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Dr. Sheng-Jian Ji is a Tenured Associate Professor at the School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, China. He also serves as the Academic Vice President of Shude Academy and was previously the first Deputy Director of Research and Graduate Affairs in the Department of Biology at SUSTech (2016-2018). As a leading neuroscientist specializing in RNA modification and neural development, Dr. Ji has established an internationally recognized research program. Dr. Ji's educational background includes: 2003-2007: Postdoctoral Fellow, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Neurobiology 1998-2003: PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences 1994-1998: Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Yantai University Department of Biochemistry Dr. Ji's research primarily focuses on developmental neurobiology, with particular emphasis on post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms including RNA modification and local translation of mRNA in axons. His laboratory is recognized as one of the leading international groups studying how mRNA modification (particularly m6A and m5C) regulates neural development and function. Through innovative approaches combining molecular biology, cell biology, and microfluidic technologies, his team has revealed important insights into axon growth, dendrite maintenance, cortical neurogenesis, and retinal development. His publication record shows a clear trajectory from fundamental mechanisms of RNA modification to applications in understanding neurological disorders and aging. Recent work has expanded into aging-related neural decline, cognitive functions, and potential therapeutic targets for neurological conditions. Dr. Ji has received numerous prestigious awards: 2020, 2016: SUSTech Excellent College Mentor 2020: SUSTech Biology Department Outstanding Service Award 2019: Guangdong Province Talent Youyue Card A 2017: Guangdong Provincial Professor of Neurobiology 2013: Jiangsu Distinguished Professor (Nanjing University) 2011: National Natural Science Award Second Prize (third contributor) As an educator, Dr. Ji teaches undergraduate Neurobiology and graduate Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology courses. He actively mentors students, with recent master's graduates including Yuan Jiaxin and Zhang Pingrui. His laboratory recruits postdoctoral fellows (with salaries of 335,000+ RMB annually), research assistants, and graduate students, providing comprehensive training in molecular techniques, neuronal cell culture, microfluidics, and omics approaches. Dr. Ji leads a vibrant research team that collaborates both within SUSTech and internationally. His work continues to advance understanding of RNA modification in neural development, function, and aging, with recent progress highlighted in June 2025.

• Developmental Neurobiology
• RNA Modification
• Post-transcriptional Regulation
• +4 more

Zaza Lyons is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Psychiatry within the UWA Medical School at The University of Western Australia. Their work focuses on medical education, particularly addressing recruitment of medical students into psychiatry and improving student well-being through programs like mindfulness initiatives. They have developed tools such as the Here and Now Aboriginal Assessment (HANAA) to address Indigenous mental health needs. Research interests include reducing stigma around psychiatry as a career choice, evaluating enrichment programs, and understanding barriers to mental health service utilization among medical students. Lyons has contributed to 25 publications, with recent work highlighting pandemic impacts on student mental health and program effectiveness evaluations. No specific scientific awards are listed, though their work has garnered significant citations. They collaborate on projects involving cross-disciplinary teams and have advised on curriculum development for psychiatry training. Their research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being.

• Medical Education
• Psychiatry Recruitment
• Medical Student Well-being
• +4 more

Professor Catherine Hawke is a faculty member at the University of Sydney within the School of Rural Health (Dubbo/Orange) under the Faculty of Medicine and Health. She serves as Head of Clinical School and specializes in Population Health , evidence-based medicine , and research methods . Her research focuses on Adolescent Health , Epidemiology , and Public Health , with particular attention to Obesity , Diabetes , Cardiovascular Disease , and Healthy Ageing . Recent work includes rural STEMI care optimization and mental health impacts of climate change. Key Themes : Rural health disparities Hormonal influences on adolescent development Health system navigation Climate change resilience Articles Trends : Her publications emphasize adolescent endocrinology , rural healthcare innovation , and public health policy , often employing longitudinal studies and mixed-methods research .

