In this wide-ranging discussion, we talk not only about his motivations for dynamic modelling of the brain, but about some of his recent work, and the larger issue of how this might pay off in the long run towards clinical applications. As he is also the editor in chief of NeuroImage, we delve into some of the changes that have occurred, such as new types of papers, new policies on data sharing, and of course the transition to open access. He also brings up a new offshoot of NeuroImage called NeuroImage reports - welcoming re-analysis of previous results. Lastly, recent news of the Australian National University shutting down its Neuroscience program because of budget problems is discussed in the context of the need to maintain discovery science - as it’s always a good investment.

Guest:

Michael Breakspear, Ph.D. is a physicist and psychiatrist is the leader of the Systems Neuroscience and Translational Neuroimaging Group at the Hunter Medical Research Institute at the University of Newcastle. He is the Editor of Chief of the Journal NeuroImage. His work in physics focuses on dynamic models of large-scale brain activity, toolbox development and the detection of nonlinear dynamics in empirical data. His work in translational imaging encompasses healthy ageing, dementia, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, with a focus on connectomics and risk prediction.

Michael grew up in Sydney and studied medicine, philosophy and mathematics. He undertook early career research training in the School of Physics at the University of Sydney before moving to the School of Psychiatry at UNSW as a mid-career researcher. He formed his Systems Neuroscience Group at the University of South Wales in Sydney in 2004, then moved to QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute from 2009. He relocated to Newcastle in 2019 and established the Systems Neuroscience Group, Newcastle (SNG-Newy) with aspirations to integrate basic methods, bioinformatics and clinical translation with a unique regional Australian character. Their imaging centre is in a beautiful bushland setting on Awabakal country.

In addition to basic research training, he also completed training in psychiatry and nowadays combines his research career with clinical sessions in adult psychiatry. Michael has an interest in recovery-focussed treatment of mood disorders, psychosis, and addiction. In the past he has also worked in Prison Mental Health and Inner City community psychiatry.

Michael has a passion for climate science, being rather social, and surfing.