Dr Oscar Murphy is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Senior Clinical Research Fellow who studies how brain function relates to mental health issues and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s.
His research at the Bionics Institute focuses on creating and testing new brain stimulation treatments for neurological and psychiatric conditions. We sat down with him to hear about the exciting possibilities of the team’s research.
Can you tell us about the Bionics Institute’s innovative treatment of Alzheimer’s disease?
We are trialing the use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), which is a form of brain stimulation that uses magnetic pulses to alter brain activity. Brief magnetic pulses are passed from a handheld coil through the scalp to induce a weak electrical current within selected regions of the brain. By delivering repeated magnetic pulses, we aim to improve brain connections and thereby improve the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
What are the benefits?
TMS has been investigated for more than 30 years and is safe and very well tolerated. It is non-invasive, painfree, does not require surgery and has few side effects. Importantly, it is already a proven and clinically available treatment for depression and is listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule in Australia for the treatment of depression.
What difference could it make?
The devastating symptoms of Alzheimer’s create significant impacts, not just for those with the disease, but also for their families and the surrounding community.
Currently, there are no truly effective treatments to pause or reverse the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Our treatment could enable people with Alzheimer’s to enjoy more time with family, live independently for longer, participate socially, and remain engaged in the workforce to a greater extent.
It also enables families and carers to have relief from the emotional distress of caring for someone with the disease, remain working, spend more quality time with their loved ones, and know loved ones with Alzheimer’s are safer.
We are so grateful to all our caring and generous supporters who help us develop a new treatment, which could give people with Alzheimer’s the chance to have more cherished time and memories with their loved ones. Dr Oscar Murphy
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At the Bionics Institute, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of medical research to address the most pressing and overlooked health challenges.
One such challenge are the cerebellar ataxias, a devastating group of over 100 genetic disorders, which disproportionately affect Indigenous Australians living in remote communities. Under the leadership of Associate Professor David Szmulewicz, our researchers are determined to bring hope and innovative solutions to those who need them most.
A yet-to-be-quantified public health emergency
Cerebellar ataxias are progressive conditions that impair coordination, balance, vision, speech, and swallow.
For those afflicted, the impact is profound: many become wheelchair-bound, lose the ability to communicate effectively, and require assistance to eat and drink.
Tragically, most patients with cerebellar ataxias die prematurely from a range of complications including choking and severe pneumonia related to swallowing difficulties, as well as the complications of falls.
The prevalence of cerebellar ataxias among remote Indigenous populations is staggering.
In East Arnhem Land communities, it is estimated that the most common form of this condition can occur up to times 180 more frequently than worldwide.
This disparity is compounded by limited access to specialist medical care and diagnostic services.
Many affected individuals remain undiagnosed and untreated, further exacerbating health inequities and leading to lifelong disabilities that could have been mitigate with early intervention.
Pioneering solutions with cutting-edge technology
Associate Professor Szmulewicz and his team are developing a groundbreaking diagnostic platform that utilises wearable sensors and artificial intelligence to diagnose and accurately measure the progression of ataxia.
This innovative approach allows clinicians to assess the condition in real-world scenarios, such as during walking, sitting, eating and drinking.
What difference could it make?
The devastating symptoms of Alzheimer’s create significant impacts, not just for those with the disease, but also for their families and the surrounding community.
Currently, there are no truly effective treatments to pause or reverse the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Our treatment could enable people with Alzheimer’s to enjoy more time with family, live independently for longer, participate socially, and remain engaged in the workforce
to a greater extent.
It also enables families and carers to have relief from the emotional distress of caring for someone with the disease, remain working, spend more quality time with their loved ones, and know loved ones with Alzheimer’s are safer.
We have developed a medical device platform that can objectively measure the hallmarks of ataxia such as imbalance and incoordination and can be used by GPs, physiotherapists and nurses in remote communities. Associate Professor David Szmulewicz
What our researchers aim to achieve
Accurate measurement is a crucial step in understanding these debilitating disorders and monitoring their progression.
It also paves the way for developing new, effective treatments and ensuring that patients receive the best care available.
