleine is a leading academic in behavioral and cognitive neuroscience at the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) , affiliated with the School of Psychology . His career spans prestigious institutions including the University of Cambridge, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the University of Sydney. He has held senior research fellowships (e.g., NHMRC, NIMH) and directed research at UCLA’s Brain Research Institute. Education: BA (1st class honours, University Medal, University of Sydney, 1988), PhD (University of Cambridge, 1992) Research Interests: Balleine’s work focuses on the neural bases of goal-directed action, habit formation, and decision-making, with a strong emphasis on corticostriatal circuits, dopamine signaling, and motivational systems. His studies explore how predictive learning, reward processing, and neural plasticity interact to shape behavior, particularly in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., addiction, OCD, Alzheimer’s). Scientific Trends: Recent publications analyze striatal dopamine dynamics, thalamostriatal pathways, and genetic models of cognitive dysfunction. His 2024 work highlights neural circuits governing action selection, while 2023 studies link TBI to apathy and Alzheimer’s to goal-directed impairments. Awards: Fellow of the American Psychological Association (2004), Australian Laureate Fellowship (2009), NHMRC Senior Principal Research Fellow (2015), NIMH Senior Investigator (2020) Grants & Collaborations: Funded by the Australian Research Council and NHMRC, with interdisciplinary collaborations in neuroethics, addiction studies, and cognitive neuropsychology. His lab integrates molecular, behavioral, and computational approaches to investigate neural mechanisms of action control.
Dr. Ong Yong Sze is a Lecturer at Monash University Malaysia’s School of Pharmacy, specializing in precision oncology and nanomedicine. She holds a PhD in Pharmacology (2019) and a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (2013), both from Universiti Putra Malaysia. Her research focuses on cancer nanomedicine, natural product-based therapeutics, and environmental health risk assessment, with a commitment to developing low-toxicity therapies and addressing environmental pollutants’ health impacts. She has received prestigious awards, including the PeerJ Award for Best Poster (2021) and Oral Presentation Award (2025). Education: PhD in Pharmacology, Universiti Putra Malaysia (2019) Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia (2013) Research Interests: Her work bridges nanotechnology, natural pharmacology, and toxicity studies. Key areas include engineering targeted nanoparticle drug delivery systems, exploring plant-derived anticancer compounds, and evaluating environmental pollutants like microplastics. Her interdisciplinary approach aims to enhance therapy precision while ensuring patient safety. Grants & Projects: She leads and collaborates on projects such as Development of a 3D Metastatic Breast Cancer-on-Chip Model (2023–2025) and Engkabang as High-Quality Cosmeceuticals (2023–2026), focusing on drug delivery, gut health, and functional foods. Lab & Teams: Her lab integrates nanomedicine and environmental toxicology, with collaborations spanning Malaysia, Portugal, and Taiwan. She actively organizes workshops on cell culture and drug discovery, furthering academic engagement.
Professor Colin Pouton is Theme Leader for Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics at Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. His research spans stem cell applications in drug discovery, mRNA therapeutic delivery systems, and lipid-based formulations. He focuses on differentiating pluripotent stem cells into brain cells for modeling neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. His team designs advanced lipid nanoparticle systems for nucleic acid delivery and oral peptide administration. Professor Pouton teaches extensively in Monash's BPharm, MPharm, and BPharm Sci programs, covering virology, biotechnology, and molecular biology. He currently supervises 16 PhD students and contributes to curriculum development. His research has secured multiple grants for mRNA vaccine development, including the Victorian Pre-clinical mRNA Innovation Incubator project. Recent publications explore nanoparticle stabilization strategies and immune response mechanisms in mRNA vaccines.
Andrew Care is a Senior Lecturer and Academic Director of the Biologics Innovation Facility (BIF) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), within the School of Life Sciences. He holds a PhD in Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences from Macquarie University and has held prestigious fellowships, including the Cancer Institute NSW Early Career Fellowship and UTS Chancellor's Research Fellowship. His research focuses on combining synthetic biology and nanomedicine to engineer biologically-derived nanoparticles for drug delivery and vaccines. He is actively involved in industry collaborations, notably as a Chief Investigator in the ARC ITRC IDEAL Hub. Teaching and leadership roles include Program Director for the Biomedical Engineering program and coordination of the Australasian Synthetic Biology Challenge, which fosters student innovation. He has been recognized with a UTS Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Citation and multiple Dean’s Awards for integrating Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and enhancing student engagement. His contributions to education and research excellence have earned awards for collaboration and partnership. Research interests span nanoparticle engineering, neurodegenerative disease therapies, and biomanufacturing. Notable projects include developing an Alzheimer’s vaccine using encapsulin protein cages and investigating nanoparticle interactions in brain cells. His work bridges academia and industry, emphasizing translational applications in healthcare. Awards: UTS Vice-Chancellor’s Research Excellence Award (2024), UTS Teaching Citation (2024), Multiple Dean’s Awards for Science Initiative, Innovation, and Student Experience. Leadership: Academic Lead of BIF, Editor of SYNTHESIS Magazine, and EMCR Representative in research committees. Grants: Providence Foundation Project Grant (2023), ARC IDEAL Hub funding. Andrew’s labs, including the Biologics Innovation Facility, provide advanced training in biomanufacturing and nanomedicine, equipping students and professionals for industry roles. His research aims to address unmet clinical needs through innovative biomedical solutions.