• Adolescent Health
• Epidemiology
• Evidence-Based Medicine
• +9 more

Natalie Townsend is a Research Executive Manager at the Centre for Women’s Health Research , affiliated with the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health at the University of Newcastle . Holding a Bachelor of Psychology (Hons 1) and a Master of Clinical Epidemiology (Distinction) , she has over a decade of experience in women's health research, specializing in mental health and the impact of violence and abuse across the lifespan. Education: Bachelor of Psychology (Hons 1), University of Newcastle Master of Clinical Epidemiology (Distinction), University of Newcastle Her research leverages longitudinal methods , survey development , and health services research to address critical issues like adverse childhood experiences , bullying , and health disparities in marginalized populations. She has contributed to 11 journal articles and 29 reports , including studies on convergence insufficiency , healthcare costs , and COVID-19’s impact on women . Key funding sources include the Department of Health and Aged Care ($8.5M) and ANROWS ($295K), supporting her work on violence research and health policy . Her collaborations span institutions like the National Mental Health Commission and The Sax Institute , focusing on translating research into policy and public health communication .

• Epidemiology
• Mental Health
• Public Health
• +4 more

Paul Liknaitzky is a Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Clinical Psychedelic Lab at Monash University's Department of Psychiatry. He leads Australia's largest psychedelic research group and pioneered clinical psychedelic research in the country, establishing the first psychedelic lab and therapist training programs. His work focuses on psychedelic therapies for mood disorders, addiction, PTSD, and OCD, with notable contributions to psilocybin-anxiety treatment trials and psychedelic-augmented VR therapies. He has secured industry funding and co-founded Australia's first psychedelic-assisted therapy clinic. Affiliations: Honorary Research Fellow at Swinburne University and University of Melbourne Education: PhD in Psychological Sciences (University of Melbourne), BSc Neuroscience (University of Western Australia) Research interests include novel psychedelic applications, therapist training, treatment accessibility, and risk assessment. He has led 6 major projects, including trials for MDMA-assisted therapy and psychedelic interventions for anorexia nervosa. His 23 publications cover topics like psychedelic safety, regulatory pathways, and patient experiences. In 2024, he received the Exceptional Achievement Prize. Liknaitzky collaborates internationally and advises on psychedelic policy for government and industry.

• Psychedelic medicine
• Mood Disorders
• Addiction
• +5 more

Professor Cynthia Shannon Weickert, BA MPhil PhD, holds the Macquarie Group Foundation Chair of Schizophrenia Research at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). This joint position spans the Schizophrenia Research Institute, UNSW, and Neuroscience Research Australia. Her work has redefined schizophrenia as a neurodevelopmental disorder, with groundbreaking research on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), estrogen receptors, and postnatal recruitment of cortical inhibitory neurons. Her research bridges molecular neuroscience and psychiatry, challenging assumptions about human brain development, sex-based differences, and synaptic pruning. She is based in the Schizophrenia Research Laboratory at Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW 2031, and can be contacted at 02 9399 1117.

• Neuroscience
• Schizophrenia Research
• Molecular Human Cortical Development
• +7 more

Dr. Cassandra Thomson is a Lecturer in Dementia Studies at the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania. Her work bridges clinical psychology and gerontology, focusing on older adult mental health, dementia care, and neuroethical implications of interventions like deep brain stimulation (DBS). She holds a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) from Monash University and has over a decade of experience in clinical research across institutions including the Alfred Hospital and Swinburne University. Education : Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology), Monash University (2016-2020) Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology), RMIT University (2012) Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) & Diploma of Music (Practical), University of Melbourne (2008-2010) Research Interests : Dr. Thomson explores psychosocial interventions for neurological disorders, caregiver wellbeing, and the ethical and relational impacts of neurotechnologies. Her work emphasizes qualitative methods to understand patient and clinician perspectives on treatments like DBS. Recent Research Trends : Her articles address DBS outcomes in Parkinson’s disease and treatment-resistant depression, emphasizing identity changes and caregiver dynamics. More recent work investigates nature-based interventions for dementia (e.g., the Venture Out program) and their community impacts. Awards & Recognition : Helen Bartlett Prize for Innovation in Ageing Research (2023) Early Career Researcher Travel Bursary (2024) Best Abstract Award, International Neuroethics Society (2020) Teaching & Supervision : She coordinates postgraduate units in dementia care and mental health in older adults, mentoring HDR students in areas like nature therapy for dementia and brain health services. Her supervision emphasizes geropsychology and mixed-methods research. Labs & Collaborations : Co-leads the Venture Out Research Group and chairs the Wicking Translational Research Meeting. Engaged in interdisciplinary initiatives like the ISLAND Resilience Initiative and Outdoor Health Australia Forum.

