Dr. Robin Laycock is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences at RMIT University. He leads the Social and Cognitive Neuroscience (SoCoNeuro) Lab, focusing on behavioral and neural mechanisms of social perception in neurotypical and neurodivergent populations, including autism spectrum disorders and the neurocognitive effects of concussion. His research integrates methodologies such as eye-tracking, EEG, and fNIRS to study visual perception, face processing, and the impact of stress/anxiety on cognition. Dr. Laycock holds a PhD from La Trobe University, where he investigated visual processing pathways. His work also includes the BabyFace study, exploring social perception in pre-term infants using fNIRS. He is affiliated with RMIT’s Healthy Foundations Research Group and supervises research projects on topics like concussion neurocognition and social media’s neurobiological effects. Research interests span visual neuroscience, social neuroscience, and clinical applications of neuroimaging. He teaches undergraduate courses in Biological Psychology and supervises postgraduate research in vision science, neuropsychology, and affective neuroscience. His lab’s recent studies examine sex differences in sports-related concussion neuroimaging and the role of deepfakes in emotion perception research. He actively collaborates on projects addressing autism traits, stress effects on visual processing, and neuroimaging advancements.
Dr. Vasileios Stavropoulos is the Associate Dean, Higher Degree Research at RMIT University's Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences. His research focuses on behavioral addictions, digital phenotyping, and the psychological impacts of digital media, particularly in gaming and social media contexts. He supervises numerous research projects addressing topics like cyber-phenotyping via text mining, disordered gaming, and the interplay between digital media and mental health. Key research interests include the psychological mechanisms underlying problematic gaming and social media use, network analysis of addiction symptomologies, and the role of user-avatar bonds in behavioral disorders. His work integrates machine learning and behavioral science to predict and analyze addictive behaviors. Dr. Stavropoulos has published extensively on gaming disorder, social media addiction, and the mental health implications of digital media use. His collaborations span clinical psychology, public health, and computational methods, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to addressing modern behavioral challenges. He is actively engaged in higher degree research governance at RMIT, overseeing doctoral programs and fostering innovation in research methodologies. His contributions include developing scales for measuring addiction behaviors and advancing longitudinal studies on mental health correlations with digital engagement.
Professor Gavan McNally is a distinguished behavioral neuroscientist at the University of New South Wales, where he serves as a Professor in the School of Psychology. He is actively engaged in research on the fundamental behavioral and brain mechanisms for learning and motivation, with applications to clinical conditions such as addictions, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders. McNally holds several prestigious editorial positions, including Editor-in-Chief of Neurobiology of Learning & Memory and Senior Editor of The Journal of Neuroscience. He also serves as President-Elect of the European Behavioral Pharmacology Society and is a Member of the Australian Research Council College of Experts. McNally's research interests span behavioral neuroscience, focusing on how fundamental brain mechanisms apply to clinical conditions. He employs a systems neuroscience approach, combining well-controlled behavioral approaches with optogenetics, chemogenetics, in vivo calcium imaging, and whole brain circuit mapping in both normal and transgenic animals. His work bridges basic science with clinical applications through collaborations with colleagues at University of Sydney, Sydney Local Health District, Monash University, and Turning Point. McNally's research particularly examines the cellular, circuit, and systems level mechanisms underlying learning, motivation, and their dysregulation in disorders like addiction. His laboratory investigates how these mechanisms translate to human conditions, with a strong emphasis on developing new treatments for psychological disorders. His extensive publication record demonstrates a clear trajectory in understanding punishment learning, addiction mechanisms, and the neural circuits underlying motivated behavior. Recent work has increasingly focused on the cognitive pathways to punishment insensitivity, the role of specific neural circuits in addiction, and translational approaches to understanding maladaptive behaviors. McNally's research bridges animal models with human studies, creating a comprehensive understanding of the neural mechanisms that govern learning and motivation, with particular attention to how these processes go awry in addiction and other psychological disorders. 