Professor Matthew Kiernan AM awarded the 2024 GSK Award for Research Excellence
November 19, 2024Professor Matthew Kiernan AM, CEO and Institute Director at NeuRA and Scientia Professor of Neuroscience at UNSW, has won the prestigious 2024 GSK Award for Research Excellence for his work in neurodegenerative diseases.
Lived experience is the beating heart of mental health and suicide prevention
November 19, 2024Mental ill health and suicidal distress are deeply human experiences – which is why keeping people safe during these challenging times requires a human touch.
Stroke associated with long-term cognitive decline
November 19, 2024New evidence from the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) indicates that older adults who experience a stroke for the first time will have substantial immediate and accelerated long-term cognitive decline.
Rise in suicidal behaviours among young people linked to hotter temperatures
November 19, 2024Hot weather has been linked to an increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviours among young Australians, new research shows, prompting calls for an overhaul of public health approaches to higher temperatures.
Fit kids have better mental and physical health. What’s the best way to get them active?
November 19, 2024While the benefits of fitness for children are clear, physical activities should be done in a safe and fun way.
UNSW Health Translation Hub reaches new heights
November 18, 2024The facility will offer students the opportunity to work side-by-side with researchers on real-life cases.
Practising culture on Country can improve Aboriginal people’s health and wellbeing
November 18, 2024In Aboriginal knowledges, the health of people, family, Mob, culture and Country involve spiritual, emotional and physical dimensions.
Here’s what UNSW will be telling COP29 about how climate change is harming young people’s mental health
November 18, 2024Young people worry about climate change. But the impact on their mental health is more than anxiety about the future. Increasing heat and other effects are already influencing poor mental health.
2024 Australian Mental Health Prize winners announced
October 8, 2024Four Australians have been recognised, including a researcher who’s created an equine therapy program for Aboriginal youth and an academic who’s reshaped the treatment of psychiatric disorders globally.
New Suicide Prevention Guidelines for Emergency Departments Launched
October 8, 2024Earlier this month, Black Dog Institute, Suicide Prevention Australia, and Amber’s White Light introduced new Suicide Prevention Guidelines for Emergency Departments (ED Guidelines).
Black Dog Institute’s AKT Lab win research excellence award at The MHS Awards
October 8, 2024The Arts-based Knowledge Translation (AKT) Lab team at Black Dog Institute has been honoured with the prestigious Tom Trauer Evaluation and Research Award at the annual Mental Health Service Awards of Australia and New Zealand (TheMHS).
New Study Links Cognitive Function to Fall Risk in Older People
October 8, 2024A recent study has provided compelling insights into the connection between cognitive function and fall risk in older people.
Long COVID cost the Australian economy almost $10 billion in 2022 – new research
September 2, 2024We calculated lost productivity due to long COVID. The impacts were greatest among people aged 30 to 49.
New research sheds light on alcohol’s impact on brain activity in social drinkers
September 2, 2024Researchers at Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) and UNSW Science have conducted a study examining the impact of alcohol on the electrical conductivity of the brain, highlighting its sedative effects.
NeuRA launches world’s largest clinical trial for phantom limb pain
September 2, 2024NeuRA is now recruiting for TITAN, the world’s largest clinical trial to date into potential treatments phantom limb pain.
New UNSW teaching and research facility opens at Prince of Wales Hospital
September 2, 2024UNSW Sydney has unveiled its new $100 million Integrated Acute Services Building (IASB) at Prince of Wales Hospital, marking a significant milestone in healthcare collaboration.
Wellbeing day provides primary health care to mental health consumers
September 2, 2024On 21 June 2024, a wellbeing day was held for mental health consumers at the HealthOne building at The Sutherland Hospital.
