Associate Professor Timothy Bredy is a leading figure in cognitive neuroepigenetics at the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) , focusing on how epigenetic modifications and RNA dynamics regulate fear-related memory and psychiatric disorders like PTSD. His research explores the interplay between environmental experiences and genomic activity, particularly through non-coding RNA and DNA methylation. University: University of Queensland School: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences Role: Professorial Research Fellow and Group Leader Research Interests span epigenetic mechanisms in memory formation, RNA modifications in synaptic plasticity, and therapeutic applications for anxiety disorders. He pioneered discoveries linking dynamic DNA structures (e.g., G-quadruplexes) and RNA methylation to memory stability. Recent Work includes studies on RNA-based therapeutics, stress-induced epigenetic inheritance, and synaptic long noncoding RNA activity. His scientific awards encompass NHMRC and ARC grants for neuroepigenetics research. Key Collaborators: Paul Marshall, Esmi Zajaczkowski Labs: Bredy Laboratory at QBI
Professor Marcel Dinger is a prominent academic and researcher currently serving as Professor and Head of School for Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences at UNSW Sydney. With over 20 years of experience in genomics, he has established himself as a leading figure in both academic and entrepreneurial spheres within the field. He has published 153 papers with over 24,000 citations and maintains an h-index of 61 on Google Scholar. His leadership extends beyond academia as he serves as President of the Australasian Genomics Technologies Association (AGTA) and holds director positions at Pryzm Health and the National Centre for Indigenous Genomics (NCIG). Professor Dinger's research laboratory focuses on establishing new links between phenotype and genotype, particularly examining rare and complex diseases in relation to underexplored regions of the genome including pseudogenes, repetitive elements, non-canonical DNA structures, and noncoding RNAs. His work harnesses population-scale genomic datasets and sophisticated data science methods to bring an objective perspective to understanding how the genome stores information and how it is transacted in biology. His research interests span genomics, non-coding RNA biology, clinical applications of genomic medicine, and the development of computational approaches for analyzing complex genomic data. Analysis of Professor Dinger's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on non-coding RNA research, particularly long noncoding RNAs and their roles in disease mechanisms. His work spans cancer genomics, neurological disorders, and fundamental genomic mechanisms including DNA secondary structures like i-motifs and G-quadruplexes. His research combines experimental approaches with advanced bioinformatics to address fundamental questions in genomic medicine and has significant translational implications for disease diagnosis and treatment. Highly Cited Researcher in Cross-Field category (2019, 2020, 2021) Fellow of the Faculty of Science (Research), Royal Society of Pathologists of Australasia (2016) NHMRC Career Development Award (2010) Queensland Government Smart Futures Fellowship (2009) Foundation of Research, Science and Technology New Zealand Postdoctoral Fellowship (2005) Professor Dinger has been instrumental in establishing and leading several significant research initiatives including Genome.One, one of the first companies globally to provide clinical whole genome sequencing services, and the Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. His entrepreneurial experience includes founding four biotechnology and IT startups. He serves on multiple governance boards including the National Centre for Indigenous Genomics, focusing on using genomics to improve health outcomes for Australia's First Peoples. His laboratory at UNSW continues to advance our understanding of genomic regulation and its implications for human health and disease.
Dr. Laura Leighton is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the mRNA Sciences group at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland. Her research focuses on RNA biology, particularly the functional characterization of RNA molecules and their roles in cancer therapy and neurological processes. She leads the development of mRNA-based therapeutics for liver cancer, leveraging lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems to target intracellular cancer proteins. Dr. Leighton holds a PhD from the Queensland Brain Institute (2021), where her work, supported by the Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship, explored small noncoding RNAs in fear-related learning and memory. She completed her postdoctoral training under Dr. Seth Cheetham at AIBN in 2023. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Science (Honours) from The University of Queensland. Her research interests integrate molecular biology, neuroscience, and translational medicine, with a focus on RNA modifications (e.g., m6A), long noncoding RNAs, and the epigenetic regulation of memory processes. Key themes in her work include fear extinction mechanisms, synaptic plasticity, and the application of mRNA therapeutics in cancer treatment. Dr. Leighton’s articles consistently explore RNA-driven mechanisms in memory and disease. Recent work highlights the role of DNA G-quadruplex structures in memory regulation, the interplay between stress hormones and sperm RNA dysregulation, and the synthesis of novel long noncoding RNAs (e.g., ADRAM) that drive fear extinction. Her findings bridge basic neuroscience and clinical applications, emphasizing RNA’s dynamic role in health and disease. Awards: Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship (2017) Grants: TdC Mid Career Grant (Targeting liver cancer with mRNA therapies), Prader Willi Syndrome Research Grant (2022–2024) She is actively involved in supervising research students and contributes to the development of advanced drug delivery systems targeting liver cancers. Her lab is part of AIBN’s mRNA Sciences team, collaborating on projects that translate RNA-based discoveries into clinical solutions.
