Monash launches new brain research centre

Monash University yesterday launched its new Centre for Brain and Behaviour, bringing together more than 150 researchers including students and postdocs from 21 university departments and research centres.

"Monash has a lot of neuroscience laboratories but they have been working on the traditional laboratory model with each having its own grants and own problems to solve," said the centre's acting director, Assoc Prof Marcello Rosa. "People working on related areas are not talking as much as they should."

Rosa said the centre would foster collaboration between Monash researchers, leading to more comprehensive research programs.

"For example, we have scientists who are investigating the biochemistry of individual brain molecules. This centre could bring them together with people who are demonstrating how failure to synthesise the molecule might affect a patient," he said. "Ultimately, such collaborations could hasten the development of treatments for these patients."

Another area of collaboration that Rosa said would be developed by the centre would involve the development of prosthetic devices interfacing computer technology with biological processes, such as locomotion devices to aid movement of paralysed limbs.

"The interface between basic research and technology is a high priority," he said.

Rosa said the centre would provide a focal point for neuroscience activities at the university, not just for researchers but for industry and the general public too. And the university hopes the centre will help attract more targeted funding, especially from philanthropic sources.

Neurosciences Victoria has already pledged to fund a postdoctoral fellowship for the centre.

The centre is looking for a director to lead the centre with a strong background in biotechnology as well as research.