About us
Vision
Neurological conditions affect a growing number of people worldwide, accounting for one third of all diseases.
They are one of the largest contributors of 'healthy life' lost and are the second leading cause of death. The total burden of disease, measured as the disability-adjusted life years or DALYs for neurological conditions, has risen substantially over the last decade, particularly in the older age group. Neurological diseases are one of the five disease groups causing the most burden in Australians in 2022, with dementia the second leading cause as an individual disease (AIHW, 2022).
Interestingly, the fatal total burden of disease for neurological diseases has increased by 42% over the last decade. This is a huge challenge confronting Australia’s health system and society, costing approximately $45.5 billion each year.
With this in mind, our vision is to improve the health and wellbeing of Australians living with neurological diseases.
Find out more from the Department of Neuroscience capacity statement
Leadership
Head of Department
Deputy Head of Department
Who we are
The Department of Neuroscience is the first university academic department in Australia dedicated to developing and providing solutions for patients with neurological conditions.
Established in early 2018, the Department partners closely with healthcare service, Alfred Health. We are located in the Alfred Centre on Levels 5 and 6 on the Alfred Hospital precinct.
The Van Cleef Foundation has provided support to the department through a generous endowment.
About the Van Cleef Roet Centre for Nervous Diseases
In 1996, the Van Cleef Roet Centre for Nervous Diseases was established at Monash University and the Alfred Hospital . This centre had a strong focus on research in cerebellar ataxias, and movement disorders including Parkinson’s disease (PD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).
Emeritus Professor Elsdon Storey was appointed as the first Van Cleef Roet Professor of Neuroscience until 2015.
Under his leadership, the first time combined clinical leadership in Neurology at The Alfred with academic leadership in neuroscience at Monash University, he set the foundation for what has developed into an internationally leading academic neuroscience program.
In 2022, Professor Storey was awarded the prestigious Bethlehem Griffiths Research Foundation medal for his services to neuroscience and international research.
Previous members of the centre have included Associate Professor David Williams, Dr Kelly Bertram, Dr Perdita Cheshire and Dr Nupur Nag.