Dr. Paul Marshall is a Researcher at the Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, supported by an NSERC Scholarship. His work focuses on neuroepigenetic mechanisms underlying learning and memory, with expertise in RNA biology, DNA structure dynamics, and fear extinction processes. He completed his PhD in 2020 at the Queensland Brain Institute, exploring dynamic DNA structure states and their role in memory. His research integrates cutting-edge technologies to study noncoding RNAs, epigenetic modifications (e.g., m6A, Z-DNA), and their impact on synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions. Key contributions include identifying the role of DNA G-quadruplex in transcriptional control, the function of long noncoding RNAs in fear extinction, and mechanisms linking RNA editing (via ADAR1) to memory consolidation. His findings bridge molecular biology with behavioral neuroscience, advancing understanding of how genetic and epigenetic factors influence cognitive processes. Publications highlight collaborations with Timothy Bredy and others, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to unravel neural mechanisms. No awards are explicitly listed, but his work is recognized in high-impact journals like Nature Neuroscience and Cell Reports .
Associate Professor Anthony Glover is a practicing specialist endocrine surgeon and surgical oncologist at the University of Sydney. He serves as Director of the Master of Surgery Program and holds academic affiliations with the Northern Clinical School (University of Sydney) and St Vincent’s Clinical School (UNSW). His clinical practice focuses on thyroid and parathyroid disease at Kolling Institute St Leonards, Bondi Junction, and St Vincent's Clinic. Education: MBBS, PhD, FRACS Leadership: Coordinator for postgraduate surgical coursework programs and Senior Instructor for the Care of the Critically Ill Surgical Patient Course (RACS) Research interests center on thyroid cancer biology, surgical education, and improving clinical outcomes through genomic analysis. Key projects include molecular profiling of advanced thyroid cancers and development of surgical competency frameworks. He leads the Thyroid Cancer Research Group and contributes to international registries like the Australian New Zealand Thyroid Cancer Registry. Over 50 peer-reviewed articles span surgical innovation, molecular pathology, and clinical outcomes. Notable works include validation of the International Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Grading System and assessment of BRAFV600E mutation specificity in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Awards: 2022 NSW Premier’s Cancer Research Fellowship, NHMRC Neil Hamilton Fairley Fellowship (2016-2020) Grants: NHMRC Development Grants, Cancer Institute NSW funding Active in surgical education through development of assessment modules for General Surgeons Australia and leadership roles in ANZES and the Surgical Education Research and Training (SERT) Institute.
Dr. Anna Hackett is a Conjoint Senior Lecturer in the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy at the University of Newcastle, specializing in Medical Genetics. With over two decades of research experience, her work primarily focuses on X-linked intellectual disability disorders, genetic diagnostics, and the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental conditions. Her research interests encompass a wide range of topics within medical genetics, including X chromosome disorders, noncoding variants in intellectual disability, genomic diagnostics, and the molecular pathways involved in neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Hackett has made significant contributions to understanding the genetic basis of X-linked intellectual disability through the identification of novel genes and variants. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on advanced genomic technologies for diagnosing intellectual disability, with particular emphasis on X-linked disorders. Her work spans from basic molecular mechanisms to clinical applications, demonstrating a translational research approach that bridges laboratory findings with patient care. She has been instrumental in developing and applying next-generation sequencing techniques for improved diagnostic yield in genetic disorders. Dr. Hackett maintains an active research program with extensive collaborations across multiple institutions in Australia and internationally. Her work has contributed significantly to the understanding of X-linked intellectual disability mechanisms, genomic diagnostics, and the clinical implications of genetic variants. She is frequently involved in large-scale collaborative studies that combine clinical expertise with advanced genomic technologies to improve diagnosis and understanding of genetic disorders.