2008 QEII Fellow, Australian Research Council 2009 Association for Psychological Science, International Rising Star 2010 Fellow, Association for Psychological Science 2010 UNSW Faculty of Science Staff Excellence Award for Research and Training 2011 Pavlovian Research Award, The Pavlovian Society 2012 Future Fellow (Level 3), Australian Research Council 2016 D.G. Marquis Behavioral Neuroscience Award, American Psychological Association 2017 Fellow, American Psychological Association 2019 Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia 2021 D.G. Marquis Behavioral Neuroscience Award, American Psychological Association 2022 Ross Day Plenary Lecturer, Australasian Brain and Psychological Sciences 2023 European Behavioural Pharmacology Society Plenary Lecturer 2024 Elspeth McLachlan Plenary Lecturer, Australasian Neuroscience Society 2024 D.G. Marquis Behavioral Neuroscience Award, American Psychological Association Professor McNally actively supervises several students including Bixuan Lin, Si Yin Lui, Hannah Machet, Bart Cooley, Kelly Zhuang, and Alexandra Gregory. His current research is supported by significant funding including an Australian Research Council Discovery Project (2024-2026) on "Risky choices: From cells and circuits to computations and behaviour," another Discovery Project (2025-2028) on "Multimodal mapping of punishment learning," and NHMRC grants including a Synergy Grant on "Linking clinical and basic science discovery to find new treatments for alcohol-use disorder" and an Ideas Grant on "Novel pathways to abstinence from alcohol seeking." These projects reflect his commitment to both fundamental neuroscience and translational applications for treating psychological conditions. His teaching responsibilities include PSYC2081 Learning & Physiological Psychology and PSYC3051 Physiological Psychology. McNally's laboratory employs advanced techniques including optogenetics, chemogenetics, in vivo calcium imaging, and whole brain circuit mapping to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying learning, motivation, and their dysregulation in disorders. His team works at the intersection of basic neuroscience and clinical applications, with strong collaborations across multiple institutions to translate fundamental findings into potential treatments for addiction and other psychological disorders. The lab has made significant contributions to understanding the role of brain regions like the ventral pallidum, paraventricular thalamus, and nucleus accumbens in addiction, fear learning, and punishment sensitivity.
Dr. Will Grant is an Associate Professor in Science Communication at the Australian National University’s Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science. His work focuses on science communication, public policy, and the intersection of science with politics and technology. He holds a PhD from The University of Queensland and has been at ANU since 2008. His research explores science communication strategies, misinformation dynamics, and the societal impacts of emerging technologies. He has authored over 100 publications in outlets like Public Understanding of Science and Environmental Communication , and his work has reached 1.8 million readers on The Conversation . He co-founded PostAc, a platform analyzing PhD job markets, and has advised organizations including the Office of the Chief Scientist and CSIRO. Grant’s research interests include science communication pedagogy, the role of social media in shaping public discourse, and the ethical dimensions of geoengineering. He has organized high-impact outreach initiatives like the Long Conversations dialogue series and hosts the podcast The Wholesome Show . His awards include the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Public Policy and Outreach (2015) and the Sidney Sax Medal (2020). He supervises numerous graduate students and teaches courses on science communication ethics, digital media, and science-policy interaction.
Professor Helen Mitchell is a multidisciplinary scholar in music performance and perception at the University of Sydney's Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Her research explores the intersection of music practice with scientific discovery, focusing on vocal pedagogy, listener perception, and multisensory performance analysis. She holds a BA (Hons) from Oxford and a PhD from the Sydney Conservatorium. Previously, she served as Dean of Students at the University of Sydney's Women’s College (2004–2005). Research Interests: Mitchell’s work investigates listeners’ sound quality perception, vocal identity recognition, and the cognitive effects of verbal descriptions on musical memory. Notable projects include longitudinal studies on music training outcomes and current investigations into audio-visual integration in performer identification. Her ARC-funded research emphasizes practical applications in pedagogy and performance valuation. Grants & Collaborations: Key grants include the 2022 ARC Discovery Project on bel canto sound rediscovery (with Neal Peres Da Costa) and a 2014 OLT grant for perceptually-aware music leadership training. She collaborates with institutions like Sydney Living Museums via projects such as The Dowling Songbook Project, blending historical performance practice with educational innovation. Teaching & Supervision: Mitchell convenes postgraduate research methods courses and supervises Honours, Masters, DMA, and PhD students in music performance studies. She coordinates Honours research at the Conservatorium and integrates empirical approaches into ethics and methodology training. Affiliations: Member of the Charles Perkins Centre, contributing to interdisciplinary health and performance research.
