Gavan Patrick McNally

Professor Gavan Patrick McNally is a behavioral neuroscientist at the School of Psychology, University of New South Wales. His research focuses on learning, motivation, and their clinical applications in addiction, anxiety, and mood disorders. He employs systems neuroscience approaches, integrating behavioral methods with optogenetics, chemogenetics, and in vivo imaging. Collaborations include institutions like Sydney Local Health District, Monash University, and Turning Point.

Education:

• BSc (Hon) from UNSW
• PhD from UNSW

Research Interests: Professor McNally investigates cellular-to-systems-level brain mechanisms for learning and motivation, with a translational focus on addiction and mental health. His work combines cutting-edge techniques (e.g., whole-brain circuit mapping) in animal models and human clinical applications. The research aims to identify novel treatments for psychological conditions.

Awards:

• 2008 QEII Fellow (ARC)
• 2016 and 2024 D.G. Marquis Behavioral Neuroscience Awards (APA)
• Fellowships from APS, APA, and the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia

Advising & Grants:

• Supervised over 25 PhD students to completion
• Leading grants include $5M NHMRC Synergy Grant (2022–2026) and ARC Discovery Projects ($979k and $631k)

Labs & Collaborations: Affiliated with the Behavioral Neuroscience Lab at UNSW, collaborating on translational research with clinical partners to bridge basic science and clinical applications.