Prototype devices have returned favourable results in early trials and our ultimate goal is to eliminate barriers to health care access, empowering individuals with ataxia to lead fuller, more independent lives.
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The Bionics Institute is thrilled to announce that The Cass Foundation has awarded $60,000 in funding to support Dr. Demi Gao’s research into improving cochlear implant programming for infants.
Dr Gao’s research seeks to enhance cochlear implant management for infants to ensure their implants are set up correctly at the earliest stages of life.
Her research uses an innovative hearing test developed by Bionics Institute researchers that uses a non-invasive imaging technology to measure the brain responses to sound while infants are asleep.
Funding from The Cass Foundation will help establish a method to determine hearing thresholds and comfort levels in normal hearing infants to enable development of a technique that predicts the minimum and maximum electric stimulation levels to determine the best settings and establish a new standard for compassionate and precise paediatric care for babies with cochlear implants.
Thank you to The Cass Foundation for their support towards developing a clinically viable tool that aims to improve cochlear implant management, leading to better speech and language outcomes and a significantly improved quality of life for babies with cochlear implants. Dr Demi Gao, project lead
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We are proud to announce three prestigious awards from the Passe & Williams Foundation for our talented hearing researchers.
Mardi Gammon
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Passe & Williams Foundation for this generous scholarship. This scholarship will support my early research career and will help with our efforts to develop a drug therapy for hearing loss. Mardi Gammon
Dr Yingji Hu
Dr Yingjie Hu is an early-career researcher in the Hearing Therapeutics team at the Bionics Institute. Her research focuses on the research and development of novel drug delivery technologies for hearing loss.
I am incredibly honored and grateful to receive this fellowship from the Passe and Williams Foundation. The invaluable support will allow me to pursue the exciting project on developing a versatile platform for inner ear drug delivery. I believe our novel drug delivery strategy will bring meaningful contributions to the field of hearing research. Dr Yijing Hu
Professor Colette McKay
Professor Colette McKay is an international leader in the field of psychophysics with electrical stimulation, and her multidisciplinary research combines psychophysics, electrophysiology, imaging, speech perception, speech processing and mathematical modelling with the aim of improving clinical outcomes of auditory implants.
I am so grateful to receive this grant from Passe Willaims Foundation to meet the challenge of translating a novel technique such as fNIRS into clinical practice . I hope that the outcome of this translation will benefit all future infants born with a hearing loss. Prof Colette McKay
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Support Us
Join Australian singer/songwriter Vance Joy and support our Giving Day on 4 March.
“I’m proud to support the Bionics Institute in their research into brain stimulation treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, aiming to combat memory loss,” Vance says. “If you’re able to support, please donate to their Giving Day on March 4.”
While you may know him from his hit song Riptide — which has been streamed more than 2 billion times on Spotify — you may not know that Vance is passionate about finding a way to combat memory loss and the worst effects of Alzheimer’s disease. With your help, he is hoping we raise enough money this Giving Day to progress our pioneering research into the disease.
You’re helping people like Daryl and his family
Why support our Alzheimer’s research?
Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition which causes deterioration of brain cells and a progressive decline in cognition and functioning, most notably in memory.
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and no known way to stop or reverse the progression of the disease.
Professor Kate Hoy of the Bionics Institute has developed a treatment program using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) which aims to improve brain function in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
By stimulating key regions of the brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease TMS offers the potential to restore healthy neural network function for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
You likely know or heard of someone dealing with the difficult symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, wouldn’t you want to give them the gift of connection?
Vance Joy with the Bionics Institute’s Alzheimer’s researchers
“Ultimately, we hope that maintaining memory for longer will mean someone can live independently for longer, delaying having to move in with a family member or into aged care.”
– Prof Kate Hoy, Head of the Cognitive Therapeutics Research Program
Help fund pioneering research
Early-stage research for life-changing devices & treatments like this is made possible by donations from our supporters.
Your support today could turn the seed of an idea into a new treatment in the future.
“I love that the Bionics Institute is a different to most other research institutes in Australia in that it deals in development of medical devices to solve challenging medical conditions and alleviate patient suffering.”
