Prof Danny Hatters and Prof Chris McDevitt appointed School of Biomedical Sciences Research Co-Directors
Congratulations to Prof Danny Hatters, Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology and Prof Chris McDevitt, Department of Microbiology & Immunology who have been appointed the Research Co-Directors for the School of Biomedical Sciences commencing 2 January 2025.
This important role is responsible for developing a vision for research activities that leverage the collective strengths of the individual departments and implement pathways to realise outcomes for the benefit of the entire School. We caught up with them to understand their collective vision and individual priorities for the joint role.
I would like to connect people across silos within the school, across the faculty and beyond. Help people identify where they can use their skills to position themselves better for schemes like MRFF and find new funding streams. –Prof Danny Hatters
I'm focussed on identifying major priority initiatives that increase opportunities for inter-departmental and cross-faculty collaboration, and to support opportunities for EMCAs. –Prof Chris McDevitt
The Research Co-Director roles, with the support of the Research Committee, has an opportunity to have lasting impact at the Department, School and Faculty level to:
- Develop research themes that connect people from different departments into larger programs,
- Provide a vehicle for open communication with the Faculty,
- Advocate the interests of biomedical science, and integrate and translate effort into clinical practice,
- Contribute to the development of emerging opportunities from the Faculty and/or University,
We wish Danny and Chris success for this new appointment and acknowledge and thank Prof Stuart Mazzone, Department of Anatomy & Physiology, for his time as Interim Research Director.
Big breakthroughs require collective effort and as a school the breadth and depth of our capabilities is really quite impressive, yet we don’t fully leverage these capabilities as effectively as we could. –Prof Stuart Mazzone
Meet your new Research Co-Directors
Prof Danny Hatters, Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology
Prof Danny Hatters’ research focuses on the molecular mechanisms that drive neurodegeneration, specifically on Huntington’s Disease and Motor Neuron Disease.
Outside of the Lab, you will find Danny in his native garden, or doing general renovating and handy work. He also enjoys travelling and spending time walking old cities exploring architecture and culture.
Favourite spot in the precinct? The System Garden near the Western Edge Biosciences - the smell of the brown boronias (Boronia megastigma) in early spring is incredible there!
Image: Danny Hatters in the Lab with PhD Student Kevin Castillo
Prof Christopher McDevitt, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Prof Chris McDevitt’s research investigates the molecular basis of bacterial pathogenesis, how metal ions contribute to host-pathogen interaction, and using this knowledge to develop new antimicrobial therapeutics.
Favourite spot in the precinct? My team and I often go for coffee at the Haymarket Place Cafe.
Image: (L-R) Dr Aimee Tan, Dr Jon Wilksch, Prof Chris McDevitt, Dr Bliss Cunningham, Dr Stephanie Neville
Prof Stuart Mazzone, Department of Anatomy & Physiology
“The development and actioning of an effective research strategy is an important ingredient in the success of our SBS researchers. Our school is the engine of discovery within our faculty, and we provide an important foundation for translation and enterprise to be built upon. As such, it is critical that we value this and provide a framework for innovation to support researchers in their research pursuits. I see this as the essential purpose of the SBS research committee and its leadership.”
“Over the past year we have been very much focussed on building larger-scale collaborative research endeavours and several of these are now in active growth phases. We recognise that the research landscape is changing, and the old way of conducting research in silos is no longer the norm."
Words of wisdom for the incoming?
Develop a vision that’s bold and ambitious, one where people will not want to miss out on the opportunities that lay ahead. It’s OK to try and fail –doing nothing or the status quo, that’s the real risk.
Stuart Mazzone is a Professor of Neuroscience, Dept Anatomy & Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, where he also serves as Deputy Head of Department, and Head, Respiratory Sensory Neuroscience Laboratory.