Overview of research

Traditionally research has been divided into a series of distinct departmental specialities, but as science has advanced it has become clear that the study of human biology and behaviour is fragmented and the traditional divisions within health research may be a barrier to the progress of scientific discovery. The further advancement of research into the amelioration of disorders of the brain and mind can only be optimally achieved in a model which acknowledges the integral link between laboratory and clinical research.

Research funding now exceeds $39m from national competitive grants and industry support. Notable successes include:

• Prof Ian Hickie's NHMRC Australia Fellowship ($4million, the only one awarded in NSW) and refunded 2008 NHMRC Program Grant ($10.2m shared with Uni Melbourne)
• support of over $3million for Prof Juergen Goetz's Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease Laboratory
• Prof Tom Becker's European Union grant worth over 400,000 euro, and
• $2.6million to Prof Richard Banati to establish a research cyclotron and national imaging facility through NCRIS.

The BMRI is also a foundation member of headspace: the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, administering over $6million through the University of Sydney. This national campaign is aimed at increasing awareness of youth mental health issues and providing better access within communities to mental health care.

As well as being a national leader in Multiple Sclerosis clinical research trials (Prof John Pollard), the BMRI now houses the brain collection program for multiple sclerosis on behalf of Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia (Prof Simon Hawke).