Computational Neuroscience

Comprising experts in neuroimaging science and clinical neurology, the Brain and Mind Centre’s Computational Neuroscience team is using Artificial Intelligence algorithms and deep learning techniques to provide insights into the cause and progression of neurological diseases. Through the development of more accurate and descriptive neurological imaging, new biomarkers will be used in research, clinical trials and clinical practice, to aid the diagnosis and monitoring of brain diseases. 

The team comprises Prof Michael Barnett, Prof Fernando Calamante, Prof Dacheng Tao, A/Prof Weidong Cai, Prof Alistair McEwan, A/Prof Alexander Klistorner and A/Prof Tom Carson.

The Computational Neuroscience have a solidified partnership with the I-MED Radiology Network and the Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Centre, formalised in an Australian government Cooperative Research Centre Project grant scheme. This collaboration uniquely positions the team to accelerate the translation of improved diagnostic techniques derived from AI and machine learning, into real differences within clinical medicine and the medical and healthcare industry more broadly. The team has also partnered with technology company NVIDIA, working collaboratively to configure and implement a DGX-1 supercomputer to drastically increase productivity in specialised deep learning techniques.

The team have made significant strides in biomarker research, particularly for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This work has specifically used new analysis techniques and algorithms to demonstrate previously undocumented changes within established brain MS lesions over time and these changes have been adapted into biomarkers that can be used in clinical trials of emerging neuroprotective and pro-reparative medicines. The team is now working to modify their existing research and diagnostic solutions into other neurological diseases such as Motor Neuron Disease, Frontotemporal Dementia, and ophthalmic disease in a new collaboration with the Save Sight Institute.

We are always looking for additional collaborative and industry research opportunities. If you are interested in getting in partnering with us, please get in touch, so we can explore our research potential together.