Ali Delbaz

Dr. Ali Delbaz is a Research Fellow in Neurodegeneration at The Clem Jones Centre, Griffith University. He is currently a member of the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics (2024-present), previously serving as a member of Disability & Rehabilitation (2018-2024) and the Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery (2014-2018).

Dr. Delbaz's research focuses on the intersection of infectious diseases and neurodegenerative disorders, particularly exploring how bacterial and viral pathogens may contribute to Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions. His work centers on the olfactory system as a potential entry point for pathogens into the central nervous system, with a special emphasis on glial cell biology and neuroinflammation. His research program investigates how infections of the olfactory nerve might initiate or accelerate neurodegenerative processes, particularly in Alzheimer's disease. His publications demonstrate expertise in both neural cell biology and infectious disease mechanisms.

Analysis of Dr. Delbaz's publication record reveals a consistent research trajectory focused on the "infection hypothesis" of neurodegenerative diseases. His most recent work (2020-2022) demonstrates how various pathogens including Chlamydia pneumoniae, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Burkholderia pseudomallei can invade the central nervous system via the olfactory and trigeminal nerves. These studies provide compelling evidence for the role of bacterial infections in neurodegenerative processes, particularly Alzheimer's disease. His earlier work includes investigations into meningococcal infections of neural tissues and viral hepatitis variants.

Dr. Delbaz has secured multiple research grants including a $25,000 grant from Lucas' Papaw Foundation for "A smell clinic for early detection of Alzheimer's disease" (2023-2024), a $400,000 grant from Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation for "The Spinal Injury Project" (2023-2025), and internal funding from Menzies Health Institute Queensland for projects related to neurodegenerative disease and neurological involvement in COVID-19.

Dr. Delbaz actively supervises multiple graduate students. He serves as Principal Supervisor for several doctoral and master's projects including "The infection hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD): uncovering how infection of the olfactory nerve contributes to Alzheimer's disease in humans" and "Investigating α-Synuclein Interactions and Therapeutic Targets at Synaptic and Non-Synaptic Membranes." He has successfully completed supervision of at least one Master's student, Hardus Nicolaas Redelinghuys, whose thesis focused on "Differential Gene Expression in Glial Cells in Response to Neuroinflammatory Stimuli." His supervision portfolio spans topics from hypoxia effects on the olfactory system to periodontitis interactions with neurodegenerative diseases.

His laboratory work is centered at The Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, where he investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms linking infections to neurodegenerative processes. His team employs advanced techniques including live cell imaging, in vitro neural models, and molecular analysis of glial cell responses to pathogens. His research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 for Good Health and Well-Being, addressing critical questions about preventable causes of neurodegenerative diseases.