Brain Health and Prevention | World Brain Day
August 5, 2024For decades, researchers and the community alike have awaited a ‘silver-bullet’ style drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease, the major cause of dementia which accounts for over 50% of cases. Available medicines reduce symptom progression but do not alter progression of the disease. What the results of multiple trials and the cost of any treatments has highlighted is a more fundamental issue: even if we do find a therapeutic treatment, it won’t proactively prevent future genrations from developing the disease.
Mental health organisations collaborate to call for changes to social media platforms
August 5, 2024Mental health organisations ReachOut, Beyond Blue and Black Dog Institute are calling for a range of evidence-based measures to help improve the safety of social media platforms for young people, including verification of mental health information and limiting infinite scroll features.
Joint Statement: Community Mental Health Gaps Continue to Widen in NSW, Says New Report from NSW Health
July 1, 2024NSW Health has released a new report into gaps in the NSW community mental health system, the first of two gap analysis reports, detailing the difference between demand for mental health services in NSW and the level of service currently available.
Black Dog Institute releases free mental health app shown to improve teenage mental health
July 1, 2024Sydney, 10 June 2024: Researchers from Black Dog Institute have successfully developed a new app shown through research to help teens better manage their mental health and improve wellbeing.
Research suggests higher intake of fruit reduces development of depression
July 1, 2024Globally, depression is a major public health concern. According to the World Health Organisation it is the largest contributor to non-fatal burden of disease, with more than 80% of this burden represented across low- and middle-income countries.
Why eating disorder care must be geared to neurodivergent patients
July 1, 2024One-third of people with an eating disorder are neurodivergent, yet traditional eating disorder research and treatments haven’t factored this into the equation.
Teenagers with ADHD more likely to self-harm, research shows
July 1, 2024New research has highlighted the higher risk of self-harm and suicide among teenagers with ADHD and the need for better-tailored intervention strategies.
Ketamine in tablet form shown to reduce symptoms of severe depression
July 1, 2024Recent research by Institute members has highlighted significant gender differences in how cognitive resilience factors influence the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
New Research finds Gender Differences in Cognitive Resilience and Mild Cognitive Impairment
July 1, 2024Recent research by Institute members has highlighted significant gender differences in how cognitive resilience factors influence the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
NeuRA researchers uncover critical, often overlooked factor in mental health research
July 1, 2024Measuring wellbeing alongside measures of psychological distress will paint a more accurate and thorough picture of mental health, found scientists at Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) and UNSW Sydney.
Building connected communities for adult survivors
July 1, 2024SESLHD’s Adult Survivor Program (pictured) has hosted its first Community of Practice (CoP) to support adult survivors of child sexual abuse and highlight the theme of this year’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Building Connected Communities.
Improving health outcomes for our children
July 1, 2024The first SESLHD Paediatric Services Review Workshop was held in April, bringing together clinicians, managers and executives of community health and mental health services, emergency departments, paediatric wards, outpatients and ambulatory services across the District.
Keith’s Closet expanded to support those living with mental illness
July 1, 2024https://www.seslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/news/keith%E2%80%99s-closet-expanded-to-support-those-living-mental-illness
CORE Awards coverage continued
July 1, 2024Everyone has a story to tell. For that reason, we have been bringing you the stories of our CORE Awards winners, across social media and On the Pulse. You can watch a wrap-up of the Awards ceremony here.
UNSW community celebrated in King’s Birthday Honours
June 12, 2024From the history of Australian mammals to improving mental health care and cancer medicine, UNSW community members have been honoured across a range of disciplines.
Australia is getting a new digital mental health service. Will it help? Here’s what the evidence says
June 3, 2024It sounds good in theory, but it doesn’t always work in practice. Here’s what the evidence from the UK and elsewhere shows so far.
Long-term prescription opioid use after hospital declining: study
June 3, 2024UNSW Sydney medical researchers have shed light on post-hospital prescription opioid use.
New research unit launched in Western Sydney
June 3, 2024UNSW Sydney joins forces with Western Sydney Local Health District to announce new research unit focused on developing state-of-the-art healthcare models.
