Rainer Viktor Haberberger

Professor Rainer Viktor Haberberger is Head of the Department of Anatomy & Histology and Head of the Pain & Pulmonary Neurobiology Laboratory at Flinders University's College of Medicine and Public Health. He holds multiple leadership roles including Topic Coordinator for years 1 and 2 of the Medical Course, and since 2019 has served as Co-Director of the Orama Institute for Mental Health, Wellbeing and Neuroscience. His academic journey began with Human Biology studies at Philipps-University in Marburg, Germany, followed by senior scientist and lecturer positions at Justus-Liebig University Giessen before joining Flinders University in 2005.

Professor Haberberger's research focuses on peripheral pain mechanisms and pulmonary neurobiology, with particular emphasis on the sphingosine kinase/sphingosine 1-phosphate system in nociception and airway function, exosome and microRNA regulation in sensory neurons, and development of bio-nanochip interfaces for pain measurement. His work bridges basic neuroscience with clinical applications in chronic pain conditions and respiratory diseases.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong trajectory in neuroanatomical research, particularly in dorsal root ganglion studies, microfluidic pain sensors, and inflammatory mechanisms in COPD. The research spans from fundamental molecular investigations to translational applications, with increasing focus on advanced technologies for pain measurement and diagnosis.

• Mary Overton Neuroscience Fellowship (2005-2009)
• Collaborative Research Grant, International Society for the Study of Pain (2006, 2010)
• Decima Strachan and Claire Lilia Wooton Estates Spinal Cord Research Award (2008)
• Australian Lung Foundation Ludwig Engel Grant-in-Aid (2011)
• Bren Gannon Award for Innovation in Teaching (2012)
• John Boyd Craig Research Award (2017)
• Inaugural Chair Basic Pain Research SIG, Australian Pain Society (2017)

Professor Haberberger has been actively involved in medical education as Head of Anatomy, overseeing curriculum development and teaching for medical students. His Pain & Pulmonary Neurobiology Lab maintains strong collaborative networks with multiple research groups, particularly in pain research and pulmonary neuroscience. He has completed four associate supervisions in neuroscience and continues to mentor students in the field of peripheral sensory neuroscience.