Erin Campbell

Dr. Erin Campbell is a behavioral neuroscientist at the University of Newcastle, currently holding a DECRA Fellowship within the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy. With a career spanning multiple prestigious institutions including the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and University of Melbourne, her research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying alcohol use disorder and stress-related relapse. Her work employs advanced techniques like optogenetics, chemogenetics, and neural tracing to map brain circuits involved in addiction and compulsive behaviors.

• PhD in Anatomy from University of Newcastle
• BPsych (Hons) from University of Newcastle

Dr. Campbell's research investigates alcohol-seeking relapse mechanisms, stress-induced binge eating, and orexin system functionality. Her work spans neural circuit mapping, neurotransmitter analysis, and translational studies with clinical implications. She's particularly interested in context-induced relapse, sex differences in addiction, and environmental enrichment effects on recovery.

Her publication record shows a strong focus on insular cortex, nucleus accumbens shell, and lateral hypothalamus research. Key themes include glutamatergic projections, opioid receptor antagonists, and serotonin receptor targets. Her recent grant funding includes NARSAD Young Investigator Grants and DECRA Fellowship for AUD research.

• 2025: $107,931 NARSAD grant for serotonin-targeted AUD treatments
• 2022: $437,403 ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award
• 2019: $772,521 NHMRC project grant
• 2018: $100,000 Perpetual Limited grant for suvorexant AUD research

Dr. Campbell actively supervises 8 completed and 4 ongoing research projects, mentoring students in behavioral neuroscience, stress-related compulsivity, and reward-seeking mechanisms. Her teaching experience includes guest lectures at Victoria University and University of Melbourne on neuroscience of behavior and clinical genetics.