Government action needed to improve efficacy of school-based mental health programs
June 3, 2024A group of 12 leading mental health organisations will convene at Parliament House on Tuesday, urging the government to establish national guidelines for implementing evidence-based mental health programs in schools.
Federal Budget begins mental health reform, without providing adequate funds to complete it
June 3, 2024The 2024-25 Federal Budget took important first steps towards long-term mental health reform, despite providing the smallest investment into mental health since 2018: only $361 million in new mental health funding, over four years.
Building connected communities for adult survivors
June 3, 2024SESLHD’s Adult Survivor Program (pictured) has hosted its first Community of Practice (CoP) to support adult survivors of child sexual abuse and highlight the theme of this year’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Building Connected Communities.
Joint Statement: Community Mental Health Gaps Continue to Widen in NSW, Says New Report from NSW Health
June 3, 2024NSW Health has released a new report into gaps in the NSW community mental health system, the first of two gap analysis reports, detailing the difference between demand for mental health services in NSW and the level of service currently available.
Mental Health Services: Prevention and Recovery Centre celebrates 200 programs
June 3, 2024The Prevention and Recovery Centre (PARC) in Bondi supports mental health recovery in a home-like environment. A partnership between SESLHD’s Mental Health Services and Independent Community Living Australia, PARC recently celebrated it’s 200th program since it opened in 2020.
Emerging researcher appointed to James Packer Chair in Mood Disorders at UNSW
May 9, 2024Dr Aswin Ratheesh is a leading clinical researcher in mood and psychotic disorders who is passionate about prompt and early access to interventions for people with such conditions.
Fostering Compassionate Communities for Mental Health
April 30, 2024As nominations open for the Australian Mental Health Prize, experts are uniting to underscore the critical need to foster compassionate communities.
Urgent Mental Health Support Needed for First Nations Children in State Care
April 24, 2024In response to the tragic death of a 10-year-old Indigenous boy by suicide while in state care last week, leading Indigenous mental health organisations are today calling on Federal and State Governments to urgently invest in social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) and mental health supports for Indigenous children in state care.
Long-COVID study reveals immunological improvement two years after infection
April 18, 2024Immune abnormalities have largely resolved at 24 months in a cohort of patients with long COVID, providing optimism that long COVID can resolve over time.
$5.7m for clinical trials
April 17, 2024Three UNSW Sydney projects have been awarded funding under the government’s Medical Research Future Fund’s clinical trials activity initiative.
SESLHD’s Mental Health Service supports the Bondi community
April 17, 2024Following the tragic events at Bondi Junction Westfield, SESLHD’s Mental Health Service has been providing support to those affected.
NeuRA and the Talent Development Project launch Music and Memories
April 9, 2024Emerging singer songwriters collaborate with people diagnosed with dementia to create original songs inspired by real life.
Government action needed to improve efficacy of school-based mental health programs
March 26, 2024A group of 12 leading mental health organisations will convene at Parliament House on Tuesday, urging the government to establish national guidelines for implementing evidence-based mental health programs in schools.
Launch of world-first guidelines for the treatment of first responders with PTSD
March 22, 2024Black Dog Institute and UNSW Sydney launched new guidelines for the management of PTSD among emergency service workers on Thursday, 21 March in NSW Parliament with Emergency Management Minister Jihad Dib and Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson.
Mental health training for your team? It’s good for everyone
March 20, 2024Investing in mental health training for your health professional team is good for staff and good for patients and clients — but what should health care organisations look for when choosing a training provider?
Mixed neurodegenerative pathologies, including CTE, found in multiple former elite-level Australian rugby code players
March 20, 2024The new case series, published today in the Journal of Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology in collaboration with the University of Sydney, Alfred Health and Harvard Medical School, includes clinicopathological analysis of the brains of six former elite-level Australian rugby league and union players, donated to the Former Elite-Level Athlete Brain Health Research Program.