Professor Michael Breakspear is an internationally recognized leader in computational neuroscience, brain imaging, and translational neurotechnology at the University of Newcastle's School of Psychological Sciences. His research bridges complex systems theory, mathematical modeling, and clinical neuroscience to advance understanding of brain dynamics in health and disease through interdisciplinary collaboration across mathematics, physics, neuroimaging, psychiatry, and artificial intelligence. Professor Breakspear holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Sydney, along with multiple undergraduate degrees including a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. His academic journey includes professorial appointments at the University of Sydney (School of Physics), University of Queensland (School of Psychiatry), and University of Western Sydney (School of Psychiatry), where he progressed from Post-doctoral Research Fellow to Associate Professor. Current: Professor, University of Newcastle, School of Psychological Sciences 2017-present: Principal Research Fellow, National Health & Medical Research Council 2017-present: Senior Scientist and Head, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute 2012-2017: Professor (adjunct), University of Sydney, School of Physics 2011-present: Professor (adjunct), University of Queensland, School of Psychiatry 2007-2012: Associate Professor, University of Western Sydney, School of Psychiatry Professor Breakspear's research program integrates expertise across mathematics, physics, neuroimaging, psychiatry, and artificial intelligence. His core expertise includes computational neuroscience (modeling brain dynamics using nonlinear systems theory), neuroimaging and connectomics (pioneering methods to analyze brain networks), brain disorders and mental health (applying computational models to disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder), and neurotechnology and AI (developing machine learning techniques for imaging biomarkers). His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on brain dynamics, neuroimaging techniques, and applications to psychiatric and neurological disorders. His work spans theoretical frameworks to clinical applications, with particular emphasis on understanding the neural basis of mood disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and psychosis, employing advanced computational approaches to uncover fundamental principles of brain organization and dysfunction. Senior Researcher Award (2017) Principal Research Fellow, National Health & Medical Research Council (2017-present) Professor Breakspear actively collaborates with clinical researchers, engineers, and technology developers to translate theoretical frameworks into practical diagnostic and therapeutic innovations. He provides leadership in training programs at the nexus of neuroscience, mathematics, and data science, fostering the next generation of interdisciplinary researchers through mentorship and collaborative projects that bridge theoretical and clinical domains.
Dr Hannah Gullo is a Senior Research Fellow at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences , The University of Queensland . With a focus on neurorehabilitation, her work spans traumatic brain injury, stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and neurodevelopmental conditions. Masters (Coursework) of Occupational Therapy Studies, The University of Queensland Bachelor of Science, The University of Queensland Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland Her research interests include: Cognitive assessment and intervention - exploring relationships between cognitive impairment, depression, and fatigue Technology-enhanced therapy - leveraging smartphones, smartwatches, and tele-rehabilitation Recent publications highlight her work in CO-OP approaches for Parkinson's , technology-enabled rehabilitation , and technology accessibility for vision impairment . Awards include NHMRC MRFF PPHR grants and Advance Queensland Women's Academic Fund support. She supervises PhD projects on: Smart technology for cognitive rehabilitation Remote occupational therapy delivery Metacognitive strategies in neurorehabilitation Current funding (2024-2027) focuses on co-creating virtual environments for brain injury recovery. She leads feasibility trials and validation studies in cognitive assessment tools.
Professor Sandy Brauer, Deputy Executive Dean at The University of Queensland's Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences, is a leading researcher in neurorehabilitation, aging, and balance disorders. Her work focuses on improving postural control, gait, and physical activity in stroke survivors and individuals with neurological conditions. Executive Leadership: Deputy Executive Dean, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences Research Center: Director of Centre for Neurorehabilitation, Ageing and Balance Research Her research addresses impaired postural control's devastating impacts, developing physiotherapy techniques and cost-effectiveness analyses for clinical translation. Current themes include: Post-stroke physical activity recovery Dual-task training for Parkinson's patients Community mobility challenges SMART Arm device for stroke rehabilitation Hospital fall prevention Professor Brauer's recent work explores digital health implementations, machine learning for rehabilitation outcomes, and sensory impairments in neurological populations. She actively supervises PhD candidates in movement science and biomechanics. Key affiliations include: Queensland University Technology collaborations Sonova AG research on hearing-loss balance issues NHMRC and ARC funded projects
