Recognising excellence in turbocharging treatments for type-2 diabetes

I was born in Manchester, England, a city renowned for scientific breakthroughs, from Alan Turing’s innovations in computing to John Dalton’s contributions to atomic theory. Growing up in this rich environment nurtured my love for knowledge, but it was during my early research years that I discovered my true passion. 

“While pursuing my PhD, I became intrigued by the complex relationship between the brain and metabolism—understanding that the brain not only governs cognition and emotions but is also crucial in regulating hunger and energy balance. This insight transformed my curiosity into a passion for exploring the neural circuits that influence metabolic health and disease.”

I was especially drawn to how the brain manages energy balance, appetite, and glucose regulation and importantly, how we could harness these processes to fight obesity and type-2 diabetes. These diseases represent significant global health concerns, impacting over a billion individuals worldwide. 

“Despite many years of research, effective and sustainable treatments for these conditions remain challenging to find.”

As Associate Professor and Head of the Metabolic Neuroscience Laboratory at the University of Melbourne and Founder of Gallant Bio, my mission is to develop next generation therapies that transform the treatment of metabolic disease. The path to this point has been challenging but deeply rewarding, and receiving this award is a testament to the dedication of my research team, collaborators, and mentors who share this vision.

My research centres on how specific neural circuits influence metabolism and how we can modulate these pathways to enhance metabolic health. A particularly exciting area we investigate is the role of GLP-1 receptors, which are crucial targets in treating obesity and diabetes. Although GLP-1-based medications, like Ozempic, have transformed the landscape, our objective is to advance these insights further by revealing new brain-driven mechanisms that manage weight and blood sugar levels. 

Thanks to the NHMRC, I have had the opportunity to translate these discoveries into potential clinical drugs. I recently founded Gallant Bio, a biotech company leading the exploration of next-generation metabolic therapeutics. This endeavour holds the promise of delivering more targeted, effective, and enduring treatments for individuals facing obesity, diabetes, and related issues.

I believe that science should serve humanity, and my ultimate goal is to translate our discoveries into real world solutions that help people live longer, healthier lives. Metabolic disease is a global crisis affecting individuals, families, healthcare systems, and economies. By developing transformative therapies, we can reduce the burden of chronic disease, prevent complications like heart disease and stroke, and empower billions to take control of their health.

“This work is about more than just treating disease—it’s about building a healthier future for Australia and the world. By investing in innovative neuroscience driven metabolic research, we can shift the paradigm from treating symptoms to addressing root causes.”

Science is a journey of persistence, curiosity, and resilience. As a young scientist, I never imagined I would one day lead a research lab or a biotech company. But I have learned that progress comes from pushing boundaries, asking bold questions, and embracing challenges.

To early career researchers, I say: find your passion, surround yourself with great mentors, and never be afraid to take risks. The road will not always be easy as science is full of failures, dead ends, and unexpected detours. But as Winston Churchill famously said, “success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts.”

“I am incredibly grateful to receive this award, which will allow my team to expand our research, accelerate innovation, and drive real change in the fight against obesity and metabolic disease. Science is not a solo pursuit, it is a collective effort, built on the contributions of dedicated researchers, mentors, and collaborators. Together with the support of the NHMRC, we can turn groundbreaking discoveries into life changing treatments and build a healthier future for all.”