Our research in neuroscience

Our research in neuroscience looks at childhood disorders of the nervous system, with a special focus on neuromotor development and neurodegenerative disorders.

Neuromotor development

The aim of our research in neuromotor development is to gain a better understanding of the way that nerves and muscles co-function to create movement in the human body. We hope to use this knowledge to better rehabilitate impaired motor function in those suffering from brain injuries or altered brain development, such as stroke victims and preterm children.

We also study the prenatal and postnatal factors that influence motor development, and how the structure and function of nerve cells change in response to injury, disuse or new learning.

Our research in neuromotor development is conducted in conjunction with the Neuromotor Plasticity and Development research group (NeuroPAD) at the Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide.

Neurodegenerative disorders

Our work in neurodegenerative disorders is centred around the management of lysosomal disease, a metabolic disorder that can affect both the brain and the nervous system.

Lysosomal disease occurs when the "recycling centres" of human cells malfunction, and complex cellular material that would otherwise be broken down for re-use starts to collect in the cells, eventually leading to severe physical symptoms. These symptoms can include developmental delays, movement disorders, seizures, deafness and blindness.

Our research in this area is undertaken in collaboration with the Department of Neurology at the Women's and Children's Hospital, and aims to advance current treatments for this disease and improve quality of life for sufferers.