Bright future for research

Overcoming pathological fear, a new mechanism in multiple sclerosis and brain tumours, and better governance of financial markets are among the 19 research projects pursued by UNSW’s newest Future Fellows.

This is the second best result in the country, with UNSW's Fellows receiving up to $930,000 each over five years, representing close to $14 million in funding.

A total of 209 mid-career fellowships were announced today by the Federal Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research, Senator Chris Evans, who said the scheme is designed to increase the opportunities for highly qualified mid-career researchers to work in Australia, rather than overseas.

UNSW’s successful Fellows and projects include:

• Professor Gavan McNally, from the Faculty of Science, will identify the psychological mechanisms and brain pathways that allow us to learn to fear and to also overcome fear when it becomes pathological.
• The role of the essential amino acid tryptophan in the brain and its involvement in diseases including multiple sclerosis and brain tumours will be investigated by Dr Gilles Guillemin, from the Faculty of Medicine.
• Law’s Professor Justin O'Brien will map and evaluate the interaction of rules, principles and social norms to create accountable governance mechanisms in financial markets.

"I congratulate our newest Future Fellows, who are among UNSW's leading mid-career researchers," said Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Les Field.

"It is great recognition for their work and a strong result for the University, showcasing the depth of our research talent."

Three researchers from UNSW-affiliated Medical Research Institutes were also awarded Future Fellowships – two from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and one from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research institute.

Read the full list of UNSW Future Fellows at the Australian Research Council website.

Media contact: Denise Knight, UNSW Media Office | 9385 8920 | 0405 207 685