Sensory and motor neuroscience

Sensory and Motor Neuroscience brings together scientists studying how our sensory and movement systems work.

By understanding the basic biology of how all animals move, see and hear, the teams are translating this knowledge into improved therapies.

Auditory Neurobiology

Research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of sensorineural hearing loss and development of inner ear therapeutics including a series of projects that directly investigate the role of adenosine and ATP signalling in the development of cochlear injury and adaptation to noise. Translational research in this area has implications for the treatment of several forms of sensorineural hearing loss, such as those induced by exposure to noise, ototoxic drugs, cochlear implantation and ageing.

Cochlear Physiology Laboratory

Research areas include: cochlear physiology and pathophysiology, otoacoustic emissions, mechanisms and diagnosis of sensorineural deafness and noise-induced hearing loss mechanisms and prevention.

Dance Studies and Brain Research Group

Our group aims to examine and support the roles of dance within neuroscience research. Our work focuses on the value of dance as a means for examining health and wellbeing for diverse populations, exploring innovative research projects that bridge arts and sciences, and supporting postgraduate students and their projects, such as dance and dementia. Our research interests include community dance, dance education, arts education policy and dance and wellbeing.

Exercise Nutrition and Metabolism Laboratory

We investigate brain fatigue and examine interventions that improve brain health and performance. Our research uncovers the brain’s role in controlling metabolism. We manipulate the body’s energy reserves and oxygen supply in the laboratory to discover the mechanisms involved in these processes.

Hearing and Tinnitus Technology

This research group aims to understand the neuroscience of tinnitus, identify novel assessments and treatments for tinnitus, and translate new tinnitus discoveries into clinical practices. Their areas of research interest cover multisensory processing, auditory attention, hearing aids, and internet service delivery.

Movement Neuroscience

Movement neuroscience explores the underlying principles in the preparation, planning and execution of an action. Using a structured approach, we develop novel rehabilitation strategies for people with impaired movement.

Neuroethology

We use field and laboratory studies to understanding the natural history and behaviour of fish and neurophysiology to investigate the underlying neural and sensory basis of these behaviours - an approach known as neuroethology. We are putting our knowledge of sensory biology to use in a range of applied problems in freshwater and marine fish biology and fisheries including whitebait migration and shark hearing.

Visual Neuroscience

Current research is looking at new treatment regimes for amblyopia, including amblyopia treatment in adults.