– A/Prof Stella Clark AM GAICD, Board Director 2012-2024
Following 12 years as a Director of the Bionics Institute, A/Prof Stella Clark AM GAICD has stepped down from the role and her position as Chair of the People and Culture Committee.
We thank Stella for championing our innovative research and for her influence across a number of key strategic initiatives.
With a distinguished career in diabetes research, research management and executive leadership, Stella was invited to join the Board in 2012 by then Director Professor Rob Shepherd AM and Chair Gerry Moriarty.
Stella held a Board position alongside Prof Shepherd and Mr Moriarty for 5 years until 2017, and then current CEO Mr Robert Klupacs and Chair Mr John Stanhope for the following 7 years.
She is grateful for the support and encouragement received from both pairs of CEOs and Chairs during her tenure and has enjoyed seeing the evolution of governance that has resulted.
“Prof Rob Shepherd was an outstanding researcher who spent his whole career (more or less) at the Institute. He was involved with the research that led to development of the cochlear implant and oversaw the transformation of the Bionic Ear Institute to the Bionics Institute – with its expanded research profile,” Stella said.
“Robert Klupacs’ appointment brought a different focus to the Bionics Institute. With his broad experiences in industry and tech transfer he has moved the Institute more in the direction of commercialisation. He and the Board hope the formation of start-up companies, when they come to fruition, will provide a government-independent income source to support the further research that is needed.”
Whilst there have been many research developments at the Institute during her time on the Board, Stella noted the work on the Bionic Eye and recent advances in our vagus nerve and brain stimulation research as just some of the highlights.
“Being able to interact with one of the Bionic Eye clinical trial patients, and hear how it enabled her to have some sense of ‘vision’ was extraordinary,” she reflected.
“The tremendous work being done currently on vagal nerve stimulation and how this might be applied to a variety of debilitating conditions; the groundbreaking project investigating transcranial magnetic stimulation as a treatment for memory loss in Alzheimer’s; and epilepsy monitoring research that has led to the formation of the spinout company Epiminder are just a small selection of the exciting ways Bionics Institute is working to improve lives.”
As Chair of the Bionics Institute’s People and Culture Committee, Stella focused on increasing diversity of members and ensuring perspectives of staff from all areas of the Institute’s operations were included.
Reflecting this was the Institute’s all staff workshops in 2022 titled, Better Together. This initiative explored all facets of culture within the Institute and how it could be improved, plus included staff in the roll out of post-event actions.
The subsequent staff survey showed a significant improvement in staff satisfaction.
“The Board are very proud to say the Institute maintains this high level of satisfaction with an 82% participation rate and an engagement score of 78% in the 2023 survey. An outstanding achievement of which I’m proud to have played a part,” she said.
Stella is excited about the future of the Institute and the opportunities that lay ahead.
As one of 8 partners in the Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discoveries (ACMD), the Bionics Institute will move into the highly anticipated ACMD building on the St Vincent’s Hospital campus (expected to be late 2025).
“The co-location of the great minds at the Bionics Institute with other Victorian researchers and engineers at ACMD will foster collaboration and increase the potential for new and exciting ideas,” Stella said.
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We’re delighted to announce our new Ambassador for Alzheimer’s research: Australian singer songwriter, Vance Joy.
He will be helping us raise awareness and funds for our clinical trial investigating a new brain stimulation treatment for Alzheimer’s.
With the support of you and Vance Joy, we aim to progress our pioneering Alzheimer’s treatment to help fight memory loss and delay onset of the most distressing symptoms of the disease.
Look out for more news in February!
In the meantime, you can find out more about our Alzheimer’s research and how you can participate in our clinical trial here.
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Congratulations to Bionics Institute researcher and neurologist Associate Professor David Szmulewicz, who was awarded a Veski FAIR Fellowship!
A/Prof Szmulewicz will use the funding to continue his highly impactful work with Aboriginal communities living in remote regions, where his research focuses on improving the lives of people living with spinocerebellar ataxias – a group of debilitating neurological conditions that affect coordination, balance, vision, speech and swallow.
The Fostering Achievement in Research (FAIR) Fellowship supports early and mid-career researchers who have narrowly missed out on national funding, with a focus on supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Thank you to Veski and Victorian Minister for Medical Research Ben Carroll for supporting Bionics Institute research.
