Meet the Visionaries Shaping the Future of Research & Healthcare

Professor Doctor Thomas Klockgether is a distinguished clinical scientist specializing in neurology. He is affiliated with the University of Bonn and the University Hospital Bonn. His research primarily focuses on spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs), a group of genetically diverse, autosomal dominantly inherited progressive ataxia diseases¹². Prof. Klockgether has made significant contributions to the clinical characterization of these conditions and is dedicated to translating research insights into new therapies and preventive strategies.

Professor Thomas Klockgether has for many years been at the forefront of research on Spinocerebellar Ataxias (SCAs), particularly SCA 3 (Machado-Joseph Disease). With his expertise in advanced brain imaging, functional assessment through digital technologies, and the development of biomarkers, Professor Klockgether has transformed the way we understand and treat these debilitating diseases. His translational research has brought us closer to effective therapies for SCA 3 and beyond. In his talk, he’ll share the latest advancements in understanding the progression of SCA 3 and the exciting possibilities for targeted treatments that could change the lives of patients.

Professor Laura Bannach Jardim is a professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Porto Alegre, Brazil. She has an extensive background in research, particularly focusing on neurodegenerative diseases such as Machado-Joseph Disease (MJD) and various types of spinocerebellar ataxias. Her work includes numerous publications on the genetic and clinical aspects of these conditions, contributing significantly to the understanding and potential treatments of these disorders.  Her contributions have significantly advanced the understanding of these complex diseases, providing a foundation for future research and potential therapies.

Professor Laura Bannach Jardim’s groundbreaking research on MJD (SCA 3) and its genetic underpinnings is helping to revolutionise our understanding of the disease. Her recent work, identifying a genetic variant in the PRKN gene that affects the age of onset for MJD, offers promising new pathways for precision medicine. This discovery, along with her exploration of other genetic factors in SCAs, could significantly change how we diagnose and treat these disorders. Don’t miss her session as she shares this transformative research and its potential to reshape therapeutic approaches for MJD, SCA 7, and other SCAs.

Associate Professor Courtney Ryder is a distinguished Aboriginal ECR injury epidemiologist and Matthew Flinders Fellow at Flinders University. She serves as the Discipline Lead for Injury Studies in the College of Medicine and Public Health. Her research focuses on Indigenous Data sovereignty and knowledge interface methodology to address health inequities among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations. She has received numerous accolades, including the 2023 NHMRC Investigator grant for her innovative work in transforming injury outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Courtney Ryder’s academic journey began with a double degree in Biomedical Engineering and Science from Flinders University, followed by a PhD from UNSW. Her career is marked by significant contributions to public health, particularly in the areas of injury and trauma, and she is recognized for her leadership in transforming student learning and public health education.

Associate Professor Courtney Ryder is driving forward new research to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Her work in injury epidemiology, combined with her focus on Indigenous Data Sovereignty, is helping to address the unique health challenges faced by these communities, including those living with SCAs. Join Professor Ryder as she discusses her innovative approach to working with Indigenous populations, and how her research is advancing care and intervention strategies for individuals with MJD and SCA 7.

Doctor Sarah Milne is a distinguished physiotherapist and researcher. She is currently the Coordinator of the Friedreich Ataxia Clinic and a Research Officer at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. Additionally, she serves as the Clinical Research Lead for Physiotherapy at Monash Health Dr. Milne completed her PhD in 2018, focusing on rehabilitation and the measurement of gait and balance in individuals with Friedreich Ataxia. Her research interests include the efficacy of rehabilitation for hereditary cerebellar ataxia and the development of specialized services for people with functional neurological disorders.

Doctor Sarah Milne is at the forefront of rehabilitation research for individuals with hereditary cerebellar ataxia. Her pioneering randomised controlled trial has shown that goal-directed rehabilitation can significantly improve function and quality of life for those affected by these challenging diseases. What’s more, her unexpected findings in Aboriginal Australians in the Northern Territory demonstrate the power of tailored interventions in diverse populations. Dr. Milne’s session will offer a deep dive into her groundbreaking research and its potential to revolutionise rehabilitation practices worldwide.

Doctor Rebecca Amery is a lecturer and clinical education coordinator in speech pathology at Charles Darwin University. She completed her PhD in 2023, focusing on the collaborative development of aided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems with Yolŋu families living with Machado-Joseph disease. Dr. Amery has a diverse background, holding a Graduate Certificate in Yolŋu Studies from Charles Darwin University and a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from the University of Newcastle. She has extensive experience working as a speech pathologist with people who have complex communication needs, both in Australia and internationally, including in Vietnam and Indonesia. Her research and clinical interests include intercultural and culturally responsive speech pathology, communication access, and AAC1. Dr. Amery’s work is particularly focused on improving communication opportunities for Aboriginal Australians through the development of bilingual AAC systems.

Doctor Rebecca Amery’s research focuses on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems for Indigenous communities affected by neurodegenerative diseases like Machado-Joseph Disease. In 2023, Dr. Amery completed her PhD on developing culturally responsive AAC systems with Yolŋu families, a community at risk of progressive speech loss. Her work emphasises the importance of culturally appropriate language systems in the design of communication tools for Indigenous peoples. Join Dr. Amery as she discusses her groundbreaking work in creating core vocabulary lists for AAC systems, improving communication options for those living with MJD in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.