$30 million for Neuroscience research

The Federal Government has announced a $30 million commitment to establish a Neuroscience Research Precinct, of which UNSW is a part.

The funding, which was earmarked in this week's federal budget, will see the establishment of a world-class facility on the Prince of Wales Campus, allowing for growth in research in the neurosciences, including dementia.

The precinct is being led by the Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute (POWMRI). UNSW is one of three partners; the others are South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Area Health Service and The Black Dog Institute.

"We welcome the government's significant investment in what will be a world-class centre for research in this very important field," said Vice-Chancellor Professor Fred Hilmer.

"UNSW is a leader in brain sciences. The new Precinct will significantly enhance our research efforts through the combined activities of our Faculty of Medicine, POWMRI, the Prince of Wales Hospital and the Black Dog Institute. I believe it will provide opportunities for major steps forward in the area of neuroscience," he said.

The Executive Director of POWMRI, Professor Peter Schofield said, "Neurological and psychiatric disorders of the brain and nervous system pose the largest health, economic and social burden to Australia."

"Our future plans require a significant new investment into a purpose-built, world-class research facility," said Professor Schofield.

In another significant development for the Precinct, it has been announced that an international leader in dementia research will take up a professorial appointment later this year.

Clinical Neuroscientist, Professor John Hodges, who is currently Professor of Behavioural Neurology at Cambridge University, will lead an innovative dementia research program that will advance fundamental knowledge of cognitive processes.

The appointment is a joint initiative between UNSW and POWMRI.