Meet our new Head of Department (DAP)
Professor Lizzie Coulson is the new Head in the Department of Anatomy and Physiology (DAP).
Image: Prof Lizzie Coulson
Professor Lizzie Coulson is a renowned neuroscientist whose research has significantly advanced our understanding of neuro-degeneration, dementia and brain development. Her contributions have earned international recognition and her leadership has shaped academic programs and research initiatives across Australia.
Specifically, Lizzie’s research is working to uncover why certain neurons die early in Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia – and how to stop it.
We have discovered links between the cell’s demise and lifestyle risks for dementia like obstructive sleep apnoea, as well as revealing the cellular processes that result in the degeneration…the next step is to confirm the links in people living with or at risk of dementia and turning these tools into drugs that can be tested in the at-risk populations.
Prior to joining the University of Melbourne, Lizzie served as Head of School at the University of Queensland, where she championed interdisciplinary collaboration and fostered a supportive environment for early career researchers.
Image: Prof Lizzie Coulson with group
Her move to Melbourne was inspired by UniMelb’s standing in Australia and location in the Parkville precinct, renowned for its research excellence. Inter-disciplinary collaboration is a key to medical breakthroughs both clinician-researcher as well as between disciplines, Lizzie says.
We need to keep asking: what do you (applied researchers) need to know that would help you make better decisions or treatments…I’m also a firm believer that curiosity-driven research drives the biggest leaps in knowledge and new applications.
As UniMelb alumni, Lizzie completed her PhD, in the then Department of Pathology, looking at the normal function of the Alzheimer’s disease amyloid precursor protein. Her postdoctoral work focused on the neuronal cell death in neuro-degeneration and development.
So why Biomedicine? Lizzie says she loves puzzles and working out how things fit together, a self-described "biology detective”.
But really I’m inspired to help make peoples’ lives better. I never wanted to be a clinician…my aim is to give clinicians the tools they need to be better health professionals.
When it comes to work-life balance Lizzie says there's no balance, just a seesaw.
Image: Prof Lizzie Coulson with a wombat
Research is both work and a hobby. Many of my friends are also academics...and my husband plans fantastic holidays. My kids and two Border Collies help me to get out of the house!
Lizzie brings leadership experience from her previous role as Head of School, a commitment to research excellence and a passion for mentoring the next generation of scientists. We look forward to the energy, expertise and vision Lizzie will bring to the role. Please join us in welcoming her to our School and the University.