BrainPark
BrainPark is a world-first neuroscience research clinic dedicated to improving the physical, mental and brain health of Australians, and is co-located at Monash Biomedical Imaging in Clayton.
Forming habits is a necessary part of our existence and a powerful influence in almost everything we do – good and bad. Unfortunately, Australians have some of the highest rates of unhealthy habits (excessive eating, drinking, gambling, recreational drug use) in the world. Unhealthy habits contribute to unhappiness, relationship stress, and poor mental and physical health.
Lifestyle and technology therapies tested
The BrainPark team is developing novel digital assessment tools and innovative lifestyle and technology-based therapies, chosen for their strong therapeutic potential and scalability. These are: physical exercise, meditation and yoga, therapeutic virtual reality, cognitive training.
Imaging will help determine how interventions work
Co-location of BrainPark with the state-of-the-art Monash Biomedical Imaging facilities enables seamless integration of brain science and imaging to determine how these interventions change the brain, and for whom they are most effective. Studies can use neuroimaging tools before and after an intervention to ensure that advances in understanding of brain function and human behaviour are translated into effective tools for creating healthy habits, brains and lifestyles.
Facilities available
BrainPark houses Indoor/Outdoor Gym, a Spin Studio, an Exercise Physiology Lab, two Virtual Reality Studios, Brain Training Pods, a Meditation/Yoga room, an Outdoor Meditation Garden and Clinical Assessment Rooms.
Designed by award-winning architects, the spaces are warm, creative and engaging, with a modern, non-clinical feel. Researchers and groups (internal, external and industry) can apply to use the facilities for their own research. To do this, email the BrainPark team or phone +61 3 9902 7275.
The development of BrainPark would not have been possible without a generous donation from The David W. Turner Endowment Fund, further supported by investment from the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, and Monash Biomedical Imaging.