NeuRA (Neuroscience Research Australia)
Matthew Kiernan has a strong background in neuroscience research and leadership roles in various organizations. Matthew is currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer and Institute Director at NeuRA (Neuroscience Research Australia), where they lead efforts to reduce the burden of brain and mind disorders in Australia through medical research. Additionally, they hold the position of Scientia Professor of Neuroscience at UNSW. In their previous positions, they have worked as a Consultant Neurologist at South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD), a Non Executive Director at Clene Nanomedicine, Inc., and a Non Executive Director at Optalert Limited. Matthew has also served as the Chair of the Board of Directors at the Brain Foundation and held leadership roles at the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, where they focused on advancing diagnoses, treatment, and patient outcomes for neurological disorders. Prior to that, they held the prestigious Bushell Chair of Neurology at Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, and served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry at BMJ.
Matthew Kiernan's education history includes a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from the University of Sydney, which they obtained from 1985 to 1989. Matthew completed a Neurology Residency Program at the same university from 1985 to 1989. Matthew also earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Neurology from UNSW between 1994 and 1996. In addition, they obtained a Doctor of Science (DSc) degree in Neuroscience from UNSW before 2010. Kiernan completed their education with a FRACP degree in Medicine & Neurology from the Royal Australasian College of Physicians between 1993 and 1997.
NeuRA (Neuroscience Research Australia)
From advances in dementia and mental health to discoveries in chronic pain and falls prevention, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) has been at the forefront of neuroscience for over 30 years. We are an independent, not-for-profit, medical research institute dedicated to improving the lives of people living with brain and nervous system disorders. To address the most pressing health needs and achieve maximum impact, our research is divided into three strategic themes: neurodegeneration, mental health and translational neuroscience. Within these areas, we research a broad range of conditions including: Neurodegeneration - Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, Parkinson’s disease, brain ageing research in Indigenous populations. Mental Health - Wellbeing and resilience, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder. Translational neuroscience - Balance and falls, pain and injury, brain mapping. What started in 1990 as discussion around a kitchen table between four scientists has now become a 300-person strong institute with 28 research groups and purpose-built facilities. Based in the Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct, Sydney, we support the most passionate scientists leading the most promising research – all while continuing to promote awareness, community education, and inspire lifelong support for neuroscience research.