Recognition for Neuroscience research
Vice-Chancellor Professor Ed Byrne with Harold Mitchell
Vice-Chancellor Professor Ed Byrne has been recognised for his contribution to neuroscience.
The Vice-Chancellor, together with Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor David Copolov, were acknowledged for their "spectacular" contribution to neuroscience and the international impact their research has had.
Some of Australia’s greatest neuroscientists were honoured in this inaugural event including posthumously Dr Cade who discovered the role of lithium as a treatment for mood disorders and pioneering psychiatrist Dr Eric Cunningham Dax. Dr Leonard Cox, the first neurologist at the Alfred hospital was also honoured posthumously, with Monash Professor Elsdon Storey accepting the award.
The Legends of Neuroscience awards were held in Melbourne last Thursday, hosted by the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and the University of Melbourne.
Professor Byrne’s research career and commitment to the field of neuroscience, in particular his work in uncovering the role that mitochondria play in various myopathies, was recognised and he was acknowledged as a “visionary of Melbourne neuroscience”.
Professor Byrne was a founding director of the Melbourne Neuromuscular Research Unit and was also made Professor of Experimental Neurology at the University of Melbourne in 2001.
After serving as Dean of the Monash Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, he was then appointed the Vice-Provost (Health) at University College London (UCL) in 2007. He held that position until becoming the eighth Vice-Chancellor at Monash University.
Professor Byrne said he was honoured to receive the award.
“I am very proud of the achievements of neuroscientists throughout Australia and indeed the world. I feel privileged to have played a role in the research success in this complex area of medicine and, at a time when neuroscience didn’t have the profile it has today,” Professor Byrne said.
“I’d like to think that, together with my colleagues in this field, I may have contributed to raising that profile and hope the next generation of neuroscientists can continue to achieve and make significant inroads. It is an incredibly important area of medical science.”
Professor Copolov was recognised for his pioneering role in mental health leadership and his work as a major contributor to our understanding of schizophrenia.
“It's an honour to be recognised by The Florey and the University of Melbourne. I hope that we can inspire others to continue to ramp up the pace and clinical dividends of neuroscience research - in particular, in my area of special interest, improving outcomes for patients with serious psychiatric disorders," Professor Copolov said.
“It is an area that needs constant attention and commitment from researchers to better understand how the mind works. For me this has been a lifelong commitment and passion. I hope that I can continue to make valuable contributions to mental health advocacy and also to mental health research - primarily now as a mentor.”
Professor Copolov was the Executive Director of the Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria for 19 years and is a Professor of Psychiatry and Honorary Professor of Physiology at Monash and Professorial Fellow in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne.
Professor Copolov has long been a forceful advocate for a reversal of dehospitalisation, which has taken place in the public mental health sector.