Dr. Gene Hart-Smith is a Technology Manager for Protein Interactions at the Australian Proteome Analysis Facility (APAF), affiliated with Macquarie University. He holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and has extensive postdoctoral experience, including ARC-funded fellowships (2011–2018). His expertise lies in mass spectrometry applications for biological systems, particularly protein interactions and post-translational modifications. Education: PhD in Chemistry, UNSW (2006–2010) Bachelor of Engineering (Industrial Chemistry, Honours Class 1), UNSW (2001–2005) Research Focus: Hart-Smith’s work integrates molecular systems biology and network theory to study biomolecular interaction networks. Key areas include protein modifications (e.g., arginine methylation), X chromosome inactivation in marsupials, and applications to diseases like Alzheimer’s. He develops proteomics methodologies for environmental and medical research, such as root architecture studies in rice and concussion biomarker identification in children. Recent Research Trends: His articles (2024–2021) highlight advancements in protein interactome mapping, drug discovery, and biomarker development. Techniques like mass spectrometry, ion mobility, and co-fractionation are central to his methodologies. Awards: ARC DECRA Fellowship (2015–2018) ARC Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship (2011–2014) Collaborations: Hart-Smith collaborates globally on projects ranging from archaeological bone analysis to cancer therapy development. His work bridges fundamental research and applied solutions in sustainability and healthcare.
Associate Professor Tao Liu is a prominent cancer researcher at the Children's Cancer Institute, which operates within the Lowy Cancer Research Centre at the University of New South Wales Australia (UNSW Australia). His work focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of cancer development and identifying novel therapeutic targets through epigenetic regulation. Dr. Liu holds qualifications including BMed, MMed, and PhD, which have established his foundation in medical science and research methodology. His educational background has prepared him for his current research in oncology and molecular biology. Dr. Liu's research program centers on: Transcriptional modulation of oncogene and tumour suppressor gene expression Epigenetic mechanisms including histone modifications and RNA methylation Role of BET bromodomain proteins and super-enhancers in cancer CDK7 and other kinase inhibitors for cancer therapy Myc oncoprotein regulation and stability mechanisms Long noncoding RNAs as therapeutic targets With 132 journal articles and numerous conference contributions to his name, Dr. Liu has established himself as a significant contributor to cancer research. His work primarily investigates how epigenetic regulators control gene expression in cancer cells and how these mechanisms can be targeted therapeutically. Dr. Liu serves in multiple editorial capacities including Specialty Chief Editor for Frontiers in Oncology and Associate Editor for Frontiers in Genetics. He is an active member of the American Association for Cancer Research and serves on the Advisory Board of the international Advances in Neuroblastoma Research Association. Dr. Liu currently supervises PhD and Honours students in cancer research and has secured substantial funding from prestigious organizations including the National Institutes of Health USA, US Department of Defense, National Health & Medical Research Council, Cancer Council NSW, Tour de Cure, and Neuroblastoma Australia. His laboratory at the Children's Cancer Institute within the Lowy Cancer Research Centre focuses on translating basic molecular discoveries into potential cancer therapies, with particular emphasis on epigenetic drug targets and RNA-based therapeutics.
Dr Yuchen Feng is a Lecturer (Research and Teaching) in the School of Medical Sciences at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Medicine and Health. They are a member of the Charles Perkins Centre and actively involved in cancer research, focusing on the roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumorigenesis and drug resistance. Their work integrates molecular oncology, RNA biology, and computational approaches to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Research Interests: Dr Feng's lab explores mechanisms of cancer cell survival and metastasis, particularly through lncRNA-mediated regulation of DNA repair pathways, metabolic reprogramming, and interactions with tumor microenvironments. Key areas include noncoding RNA networks in p53/c-Myc signaling, translational control of oncogenes, and drug-resistant cancer cell subpopulations. Grants & Funding: Recent grants include a 2025 NHMRC Investigator Grant for lncRNA-targeted lung cancer therapies and a 2024 Faculty of Medicine & Health start-up grant. Their research also received support from Tour de Cure Ltd for studies on drug-tolerant glioblastoma cells. Advising & Lab: Dr Feng currently supervises Emma KEMPE in a project targeting glioblastoma drug resistance. Their team collaborates on multi-omics approaches to identify actionable targets in solid tumors. Labs/Teams: Active member of the Charles Perkins Centre's Cancer Theme, contributing to interdisciplinary cancer research initiatives.