• Dementia Care
• Older Adult Mental Health
• Clinical Psychology
• +7 more

Hiba Jebeile is a Research Fellow at the University of Sydney’s Children’s Hospital Westmead Clinical School, affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and Health (FMH). She holds memberships in the Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies and the Charles Perkins Centre. Her research focuses on adolescent obesity treatment, dietary interventions, and the intersection of obesity with eating disorders and mental health. She leads the EDIT Collaboration, a global initiative analyzing eating disorder risks in weight management programs. Education: BMedSci, BBus(Mgt), MNutrDiet, PhD. Current projects include the Fast Track to Health trial (evaluating intermittent energy restriction in adolescents) and screening protocols for eating disorder risks during weight management. She has been awarded multiple honors, including the 2022 Rosalind Franklin Society Award and the 2019 New Researcher Award from Dietitians Australia. Her work emphasizes psychosocial outcomes, such as depression and self-esteem, in obesity treatment. Collaborations span Australia and internationally, with a focus on pediatric clinical research and public health policy.

• Adolescent health
• Obesity
• Eating disorders
• +3 more

Professor Kym Rae is a leading academic in Indigenous maternal and infant health at the University of Queensland , affiliated with the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences and Mater Research Institute . Her work bridges clinical research, community engagement, and policy development to address health disparities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations. PhD in reproductive physiology (2007) Director of Gomeroi gaaynggal program (2007–2019) Transitioned programs to community control in 2019 Current Professor role since 2020 Her research interests span maternal mental health, nutrition, pregnancy outcomes, and chronic disease prevention in Indigenous communities. She pioneered mHealth tools and ArtsHealth programs for culturally sensitive health education. Recent work includes longitudinal studies on infant microbiomes and stillbirth perceptions. Professor Rae has secured over $14 million in grants , including a NHMRC Clinical Trial and Cohort Scheme grant ($4.7M) in 2023. Her findings highlight critical issues like antenatal mental health burdens and high rates of gestational diabetes in Indigenous women. She mentors a diverse team and advocates for co-designed research. Scientific Awards : Vice Regal Patronage of the Governor General David Hurley She supervises PhD and Master’s students in areas such as metabolic disease management, breastfeeding barriers, and resistance training for wellbeing. Her work emphasizes community self-determination and sustainable health improvements through capacity-building initiatives.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child health and wellbeing
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural determinants of health
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander public health and wellbeing
• +9 more

