The September BioBreakfast was hosted by the Melbourne Brain Centre, with a line up of speakers who discussed their involvement and views on the accelerating development of Melbourne ‘Neural Network’ of research, infrastructure, clinical and commercialisation relationships

The $225 million Melbourne Brain Centre was opened a year ago recognising and accelerating Melbourne’s longstanding strength in neurosciences. The Centre is a world-class centre for neuroscience research, combining three leading research bodies, the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, the Mental Health Research Institute, and the University of Melbourne’s Neurosciences Faculty.

The size and research strength of the group will position the Melbourne Brain Centre as one of the top five centres for brain research internationally, alongside the Institutes for Neurology and Psychiatry (UK), the Janelia Farm at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (USA) and the Riken Brain Science Institute (Japan). Over 700 scientists working at the centre will investigate a broad range of conditions affecting the brain, including multiple sclerosis, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, trauma, depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, epilepsy and motor neuron disease playing a key role in the development of more effective diagnostic tools, treatments and ultimately cures for brain and mind disorders.

SPEAKERS:

Prof. Geoffrey Donnan AO MBBS MD FRACP FRCP (Edin) Director, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health

Ms Kathy Connell Biotechnology Alliance Manager Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd

Prof. Ian Smith Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Research Infrastructure) Monash University. Chair – Victorian Biomedical Imaging Capability (VBIC) Coordination Committee.

Dr Tina Soulis General Manager Neuroscience Trials Australia