Archa Fox is a Professor in the School of Human Sciences and the School of Molecular Sciences at the University of Western Australia, and an Honorary Research Fellow at the UWA Medical School and UWA Centre for Medical Research (affiliated with the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research). She is also part of the Australian Centre for RNA Therapeutics in Cancer and serves as Chair of the RNA Network of Australia since 2015. Her research has significantly advanced the understanding of nuclear architecture and RNA biology. Professor Fox earned her Bachelor of Science at the University of New South Wales, majoring in molecular genetics, followed by her PhD at the University of Sydney (awarded in 2000). She completed postdoctoral research in Dundee, Scotland, where she integrated cell biology, microscopy, and molecular biology techniques. In 2006, she established her research group at the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (now the Harry Perkins Institute), and in 2015, she transitioned to an academic position at the University of Western Australia. Her research centers on paraspeckles, nuclear bodies she discovered in 2002 that play crucial roles in gene expression regulation. Her work has revealed how paraspeckles malfunction in diseases like cancer. In 2009, she identified NEAT1 as the first long noncoding RNA that scaffolds a nuclear body, and in 2015, she demonstrated how intrinsically disordered protein regions contribute to paraspeckle formation. Her current research investigates paraspeckles as a model for understanding gene regulation through long noncoding RNAs and protein aggregation, with collaborations across multiple scientific disciplines. Analysis of Professor Fox's recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on nuclear architecture, RNA-binding proteins, and the molecular mechanisms of paraspeckle formation and function. Her work spans structural biology, cancer research, and the emerging field of biomolecular condensates, with particular emphasis on DBHS family proteins (SFPQ, NONO, PSPC1) and their roles in phase separation and nuclear organization. Scientific Awards: Marshall Medal of the Harry Perkins Institute (2012) Emerging Leader Award of the Australian/NZ Society for Cell and Developmental Biology (2017) School of Human Sciences Senior Research Award (2023) Vice Chancellor's Senior Research Award (2023) UWA Student Guild's Students' Choice Awards (2018) Professor Fox has been actively involved in mentoring and research leadership, with 8 supervised works documented. She has secured significant research funding, including 48 grants such as the 'STUNNER for RNA encapsulation quality and deliver' project funded by The Ian Potter Foundation (2024-2025) and the 'WA RNA Salon' project funded by The RNA Society (2024-2025). Her collaborative approach is evident in multi-investigator projects like the 'Broadening assay capabilities with CLARIOstar Plus multimode platereader' (2025-2035). Her laboratory forms part of the Australian Centre for RNA Therapeutics in Cancer and maintains strong affiliations with the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. Professor Fox has also been instrumental in community engagement, participating in the Wembley Primary School Community STEAM program and Pint of Science presentations, demonstrating her commitment to science communication and public outreach.
Elizabeth Dennis is a Visiting Professor at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in the School of Life Sciences, part of the Faculty of Science. She previously held roles as Chief Research Scientist at CSIRO’s Division of Plant Industry and CSIRO Fellow. Her research focuses on plant molecular biology, including gene expression regulation, epigenetics, plant stress responses, and flowering mechanisms. She has made groundbreaking contributions, such as identifying haemoglobin’s role in plant metabolism and elucidating vernalization’s role in flowering. Education: BSc (Hons 1st Class) in Chemistry, University of Sydney (1964) PhD in Molecular Biology, University of Sydney (1968) Postdoctoral Fellowship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York (1968–1970) Research Interests: Her work spans plant gene regulation, epigenetic modifications, stress responses, and developmental biology. Notable achievements include: Discovering haemoglobin’s protective role against low oxygen stress in plants Mapping flowering time regulation via the FLC gene and vernalization pathways Advancing crop biotechnology through studies on hybrid vigour and stress tolerance Awards & Leadership: 2000 Inaugural Prime Minister’s Prize for Science (shared) Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (1995) and Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (1987) President, Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (1992–1994) Leadership roles in global initiatives like the Multinational Coordinated Arabidopsis Genome Project Grants & Funding: Hybrid vigour and hybrid mimics in lentils (2017–2022) Australian Research Council-funded genome analysis facility (2009) CSIRO/Bayer Research Alliance projects Labs & Collaborations: Her research group at UTS collaborates widely, focusing on plant genomics and biotechnology applications to improve agricultural resilience and nutrition.
