Chris Dayas

Professor Chris Dayas is an academic in the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy at the University of Newcastle, specializing in Anatomy. He holds the title of Interim Head of School and has been a faculty member since 2007. His research focuses on understanding brain mechanisms underlying addiction, stress, and motivation, particularly the role of hypothalamic peptides like orexin/hypocretin and CART in driving drug-seeking and relapse behavior.

• Education: PhD in Neuroscience (University of Queensland, 2000), Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biology (University of Queensland)
• Postdoctoral Training: The Scripps Research Institute (2002–2006), funded by an NHMRC CJ Martin Fellowship

Research Interests: Professor Dayas investigates neural pathways involved in addiction vulnerability, stress-induced relapse, and the molecular adaptations that underpin compulsive behaviors. His work combines electrophysiology, optogenetics, and pharmacology to dissect the role of hypothalamic systems in reward and motivation.

Grants & Funding: Secured NHMRC grants for studies on hypothalamic peptides and a philanthropic grant from Glencore for an optogenetics microscopy system. Collaborations include the Priority Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health and Hunter Medical Research Institute.

• Awards: CJ Martin Biomedical Fellowship (NHMRC, 2001)
• Labs/Teams: Heads a research group using cutting-edge techniques like optogenetics to study brain circuitry.