Study eases concern at antipsychotics use in pregnancy
March 18, 2024The use of antipsychotics during pregnancy isn’t linked to childhood neurodevelopmental disorders or learning difficulties, UNSW Sydney-led study shows – giving assurance to those concerned about continuing their medications during pregnancy.
NeuRA research reveals complex interplay of nature and nurture in emotion and cognition
February 15, 2024The way our brain processes different emotional and cognitive tasks may be underpinned by common factors, find scientists from Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) and UNSW Sydney.
Anti-inflammatory drug found to help adults with severe schizophrenia
January 23, 2024Research conducted at Neuroscience Research Australia has found that an injection of an anti-flammatory biological known as Canakinumab in patients with schizophrenia and elevated inflammation brought about a decrease in psychotic symptom severity and inflammation. The research was published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity.
Gamified at-home exercises shown to effectively prevent falls in older people
January 17, 2024The way our brain processes different emotional and cognitive tasks may be underpinned by common factors, find scientists from Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) and UNSW Sydney.
Nurturing your mental wellbeing amid financial stress
November 23, 2023The current economic situation in Australia is not only affecting people’s financial well-being but also taking a toll on their mental health. Factors like housing affordability, rising living costs, and limited job opportunities are causing financial stress, leading to various negative consequences for individuals and their families.
Making the right call on mental health at work
November 22, 2023With high job demand and poor support being a common psychosocial hazard in the telecommunications industry, small and dynamic company, Waveconn, have put measures in place to minimise risks to mental health and create a supportive work environment.
Tips to tackle common holiday worries
November 20, 2023The holiday season is upon us and although popular culture leads us to believe the holidays are the happiest time of year, for many people it is the hardest. The holidays can be hard for many reasons and it’s different for everyone.
Understanding anxiety in children
October 30, 2023Anxiety is a common mental health concern in children (aged between 8-12 years old), with 7% of Australian children receiving a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder each year.
Managing Psychosocial Risk Factors at Work
October 25, 2023Ensuring health and safety at work, including addressing risk factors to mental health, is not only a legal obligation for employers but makes good business sense, helping to reduce costs, boost productivity and increase staff engagement and retention.
Working together for better outcomes in suicide prevention
September 7, 2023In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day 2023, we reflect on some of the groundbreaking research we have been working on and implementing over the past year.
KRC opens new clinic to provide healthcare to people who use drugs
April 27, 2023The team from Population and Community Heath’s Kirketon Road Centre (KRC) has collaborated with Uniting to open a new free clinic in Kings Cross providing high quality, compassionate medical care to people who use drugs.
Australian first: Multicultural mindfulness for mental health
April 27, 2023In an Australian first, SESLHD’s Multicultural Health Service and the NSW Multicultural Health Communications Service have launched a new set of Multicultural Mindfulness Resources in seven languages.
Patients leaving hospital sometimes need opioids. Doctors can reduce risks of long-term use and dependence
April 27, 2023New national standards aim to change doctors’ prescribing habits when patients with pain are discharged.
The vital role emergency departments play in frontline mental health care
April 27, 2023Almost one in 10 young people aged 12 to 15 years old report ever having self-harmed and the leading cause of death in Australia for young people aged 15 to 24 years old is suicide.
Neuropsychology Tool Streamlines Cognitive Assessment, Diagnosis and Care
April 27, 2023Currently, Australians can face delays of approximately 3 years on average between initial symptom presentation and a formal diagnosis of dementia.
Understanding Risk of Dementia and Alcohol Consumption
April 27, 2023The review, published in Addiction, has shown that abstaining from alcohol completely can actually increase the risk of dementia.
Apathy may predict progression to dementia
April 27, 2023It is common amongst older people, affecting between 10-35% of people aged over 65.
World-first trial to investigate new medication for methamphetamine dependence
April 27, 2023Vivamus vitae libero et nulla laoreet placerat sit amet nec ante. In at lectus a arcu condimentum.