Professor Nola Ries is a distinguished legal scholar at the University of Technology Sydney's Faculty of Law, where she serves as Theme Leader for Law, Ethics & Regulation within the UTS Ageing Research Collaborative. She is a co-founder of the Dementia Law Network and actively contributes to the UTS Medical Research Ethics Committee. Her interdisciplinary work bridges legal scholarship with health policy and aging research. PhD (Behavioural Science) - University of Newcastle, Australia Master of Laws - University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada Master of Public Administration - University of Victoria, Canada Juris Doctor - University of Victoria, Canada Bachelor of Arts (First Class Honours) - University of Alberta, Canada Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales Former Solicitor and Barrister of the Law Society of British Columbia, Canada Professor Ries specializes in law, health and aging with particular expertise in dementia law, advance care planning, and health justice partnerships. Her research critically examines legal frameworks governing health system reform, ethical research practices involving vulnerable populations, and medico-legal risks in healthcare delivery. She has pioneered work on dementia capability for legal professionals and developed innovative resources including the Advance Research Directive for future research participation planning. Her recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward practical applications of legal scholarship in aging populations, with emphasis on dementia-inclusive legal frameworks, elder abuse prevention, and regulatory reform in aged care. The research consistently integrates empirical methods to address real-world problems at the intersection of law and health. Professor Ries actively supervises PhD candidates and has developed numerous continuing education resources including online courses for legal professionals on dementia capability and training for health professionals on medico-legal risks. Her funded research portfolio includes significant projects supported by NHMRC, ARC Discovery Projects, and philanthropic organizations focused on improving legal frameworks for aging populations. She maintains active leadership roles including membership on the NHMRC National Statement Section 4 Review Working Committee and participation in the Elder Abuse Special Interest Group of the Australian Association of Gerontology. Her work directly informs policy development through submissions to government consultations on aged care reform and national dementia action plans.

• Law and Health
• Dementia Law
• Elder Law
• +8 more

Dr. Kristen McCarter is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychological Sciences at the University of Newcastle. Her research focuses on improving health outcomes for priority populations, particularly those with severe mental illness, through smoking cessation interventions, mental health services, and behavioral health strategies. She has led numerous trials, including the Quitlink initiative, which bridges mental health services with smoking cessation care. Her work emphasizes compassionate support and evidence-based practices. Education: Doctor of Philosophy (University of Newcastle) Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), University of Newcastle Research Interests: Kristen’s research addresses coexisting health risks like smoking, alcohol use, and mental health. She develops and evaluates interventions to improve nutrition in cancer patients and smoking cessation among vulnerable populations. Her work integrates clinical psychology, health behavior change, and public health strategies. Key Projects: Quitlink: A peer-supported quitline intervention for severe mental illness patients. Outback Quit Pack: Smoking cessation outreach in rural areas. EAT Trial: Nutritional interventions for head and neck cancer patients. Grants & Awards: Total funding: $5,584,321 (e.g., NHMRC, HCRA grants) Awards include NHMRC Best Publication Award and multiple supervision excellence awards. Collaborations: Works with Quit Victoria, Mind Services Australia, and SMART Recovery to translate research into practice.

• Clinical Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Mental Health Services
• +3 more

Dr Sarah Barakat is a Postdoctoral Research Associate and Acting Research Stream Lead at the InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders , affiliated with the Sydney Medical School at the University of Sydney . As a Clinical Psychologist, she combines research with clinical practice across outpatient, community, and private settings. PhD in Clinical Psychology (University of Sydney, 2023) Master of Clinical Psychology (University of Sydney) Bachelor of Psychology (First Class Honors, University of Sydney) Sarah specializes in digital interventions for eating disorders, focusing on enhancing therapeutic alliance and personalization through online platforms. Her work bridges implementation science with clinical innovation to improve accessibility of evidence-based treatments. Recent publications highlight her research on digital CBT for bulimia and binge-eating disorders, therapeutic alliance in online treatment, and implementation strategies for scalable mental health solutions. She leads the development of the InsideOut eClinic platform. Scientific Awards 2023: Rachel Bryant Waugh Excellence in Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders Award 2022: Peter Beumont Young Investigator Award 2020: Emerging Researcher Prize eHealth@Sydney Grants: 2024 MRFF grant for personalized youth mental health care, Brain and Mind Centre grant for personalized digital interventions, and Charles Perkins Centre funding for obesity-related research.

• Eating disorders
• Digital interventions
• Clinical psychology
• +3 more

Renee Ireland is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology/Clinical at the School of Psychology and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland. She holds a BPsychSc and PhD from Queensland institutions. Her research focuses on military mental health, clinical psychology interventions for anxiety disorders, and the application of online therapy in youth mental health. Key research interests include PTSD in military personnel, impacts of military deployment on families, and comparative effectiveness of digital mental health interventions versus traditional clinic-based approaches. She has contributed to defense force health policy through studies on recruitment standards and asthma management. Her publications from 2008–2016 reflect a sustained focus on online CBT development (e.g., BRAVE-ONLINE), military health outcomes, and family well-being. This work bridges clinical practice with digital innovation, emphasizing scalable mental health solutions. Renee’s research has garnered 5,427 total views and 69 downloads of outputs, including 45 views and 6 downloads in the last month, indicating ongoing scholarly engagement.