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We are delighted to welcome two new members to the Bionics Institute Board of Directors, Sean Moore and Paul Lefebvre.
Sean and Paul bring additional expertise to the Board, enhancing its strengths in areas such as risk mitigation, talent acquisition, and international business strategy.
Chair of the Board, Mr John Stanhope welcomes the announcement, saying: “The Bionics Institute will greatly benefit from the extensive expertise of our new Board Directors. We look forward to collaborating with them to further strengthen the Bionics Institute’s reputation as a global leader in medical device development.”
Learn more about our new directors:
Paul Lefebvre
Paul Lefebvre has over 30 years’ experience as a human resources practitioner and leader across sectors that include financial services, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, higher education and medical research. Presently, he is a Partner with Davidson Search and Advisory specialising in executive recruitment and business advisory services.
Paul has had significant experience in executive level management, with appointments including Human Resources Director for the faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne, Vice President People and Culture at Victoria University and Head of Human Resources at GlaxoSmithKline Australia for their Global Manufacturing and Supply operations.
He also led the human resources merger integration for Glaxo Wellcome Australia with SmithKline Beecham when both companies merged in 2000.
Additionally, Paul has contributed his HR and leadership expertise as a member of the People and Culture Board Committee at the Bionics Institute since 2021.
Paul says: “I am delighted to join the Board of the Bionics Institute and continue my association with the Bionics Instutute following my membership of the People and Culture Committee since 2021. I look forward to supporting my Board colleagues and our Management teams to enable our great people at the Institute to do their best work.”
Sean Moore
Sean Moore is a Partner at Deloitte, the world’s largest professional services firm built on more than 175 years’ service to clients in more than 150 countries and territories.
At Deloitte, Sean advises leading financial institutions on risk, technology and business transformation.
Prior to Deloitte, he was a Managing Director leading global investment banks Nomura and Lehman Brothers. His international career has seen him live and work in Australia, New York, London, Zurich, Frankfurt, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Sean has been supporting the Bionics Institute as a member of the Fundraising Committee through 2024.
On joining the Board, Sean said,“It’s a privilege to serve on Board of the Bionics Institute. I was drawn by their world class research, development and innovation. The multidisciplinary approach that brings together scientists, engineers and researchers is unique. I’m inspired by the collaborative approach to transforming people’s lives.”
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Golf with an impact
The Bionics Institute invites you to take part in the Concept Logistics 2025 Charity Golf Day to play 9 holes, all while raising vital funds for medical research at the Bionics Institute.
About the event:
Conveniently located 11km from the CBD in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs, Box Hill Golf Club is a Par 71, well-conditioned parkland course surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife. You will enjoy nine challenging holes in this Ambrose competition followed by a BBQ buffet and drinks in the beautiful upper-level function room overlooking the course.
Date: Monday 31 March 2025
Venue: Box Hill Golf Club
Format
Nine Hole Ambrose Shotgun Start followed by BBQ buffet, drinks and networking in the club pavilion overlooking the course.
Keynote Presenter
Hear from Collingwood Premiership Captain Nick Maxwell in the evening BBQ Buffett and drinks.
Timings
Arrive: 3.00pm
Shotgun Start: 3.30pm
BBQ buffet and presentations: 6.00-8.00pm
Prizes
Nearest to the pin
Winning team
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Golf and networking with an impact
The Bionics Institute invites your organisation to sponsor and take part in the Concept Logistics 2025 Charity Golf Day to play 9 holes and network, all while raising vital funds for life-changing medical research at the Bionics Institute.
You will be helping our researchers transform the lives of people with a range of conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, hearing impairment, Crohn’s disease, balance disorders, chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease and arthritis.
As an event sponsor your company will benefit from unique branding and networking opportunities that a partnership with the Bionics Institute, giving unique brand exposure to other businesses and corporations.
You and guests can socialise and have fun, whilst showing your organisation’s support for the community and giving your staff and guests of yours an opportunity to connect.
Contact Sam McLarty for more information or purchase a sponsorship package online.