Alcohol delivery services used to extend drinking sessions: study
April 27, 2023Services that deliver alcohol directly to the doorstep in as little as 30 minutes can prolong drinking sessions that would have otherwise ended, according to new research.
New Acute Services Building opens at Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct
April 27, 2023The much-anticipated Prince of Wales Hospital Acute Services Building (ASB) is the first major upgrade to the Prince of Wales Hospital in 25 years.
Obsessive compulsive disorder is more common than you think. But it can take nine years for an OCD diagnosis
April 27, 2023Obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a misunderstood mental illness despite affecting about one in 50 people – that’s about half a million Australians.
‘Nature prescriptions’ can improve physical and mental health: study
April 27, 2023Potential side effects include spontaneous euphoria and being in a good mood. Not to mention, it’s free and available all around you.
Researchers identify new potential neural signature of resilience in adults who have experienced early life stress
April 26, 2023Early life stress (ELS) is a well-known risk factor for mental health problems in adulthood.
Australian researchers take intergenerational practice into community settings to combat frailty
April 26, 2023Vivamus vitae libero et nulla laoreet placerat sit amet nec ante. In at lectus a arcu condimentum.
An effective new treatment for chronic back pain targets the nervous system
April 26, 2023A treatment that trains both the brain and the body has shown important effects on pain and disability, a new study has found.
A time of transformational change at Neuroscience Research Australia
April 26, 2023NeuRA’s new organisational strategy will see a much sharper focus on neurodegeneration, mental health and ageing well; an emphasis on clinical outcomes; and a search for partnerships which can enable greater scale and impact.
NSW Health funding to support new discoveries in neuroinflammation and the neurobiology of schizophrenia
April 26, 2023Schizophrenia affects one in 100 Australians and roughly 20 million people worldwide. For 70 – 80 per cent of people with schizophrenia, it is a chronic, lifelong condition.
NeuRA researchers awarded $4.5m in MRFF grants to improve lives of those with chronic pain
April 26, 2023In congratulating NeuRA’s Centre for Pain IMPACT researchers, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Carole Renouf, said this successful grant funding was a testament to their vision and ambition to increase equity of access to health care.
Black Dog Institute celebrates 20 years
April 25, 2023“From humble beginnings, the Black Dog Institute has been on quite an extraordinary journey of learning, discovery, and growth over the last 20 years,”
Positive psychology resources to support your teen’s mental health
April 25, 2023Setting teenagers up with the right skills and resources early in life can help to support their well- being and resilience.
Links between screen time and depression in adolescents more complex than first thought
April 25, 2023With adolescents interacting online more than ever, new data from the Black Dog Institute shows screen time and depression in adolescents may be linked – but not for the reasons we assume.
Self-harm intervention for children is needed, a new study finds
April 25, 2023Research has found 6055 adolescents aged 10–14 attended an emergency department in New South Wales for self-harm over a five-year period – 2276 of them for a repeat incidence.
Decolonising mental health systems: Global experiences of wellbeing
April 25, 2023As part of the webinar, each shared their experiences of walking in two worlds and of navigating mental health systems to ensure the wellbeing, healing, and self-determination of Indigenous peoples.
Psychedelics for mental health show a lot of promise, but there are gaps in knowledge that are important to address
April 24, 2023Treatment may be offered to patients experiencing depression who have not responded to medications or other modes of treatment.
Black Dog Institute Launches Nation-Wide Support Service For Emergency Service Workers
April 24, 2023Emergency workers respond to stress and trauma in different ways and the new national service offers multiple ways to seek support.
Mindgardens Neuroscience Network acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures, and to Elders past, present and emerging.
We acknowledge the voices of people with lived experience, their carers, families and kinship groups. We recognise the expertise acquired through living with a mental health, drug and alcohol or neurological disorder and acknowledge those who care for people on their recovery journey. We place lived experience at the heart of all that we do.
Brings together the strengths of four founding organisations