Paul Gilbert is an Honorary Professor at the School of Psychology, University of Queensland. As a pioneer of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), his work integrates evolutionary, social, developmental, and neurobiological perspectives to address mental health challenges. He maintains an active research profile with recent collaborations spanning multinational studies on compassion-based interventions. Gilbert's research focuses on the mechanisms and applications of compassion in clinical, educational, and community settings. Key areas include reducing shame and self-criticism, developing compassion training protocols for specific populations (e.g., teachers, adolescents, forensic groups), and exploring evolutionary underpinnings of psychopathology. His work frequently employs randomized controlled trials and meta-analytical approaches to validate therapeutic efficacy. Analysis of Gilbert's 15 most recent articles (2023-2024) reveals three dominant themes: 1) Efficacy of compassion-focused interventions across diverse populations (clinical disorders, educational settings, forensic contexts), 2) Integration of contemplative practices (mindfulness, Buddhist psychology) with evolutionary models, and 3) Physiological and neural correlates of compassion and emotional regulation. Methodologically, these studies emphasize mixed-methods designs, scale validation, and cross-cultural applications.
Dr. Bei Bei is an Associate Professor at the School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, and an NHMRC Emerging Leadership (EL2) Fellow. She leads the Behavioural Sleep Medicine service, research, and training at Monash University Healthy Sleep Clinic, focusing on individual differences in sleep-wake behaviors, sleep-mental health relationships, and community dissemination of evidence-based sleep interventions. Doctor of Psychology (Clinical), University of Melbourne PhD, University of Melbourne Her research spans six major areas: Sleep-wake circadian rhythm disorders Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) Psychological/behavioral aspects of sleep Sleep-mental health interactions (mood, anxiety) Adolescent sleep patterns and wellbeing Perinatal/postpartum sleep interventions for women Recent publications (2024-2025) address: Insomnia treatment mechanisms in depression comorbidity Neurodevelopmental impacts of circadian factors Pregnancy-related insomnia risk identification Adolescent sleep facilitators/barriers Integrated models for youth depression and sleep across continents She also contributes to: Antifungal drug tolerance mechanisms RNA polyadenylation dynamics Mitochondrial RNA stability in cancer 3' UTR splice variants in rare diseases Awarded the NHMRC Emerging Leadership (EL2) Fellowship and Early Career Research Grant , Dr. Bei serves on editorial boards for Sleep Medicine Reviews, Sleep, and Behavioral Sleep Medicine journals.
Mark Griffin is a Professor and Director of the Future of Work Institute at Curtin University’s Faculty of Business and Law. His research focuses on organizational performance, leadership, workplace safety, and employee well-being. He holds a PhD from Pennsylvania State University and has held academic positions at institutions including the University of Queensland and the University of Sheffield. Griffin’s research spans multilevel modeling, safety climate, and leadership behaviors. He has managed large-scale projects across industries like healthcare, energy, and construction, emphasizing practical applications of theory. His work has been published in top-tier journals such as the Journal of Applied Psychology and Academy of Management Journal . Key awards include Fellowships from the Australian Academy of Social Sciences and the US Society for Industrial/Organizational Psychology. He has also served as an editor for major journals including the Journal of Management and Organizational Psychology Review . Griffin’s current role at the Future of Work Institute promotes productive and meaningful work in the digital age, addressing societal and economic challenges through collaborative research. His work integrates psychological and systems perspectives to advance organizational practices and workplace well-being.
