Projects

The Centre for Research Excellence in Neurocognitive Disorders, led by Associate Professor Tony Roscioli, aims to transform diagnosis and management of severe intellectual disability.

This interdisciplinary project combines various neuroscience and engineering techniques like electrophysiology, psychophysics, image processing, modelling, biomechanics, tribology and behavioural experiments.

By using the discordant identical twin model, Dr Karen Mather aims to discover the epigenetic and environmental factors contributing to ageing-related phenotypes.

What is the purpose of the study?

We are interested in how the immune system influences the brain. We are seeking volunteer research participants to learn about how immune markers in the blood relate to cognition, behaviour and brain activity.

Would the research project be a good fit for me?

The study might be good for you if:

• You are between the ages of 18-60 and you are a healthy adult with or without a

sibling who has a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder

• You DO NOT have a personal history of schizophrenia, seizures, substance abuse or

dependence (within past 3 years), head injury or loss of consciousness, central nervous system infections

What would happen if I took part in the research project?

If you decide to take part you would visit Neuroscience Research Australia to complete the following:

• Perform cognitive tests and questionnaires (within 2 hours)
• Provide a blood sample
• Receive a short medical examination including a visual eye, nose, and throat exam,

lungs and heart (using stethoscope) exam, body temperature, blood pressure, and

brief medical history

• Receive an MRI scan (approx. 1 hr) which includes performing computer-based

cognitive tests

Will I be paid to take part in the research project?

Your participation in this study may have associated expenses. Reimbursement will be provided for your time and for out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel to the centre.

Who do I contact if I want more information or want to take part in the study?

If you would like more information or are interested in being part of the study please contact a member of our research team:

Alice Zhen on 02 9399 1858 email: a.zhen@neura.edu.au

Associate Professor Thomas Weickert on 02 9399 1730, email: t.weickert@neura.edu.au

Dr Mather aims to use the transcriptome, the sum total of all the messenger RNA molecules expressed from the genes of an organism, and investigate its association with the ageing brain.

Dr Karen Mather investigates the changes that may occur in social cognition as people age. Social Cognition is a sub-topic of social psychology that focuses on how people process, store, and apply information about other people and social situations,