ECU Post Doctoral Research Fellow in Neuroscience, Dr Prashant Bharadwaj.
Edith Cowan University (ECU)'s Dr Prashant Bharadwaj has been featured in the 16th edition of the National Health and Medical Research Centre (NHMRC)'s 10 of the Best.
The annual 10 of the Best publication details the projects completed by some of the most amazing health and medical researchers whose work has been funded by the Australian Government through NHMRC.
This year's edition delves into the compelling stories behind 10 groundbreaking Australian health and medical research projects, all funded under the NHMRC’s prestigious grant program and completed in 2022.
Dr Prashant Bharadwaj.
Dr Bharadwaj is a Post Doctoral Research Fellow in Neuroscience within ECU's School of Medical and Health Sciences, focusing on neurodegenerative diseases. He currently leads research into Childhood Dementia at ECU and Alzheimer's Research Australia based in Western Australia.
His project, 'Neuroprotective functions of autophagy regulators in Alzheimer's disease' which was featured in 10 of the Best, exemplifies work that is contributing to the health of Australia.
Dr Bharadwaj said that abnormal build-up of a protein called beta-amyloid in the brain is central to Alzheimer's disease and the main target for developing treatments.
"The project provided a deeper understanding of amyloid accumulation in the brain and about mechanisms and novel approaches and treatments to activate cell 'cleaning processes' and reduce neurodegeneration," said Dr Bharadwaj.
"Receiving the NHMRC grant and featuring in the top 10 at a national level is a very special feeling."
With more than 10 years of experience in Alzheimer's disease, Dr Bharadwaj is ideally placed to continue further research in this area and into Childhood Dementia, a group of rare neurodegenerative disorders.
He has initiated a national study bringing together clinicians and paediatric neurologists across Australia including Perth Children's Hospital, Queensland Children's Hospital, and Royal Children's Hospital in Victoria.
Alongside his research, Dr Bharadwaj also continues to mentor junior academic staff and supervises students at ECU.