James A. Dimmock is a Professor affiliated with James Cook University, specializing in psychology, public health, and exercise science. His research focuses on mental health interventions, maternal well-being, climate change impacts on health, and behavioral strategies in healthcare settings. He collaborates extensively with researchers in areas such as cardiovascular health, youth mental health, and parenting support programs. Recent work includes analyzing climate change's effects on maternal mental health and developing peer support systems for new mothers in Australia. His studies often integrate psychological theory with practical applications, such as improving engagement in lifestyle interventions for obesity and enhancing mental health outcomes through physical activity. Education: No formal education details provided in the text, but his academic publications suggest advanced degrees in psychology or related fields. Research Interests: Psychological interventions for mental health Exercise and nutrition's role in cardiovascular disease prevention Climate change and public health challenges Maternal and child well-being Behavioral health interventions Peer support and community programs Key Contributions: Over 120 publications spanning 20 years, with a focus on randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and innovative interventions. Collaborations include institutions like the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand, and international journals in psychology and medicine. Grants and Funding: Not explicitly listed, but his research scope implies involvement in health-related grants for climate change, maternal health, and exercise science. Labs/Teams: Works within multi-disciplinary teams at James Cook University, collaborating with departments in psychology, public health, and exercise science.
Dr. Faith Kwa is a Senior Lecturer and Course Director for the seven Bachelor of Health Science degrees at Swinburne University of Technology's School of Health Sciences. Her teaching interests include Research Methods, Pathology, and Molecular Biology. She leads the Drug Discovery for Chronic Diseases Laboratory and has been recognized as one of Australia's leading educators, receiving the 2024 citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning by the Australian Awards for University Teaching. Her educational background includes: Doctor of Philosophy from The University of Melbourne, Australia Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching and Learning from RMIT University, Australia Bachelor of Biomedical Science from The University of Melbourne, Australia Bachelor of Science (Honours - First Class) from The University of Melbourne, Australia Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, United Kingdom (2020-present) Dr. Kwa is a molecular biologist whose research focuses on drug discovery for chronic diseases, particularly in the areas of epigenetic medicine, molecular mechanisms of action, and chronic disease prevention and management. Her laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding treatment strategies for leukemia, posterior eye diseases, and Friedreich's ataxia using natural compounds with epigenetic properties. She has made novel observations regarding low doses of epigenetic modifiers in combination therapies that potentiate cytotoxicity in leukemia cells resistant to conventional chemotherapeutic drugs. Her work with sulforaphane (a broccoli-derived compound) has shown therapeutic benefits across multiple disease models, particularly for neurodegenerative and ocular conditions. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on neurodegenerative disorders (particularly Friedreich's ataxia), ophthalmic diseases, and molecular approaches to disease treatment. Her work consistently bridges basic science with clinical applications, often examining epigenetic mechanisms and oxidative stress pathways. A recurring theme across her research is the therapeutic potential of natural compounds like sulforaphane, which appears in multiple disease contexts from mitochondrial myopathies to posterior eye diseases. Her scientific recognition includes: 2024 citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning by the Australian Awards for University Teaching 2023 Vice-chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence (Higher Education - Individual) 2023 School of Health Science Teaching Excellence Award Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in the UK 18 other teaching accolades throughout her academic career Dr. Kwa supervises PhD and Master's students in areas related to molecular mechanisms of disease and therapeutic interventions. She has coordinated and taught eleven different subjects with student numbers ranging from 20 to over 300. As a Chief Investigator, she has secured various learning and teaching grants from Australian universities. Currently, she holds funding for 'Pre-clinical investigations on sulforaphane to advance the cure for Friedreich's ataxia' from the University of Melbourne (2022-2025). She is passionate about developing pedagogical methods to enhance teaching and learning environments and has received positive student feedback throughout her career. Dr. Kwa leads the Drug Discovery for Chronic Diseases Laboratory, where her team investigates potential treatments for various chronic disorders. She also serves as the Swinburne Women Academic Network Leader in the Career Development Team, where she develops programs supporting women academics in progressing their careers. Her laboratory work utilizes pre-clinical disease models to evaluate therapeutic approaches, with a particular emphasis on targeted therapies with superior efficacy for treating human diseases.
