Brain and mental health research
Our Brain and Mental Health Research Program is making a meaningful difference to thousands of Australians.
Brain and mental health research
The research is critical with about half of all Australians experiencing mental ill-health at some stage in their lives. It focuses on a range of mental health areas including anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and schizophrenia.
Our neuroscientists, geneticists, epidemiologists, and clinical researchers are devoted to developing treatments, finding the causes, and working out how to prevent these conditions. This includes investigations into innovative neuro-stimulation and psychopharmacological interventions for people with serious mental disorders. Our understanding in the areas of psychiatric genetics, neuroimaging and neuroscience will inform new strategies for prevention, early intervention, and the treatment of complex syndromes.
Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), motor neuron disease, epilepsy, and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, are a growing health issue in Australia, often with limited treatment options. Our researchers are providing a broad interdisciplinary expertise in advancing understanding of this area from infancy to the elderly.
Leading Brain and Mental Health Research
Professor Murat Yücel is the Program Director for the Brain and Mental Health Program and Group Leader of the Cognitive Fitness Lab at QIMR Berghofer. He is an AHPRA registered Clinical Neuropsychologist and founded the BrainPark research clinic at Monash University in Melbourne.
Professor Murat Yücel
Program Director
Professor Yücel brings three decades of experience at the forefront of mental health and neuroscience research, with a particular focus on addiction and mental health. He has over 400 peer-reviewed publications and his work has been in the top 1% of most cited researchers globally, earning him the merit of Clarivate HiCi researcher.
Our brain and mental health research labs
Associate Professor Vanessa Beesley
Professor Murat Yücel
Associate Professor Miguel Rentería
Professor Sarah Medland
Professor Nick Martin
Associate Professor Michelle Lupton
Associate Professor Luca Cocchi
Professor James Scott
Associate Professor James Roberts
Associate Professor Ian Harding
Professor Eske Derks
Professor Anthony White
Our brain and mental health research areas
Diseases & conditions
Learn more about our life-changing research into diseases and conditions.
Research programs
QIMR Berghofer is a world-leading medical research institute, renowned for our efforts in both discovery and real patient research.
Infection and Inflammation
We're tackling globally important diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites, as well as systemic chronic inflammation.
Population Health
Our ultimate goal is preventing ill-health in communities and improving patient care, quality of life, and survival rates, so that all Australians and our regional neighbours have the opportunity to enjoy good health.
Cancer
Preventing the leading cause of death in Australia.
Brain and Mental Health
Half of all Australians experience mental ill-health at some stage in their lives. Our researchers are developing treatments, finding the causes, and working out how to prevent these conditions.