Research highlights and societal impact

Bernard Balleine's research aims to understand the neural bases of the learning and motivational processes that control volitional, or goal-directed, action, an issue that has direct bearing on our developing understanding of the role that the integration of cognitive and emotional systems plays in executive functions and decision-making.

Dysfunction of this integrative capacity accompanies:

• major psychiatric conditions
• neurodegenerative disorders
• drug addiction, and
• stroke

which together constitute the highest health, economic and social capital attrition burden to Australia of any disease group, a burden that is only predicted to increase as the population ages.

Understanding the changes in neural systems that accompany these disorders and their specific psychological and behavioral effects is, therefore, of critical importance and will ultimately provide new targets for treatment and rehabilitation.