Glen Bates is a Professor in the School of Health Sciences at Swinburne University of Technology , Australia. His research focuses on trauma, mental health, and psychological well-being, with a particular emphasis on social anxiety, complex PTSD, self-compassion, and resilience. He has a strong publication record and actively supervises PhD students across diverse topics in clinical and health psychology. His research interests span several interconnected domains: Clinical and health psychology, especially trauma-related disorders and mood disorders Social and personality psychology, focusing on stigma, resilience, and identity Applied and developmental psychology, including educational and workplace mental health Digital mental health interventions and telehealth applications Mechanisms of therapy such as emotion regulation, mindfulness, and nonattachment His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on understanding psychological mechanisms in anxiety, trauma, and resilience. The articles show strong use of advanced statistical methods (meta-analysis, structural equation modelling) and qualitative approaches (thematic analysis, phenomenological inquiry). Key themes include the measurement and treatment of complex PTSD, the role of self-compassion and emotion regulation in social anxiety, resilience among marginalized populations, and the impact of societal challenges like the pandemic and food insecurity on mental health. Scientific contributions include: Over 100 publications including high-impact journal articles Systematic reviews and meta-analyses advancing methodological rigor in trauma and anxiety research Development and validation of digital interventions for mental health Exploration of novel constructs such as nonattachment and their role in psychological development He has supervised numerous Doctoral (PhD) candidates, with projects covering areas such as EMDR therapy, digital mental health, intergenerational trauma, HIV resilience, and workplace stress. His grant funding includes projects on monitoring anxiety and depression nationally and on raising teacher status through social innovation. He leads a research program that bridges clinical psychology with public health and educational innovation. He is actively involved in research teams and collaborations, particularly in projects related to trauma, mental health interventions, and social innovation in education. His work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration across psychology, public health, and digital technology.
Abhishek 'Abbey' Dwivedi is an Associate Professor in Marketing at the School of Business, Charles Sturt University (CSU). He holds a PhD in Marketing from Griffith University, a Master's in Marketing Management (First Class Honours), and a PGDM in Marketing. His teaching experience spans over seven years across Griffith University, University of Queensland, and Central Queensland University, covering courses like Marketing Strategy, Global Marketing, and Services Marketing. PhD in Marketing, Griffith University (2006-2010) Masters in Marketing Management (First Class Honours), Griffith University (2004-2005) PGDM (Marketing), Central Queensland University (Brisbane) Abbey's research focuses on brand extensions , customer equity , celebrity endorsements , and marketing capabilities , with publications in journals like the Journal of Brand Management and European Journal of Marketing . His recent work explores social entrepreneurship and mental health impacts on frontline workers , aligning with his involvement in the Aspro Workforce Wellness Research Unit and Marketing Research Group . His 15 most recent publications (2005-2025) span brand management , social media engagement , cybersecurity in agriculture , and mental health during crises . Key trends include interdisciplinary work on industrial buyers , consumer-brand relationships , and marketing innovation in SMEs . Scientific Awards & Grants: Best Paper Award (2015) Best Reviewer in Track Award (2015) Better Mental Health Program Evaluation Project (2020) Certificate of Appreciation, Society for Marketing Advances (USA) (2014) Abbey supervises higher-degree research students and serves as a peer reviewer for journals like the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services . He is also part of the Regional Entrepreneurship Research Group and Regional Work and Organisational Resilience Sturt Group .