Marcel Dinger is a Professor of Genome Biology and Dean of Science at the University of Sydney. He holds a PhD from the University of Waikato and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) and the Royal Society of New South Wales. His career spans over 22 years in genomics, combining academic leadership with entrepreneurial ventures in biotechnology and IT. **Education**: PhD in 2003, University of Waikato, New Zealand **Research Interests**: Professor Dinger’s work focuses on genomics, noncoding RNAs, and clinical applications of genomic medicine. He has pioneered studies on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their roles in development, disease, and therapy. His research integrates computational biology, clinical genomics, and translational science. **Awards & Honors**: 2023 Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales 2019–2022 Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Researcher 2016 Fellow of the RCPA 2010 NHMRC Career Development Award **Advising & Grants**: Led major initiatives like the Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics and Australian Genomics. His teams have secured funding for projects on genomic diagnostics, cancer transcriptomics, and mitochondrial diseases. Collaborations include startups like Genome.One and Pryzm Health. **Labs & Teams**: Previously directed the Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics at the Garvan Institute and the National Centre for Indigenous Genomics. Current leadership includes the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Sydney.
Dr. Sandro Fernandes Ataide is a Professor at the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, and leads the Ataide Lab. His research focuses on structural biology, RNA interactions, and seekRNA gene editing technology. He holds postdoctoral fellowships from ETH Zurich and UC Berkeley, and has pioneered tools like seekRNA for precise genome manipulation. Dr. Ataide teaches courses such as Proteins in Cells (BCMB2002/2902) and supervises PhD students including Jameel ABDULJALIL and Rezwan SIDDIQUEE. Education: PhD in Biochemistry from The Ohio State University (USA), under Prof. Michael Ibba. Postdoctoral work with Prof. Jennifer Doudna (UC Berkeley) and Prof. Nenad Ban (ETH Zurich). Research interests include structural and biochemical characterization of ncRNAs/RNPs, drug design targeting RNA-protein interactions, and development of seekRNA for gene editing. His lab collaborates with industry and receives grants from NHMRC, ARC, and strategic partnerships. Awards: American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship, Phi Kappa Phi Honors, ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship. Grants include funding for seekRNA plant genome applications (2024), SRP structural studies (2013), and equipment grants for biophysical instruments (2014-2012). Labs/Teams: Ataide Lab focuses on structural biology, RNA interactions, and seekRNA technology. Collaborates with Sydney Drug Discovery Initiative and USyd RNA Network.
John Stanley Mattick is the SHARP Professor of RNA Biology in the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences at UNSW Sydney. Previously, he served as Executive Director of Genomics England (2018-2019) and Director of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research (2012-2018). He holds leadership roles in genomic research, establishing key facilities like the HiSeq X10 sequencing platform. His career includes foundational roles at the University of Queensland, including founding the Institute for Molecular Bioscience and the Australian Genome Research Facility. Education: BSc (First Class Honours, Biochemistry) from the University of Sydney (1972) PhD in Biochemistry from Monash University (1978) DSc from the University of Queensland (2024) Research focuses on regulatory RNAs, noncoding DNA functions, and their roles in development, disease, and evolution. Key areas include RNA structure-function relationships, lncRNA roles in cognition, and the epigenetic trajectories of development. His work challenges traditional views of genomic 'junk' DNA, emphasizing the centrality of RNA in genetic regulation. Publications span over 300 peer-reviewed articles, cited over 100,000 times. Notable contributions include co-authoring RNA, the Epicenter of Genetic Information (2022), which won awards for Best Science Open Access Book. Awards and Honors: Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) Fellowships in the Australian Academies of Science, Health & Medical Sciences, and Technology & Engineering Recipient of the IUBMB Medal and HUGO Chen Medal Ranked #1 globally in noncoding RNA research (2023) Leadership and Service: Chaired major international genome conferences and advisory boards Contributed to ethical frameworks for genomic research and healthcare Member of the Queensland Studies Authority (2004-2007) Current research explores RNA modification dynamics, lncRNA functions in brain plasticity, and the genomic basis of complex traits.
John Mattick is an Honorary Professor at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland. His research focuses on non-coding RNAs, epigenetics, and their roles in development, cognition, and disease. He has contributed extensively to understanding RNA's regulatory functions and their implications in fields like neuroscience and cancer biology. Mattick's work integrates genomic, transcriptomic, and computational approaches to explore the complexity of the transcriptome. He has co-authored over 200 journal articles, including studies on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), RNA editing, and epigenetic mechanisms. His research spans collaborations across disciplines, from molecular biology to computational genomics. Key areas of investigation include the role of lncRNAs in neural plasticity, the regulatory networks governed by non-coding RNAs, and the application of high-throughput sequencing technologies. His lab has also explored the clinical relevance of non-coding RNAs in diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
