Brain research gain as new centre opens

13 May 2011

Austin Health welcomed 150 neuroscientists, neurologists and support staff to its Heidelberg campus when the Melbourne Brain Centre opened one of two new buildings.

The Melbourne Brain Centre is a $225 million project, part-funded with $53 million from the Victorian Government.

It brings together researchers from the Florey Neuroscience Institute, the Mental Health Research Institute and the University of Melbourne.

Florey Neuroscience Institutes Director, Professor Geoff Donnan, said the opening represented a significant milestone for neuroscience at The Austin – from its beginnings more than 30 years ago within the University of Melbourne’s departments of neurology and medicine.
 
“The already rich collaborative environment between the Florey and the university has been significantly enhanced by this new building,’ Professor Donnan said.

A larger campus, to accommodate 500 staff, opens on the grounds of the University of Melbourne later this year.

Neuroscientists and neurologists will share knowledge, equipment and lab space – the aim being an environment in which researchers from the partner organisations work side‑by‑side. 

As well as stroke and epilepsy, conditions being investigated include multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative illnesses, schizophrenia, depression, neurotrauma and addiction.

When complete, the Melbourne Brain Centre will be the seventh largest neuroscience centre in the world and is destined to be the fifth largest in terms of productivity.

It is expected to attract international scientists seeking a dynamic and challenging career.