• Clinical Psychology
• Military Mental Health
• Anxiety Disorders
• +3 more

Amanda Davies is a Senior Lecturer in the Discipline of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences at Charles Sturt University, Australia. She is an active researcher and registered academic supervisor, specializing in simulation-based learning for professional training in policing and paramedicine. Her work bridges healthcare and law enforcement, focusing on decision-making, mental health response, and technological integration such as body-worn cameras. Charles Sturt University – Discipline of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences Editorial roles: Guest Editor, Policing (Oxford) ; Former Editor-in-Chief, AiPOL Australasian Institute of Policing Recipient of national and international awards in teaching and research Dr. Davies’s research centers on simulation-based learning and its application in preparing police recruits and healthcare professionals for real-world challenges. Her interests include mental health crisis intervention, incident command, and the use of technology in training. She investigates how simulation influences perception, learning outcomes, and operational readiness, particularly in high-stakes environments. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in simulation-based training, especially in law enforcement contexts. Topics such as mock court simulations, body-worn cameras, and mental health response indicate a focus on enhancing realism, accountability, and psychological preparedness. Her interdisciplinary approach combines criminology, education, psychology, and healthcare, with a methodological emphasis on qualitative and applied research. Notable awards and recognitions include: ALTC Citation (2009) Australian Management Colloquium Scholarship (2010) Best Paper, Australasian Simulation Congress (2008) Best Paper Award, ASCILITE Conference (2008) I/ITSEC Best from Around the Globe (2015) International media recognition for virtual reality in training (2017) Media feature on smart technology in policing (2024) Registered Supervisor status at CSU Dr. Davies has served as a guest editor for Policing (Oxford) and was Editor-in-Chief of AiPOL from 2018 to 2023, demonstrating leadership in academic publishing. She has contributed to policy-oriented research through commissioned reports for government bodies, suggesting involvement in grant-funded or contract research. Her editorial and applied research activities indicate sustained engagement with both academic and practitioner communities. She is involved in simulation research networks and collaborates across disciplines and institutions, particularly in Australia and the United States. Her work with I/ITSEC and international media highlights a global reach. While no formal lab is mentioned, her research is centered around simulation environments used in training for police and paramedics.

• Simulation-based Learning
• Policing
• Mental Health Crisis Intervention
• +7 more

Aino Inkeri Suomi serves as an Honorary Senior Fellow at the Institute of Child Protection Studies within the Faculty of Education and Arts at Australian Catholic University. Her research program bridges child protection systems, gambling harm, and family violence with particular focus on vulnerable populations including children in out-of-home care and welfare recipients. Her research interests span multiple interconnected domains: child protection systems, gambling harm to children and families, intimate partner violence in gambling contexts, welfare policy stigma, and mental health impacts on child wellbeing. Her work consistently applies rigorous methodologies including systematic reviews, longitudinal analyses, and cross-national meta-regressions to address complex social issues. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on child-centered approaches to gambling harm, with 7 of 15 recent articles focusing on children's experiences of parental gambling. Her work demonstrates methodological diversity across quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, systematic reviews, and experimental vignette designs. A notable trend is the integration of gambling research with family violence and child protection systems, creating interdisciplinary connections between typically separate fields. Her collaborative network includes prominent researchers such as Nicki Dowling, Nina Lucas, Peter Butterworth, and Timothy Schofield, with frequent partnerships across Australian Catholic University and external institutions. Her work with the Pathways of Care Longitudinal Study demonstrates significant engagement with national child protection data systems.

• Child Protection
• Gambling Harm
• Family Violence
• +4 more