Neural Injury Research Unit

Focus

Neuroscience and neurological disorders

 

Group leaders

Associate Professor Catherine Gorrie

 

Group members

Neus Gomila Pelegri (PhD)
Victoria Marsters (Hons)

About us

We focus on repair and recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI). Our expertise in animal models of SCI provides the opportunity for testing treatments and characterising the cellular and functional recovery over time. We are particularly interested in age related changes, and the role of neural progenitor cells for SCI repair. Projects include the modulation of the spinal cord cells to provide neuroprotection and encourage new cell growth, the reduction of inflammation to promote a less hostile environment and the manipulation of cytoskeletal elements. We work with several research groups targeting different approaches to SCI and TBI repair. Currently we are also investigating the pathophysiology of ‘compression’ spinal cord injury, an area of research lacking in the field. 

Collaborations

Within UTS

Dr Jerran Santos, School of Life Sciences
Dr Kristine McGrath, School of Life Sciences
Associate Professor Hui Chen, School of Life Sciences
Professor Joanne Piper, FEIT

External

University of Auckland, New Zealand
Macquarie University
Griffith University
UNSW
Kolling Institute, University of Sydney
Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick 

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.