Professor Mary Collins is a Professor of Pharmaceutical Neuroscience at the University of Sydney , affiliated with the Sydney School of Medical Sciences . She serves as Interim Associate Dean, Research and Head of School . Member of the Centre for Drug Discovery Innovation Member of the Brain and Mind Centre Research Interests GABA Receptors : Focus on subtype-selective modulators, binding site identification, and roles in anxiety, sleep disorders, and epilepsy. Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors : Structure-function studies using site-directed mutagenesis and reactive probes to understand ligand binding. Drug Discovery : SAR studies for selective agents targeting Cys-loop receptors, including flavonoids and cannabinoids. Scientific Contributions Her 15 most recent articles (2020-2024) span epilepsy genetics , receptor stoichiometry , neuroprotective flavonoids , and cannabinoid interactions . Key themes include precision medicine for receptor variants and neurotransmitter modulation in disorders. ASCEPT Young Investigator Award RACI Biota Award Fellow of RACI (2006) Supervision Award (University of Sydney, 2008) Advising Current students: Jacinda HOLTSMARK (epilepsy neurophysiology), Sze Hon KAN (genetic epilepsies), Fiona WANG (neurological mechanisms).
Dr David Jaud is a Senior Lecturer in Marketing and Wine Business at the University of Adelaide's Adelaide Business School, part of the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics. He serves as the Wine Business Program Director and has significant industry experience in the French wine sector. His research focuses on consumer behavior in wine and food contexts, particularly label design impacts, consumer wellbeing, and responsible consumption patterns. He has published in journals like European Journal of Marketing and Journal of Consumer Behaviour . Dr Jaud actively supervises postgraduate research as a co-supervisor, currently guiding Miss Cassidy Lia Shaw's PhD on 'Vice or Virtue: Examining the Factors Influencing the Adoption of NOLO Wines and Plant-Based Meats'. Professional Activities: Board Member of the Academy of Wine Business Research (AWBR) Steering Committee since 2024 Teaching: Courses include Marketing for Wine Business and Research Project in Marketing and Wine Business Key Research Themes: Label design psychology, cross-modal sensory effects, youth consumption patterns, and authenticity in marketing His 2025 publications explore topics like embossed label effects, rosé wine color perception, and authenticity's role in curbing risky drinking behaviors, reflecting a focus on both theoretical and applied marketing insights.
Amanda Stephens serves as a Senior Research Fellow at Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), Australia’s largest multidisciplinary research hub for injury prevention in transport. With over a decade of international road safety experience across England, Scotland, and Ireland, she joined MUARC in 2013 and has established herself as a leading expert in driver psychology, particularly regarding aggressive and anti-social driving behaviors. Her work bridges academic research with real-world policy implementation through active engagement with government bodies and industry stakeholders. Stephens' research program centers on psychological mechanisms behind risky driving, with emphasis on emotional regulation during transport, workplace driving safety, and compliance with road rules. She investigates how stress, anxiety, and anger manifest in driver behavior, developing evidence-based behavior modification programs for fatigued and emotionally compromised drivers. Her expertise extends to human factors in automated vehicle systems and distraction prevention across diverse road user groups. Recent publications reveal strong thematic consistency in Stephens' work, with 2025 outputs focusing on psychological determinants of road safety including driver drowsiness in automated vehicles, technology-induced distraction in cycling, national patterns of aggressive driving, and community acceptance of alcohol detection technologies. Her research consistently integrates human factors perspectives with practical interventions, demonstrating growing emphasis on emotional regulation frameworks and cross-cultural applicability of safety programs. Scientific recognition includes: Advancing Women's Research Success Grant (2019) Best Paper Award - Researcher (2023) Best Research Paper 2019 (2019) Best Research Paper 2021 (2021) MUARC 2024 Seeding Grant for autonomous driving research (2024) Stephens actively supervises PhD candidates in driver behavior psychology and leads substantial research funding through 21 projects including major initiatives on automated vehicle implementation for high-risk drivers (2025-2027), Road Rule 79A effectiveness evaluation (2024-2026), and national driver distraction roadmaps. Her collaborative approach involves partnerships with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and international research teams to address complex transport safety challenges. As a core member of MUARC's multidisciplinary team, Stephens contributes to Australia's premier road safety research ecosystem through regular media commentary (31 press appearances), public seminars on driver psychology, and advisory roles with Road Safety Education Limited. Her work directly translates research findings into judicial education programs, corporate safety policies, and public awareness campaigns addressing emotional and fatigued driving.
