What we do

We have strong links with research institutes and industry sponsors both nationally and internationally. As the largest research group examining the use of natural products for cognition enhancement, our research is funded through national competitive grants, industry funds (from SMEs to Global 500 companies), charitable foundations and industry-based advisory activities.

Over the past few years, we have attracted more than $15 million in funding to help us continue our research while supporting and developing the next generation of researchers. We focus on translating academic and clinical excellence into evidence-based treatments for cognitive health through multiple research areas.

Our research ethics and integrity

Our researchers are committed to the highest ethical, professional and scholarly standards. All our studies conform to the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, Good Clinical Practice and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.

Learn more

Our research themes

Our research methodologies

We measure and assess neurocognitive function and related biomarkers using a range of innovative research methodologies. 

We conduct paper-based and computerised neurocognitive assessments using:

  • Computerised Mental Performance Assessment (COMPASS) battery – developed to capture the effects of nutritional interventions on cognitive performance
  • CogTrack System – an internet platform of cognitive function tests that over the last 35 years has proven to be the most sensitive and repeatedly used system in worldwide clinical trials
  • Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) – validated by 30 years of global neuroscience research and published in over 2,200 peer-reviewed papers with highly sensitive, precise and objective measures of cognitive function correlated to neural networks
  • Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) battery – used in over 1,000 clinical trials, including those assessing effects of food ingredients and supplements
  • Swinburne University Computerised Cognitive Assessment Battery (SUCCAB) – designed to be sensitive to the cognitive effects of ageing and interventions that reverse cognitive ageing
  • Purple multi-tasking platform – designed to measure cognitive performance and mood under mild laboratory workload stress
  • tailored cognitive instruments for specific research questions.

We use a range of validated psychological instruments to measure fluctuations in mood, well-being, sleep and general health, as well as how these outcomes change in response to nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and lifestyle interventions.

We also examine the impact of stress and mood on cognition using standardised self-report measures, laboratory stressors and biomarkers such as Autonomic Nervous System activity and cortisol.

Swinburne Neuroimaging is a major cognitive neuroscience centre that offers a range of equipment to study cognition, development, decision-making and brain dynamics, such as:

  • Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
  • Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
  • Electroencephalography (EEG)
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
  • Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS).

We study biomarkers and their relationship to cognitive performance such as:

  • cardiovascular function
  • doppler ultrasound
  • flow-mediated dilatation (FMD)
  • arterial compliance
  • inflammation
  • oxidative stress.
  • Anything she needs, her phone's got her covered

    Peer Tree Program

    Peer Tree is a gamified smartphone app designed to reduce loneliness in young people aged 18 to 25 years old. Available on iPhone and iPad.

    Download for free (Peer Tree Program)

Explore our centre

Contact the Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences

We work with academia, industry and government to form meaningful and impactful partnerships. For more information, please email cmhbs@swinburne.edu.au.

Email us