Two internationally renowned medical researchers have joined the Menzies Research Institute to boost research into the most mysterious and complex of human organs - the brain.

Two internationally renowned medical researchers have joined the Menzies Research Institute to boost research into the most mysterious and complex of human organs - the brain.

Neuroscientist Professor David Small has been appointed a Professorial Fellow and Senior Member of Menzies. He said that the central focus of his research is to better understand the causes of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

"By understanding what causes different types of dementia, we hope that we can discover opportunities for new therapies and diagnostic techniques which can be used to discriminate Alzheimer's disease from other dementia causing illnesses, "he said.

Professor Steve Cheung has moved from Singapore to also join Menzies' team of neuroscientists as a Senior Member.

Professor Cheung said that his research focuses on understanding the processes that regulate death and survival of nerve cells.

"I have collaborated for many years with the Menzies Research Institute on identifying new and novel therapeutic targets for treating mild and moderate brain injury," he said.

Menzies Research Institute Director, Professor Simon Foote, said that these appointments were made possible with a $5 million injection of funding from the University of Tasmania, giving the Institute the opportunity to employ five new senior research fellows.

"We are very pleased that the University has recognised the Institute's potential to attract high quality researchers through this significant investment. Our new research fellows are bringing diverse skills and biomedical knowledge to Tasmania, and enabling us to establish new links with the national and international research community," Professor Foote said.

Contact:

Phone:

Email: