The Neurogenetics Research Group is dedicated to unraveling the genetic underpinnings of neurogenetic disorders, with a particular focus on Parkinson’s disease and mitochondrial diseases. The group employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating fundamental and clinical research. By integrating molecular biology techniques, genomic analysis, and omic approaches they aim to identify disease-causing variants, develop biomarkers and identify therapeutic targets to address the underlying pathological mechanisms.
The group’s work spans from discovery research into disease mechanisms, to clinical studies aimed at improving diagnostic capabilities, and translation of findings into clinical capability that supports innovations in precision and personalized medicine. The Neurogenetics Research Group has strong collaborative links with clinical teams across Sydney, Australia and globally in order to link their findings with clinical care and patient outcomes.
By combining cutting-edge research with clinical insights, the group aims to improve the lives of individuals affected by inherited neurological disorders.
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Dr Ryan Davis (BSc (HonsI), PhD)
Senior Research Fellow, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney
Visiting Scientist, Genomics and Inherited Diseases Program, Garvan Institute
Dr Davis joined the Kolling Institute in 2011 after completing his PhD at the University of Otago, Christchurch School of Medicine in New Zealand. He received an NHMRC Peter Doherty early career fellowship in his first year postdoctoral and subsequently a NSW Health early-mid career fellowship to develop expertise in genomics.
Dr Davis’ work focuses on bridging discovery and clinical research of neurogenetic conditions to improve diagnosis, develop biomarkers, and translate findings for improved clinical capability and patient outcomes
Dr Gordon Qian (BAdvSci (HonsI), PhD)
Research Associate, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney
Dr Qian is a Research-Focussed Research Associate with expertise in bioinformatics and data science. He seeks to develop understanding of the human brain and improve social and health outcomes by integrating advanced technological solutions. His current work involves developing computational infrastructure for processing multi-omics data in various projects focussed on mitochondrial disease and Parkinson’s disease. He is also exploring machine and deep learning as a means to enhance data analysis for pathological data signatures that can be developed into clinical tools.
Dr David Manser (BSc, MBBS (Hons I), FRACP)
- Clinical Genetics Fellow, SCHN, Randwick
- Visiting Medical Officer, Hornsby Hospital and SAN
- Honorary Staff Specialist, Department of Metabolic Genetics, Westmead Hospital
Dr Manser is currently enrolled in a PhD investigating the use of long-read sequencing for improved diagnosis of adult neurometabolic disorders. His clinical expertise and interests are in neurogenetic, movement and neurometabolic disorders. He is a consultant neurologist and is in his final year of dual training in Clinical Genetics.
Dr Eloise Watson (MBChB, FRACP)
- Staff Specialist, Department of Neurology, Wellington Hospital, Capital and Coast District Health Board, New Zealand
Dr Watson is currently enrolled in a PhD investigating the prevalence and phenotypic associations of mitochondrial disease genetic variants in healthy control populations. Her clinical expertise and interests are in neurogenetic and movement disorders. She is a consultant neurologist currently establishing clinical services for neurogenetics and mitochondrial diseases in Wellington, New Zealand.
Dr Christina Liang (MBBS, BSc (Med), PhD, FRACP)
- Staff Specialist, Department of Neurology, Royal North Shore Hospital
- Clinical Senior Lecturer, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney
Dr Liang has clinical expertise and interests in neurogenetic and neuromuscular disorders, as well as Parkinson’s Disease. She has a dual appointment at the adult mitochondrial disease clinic, NeuRA (SESLHD) and is heavily involved in clinical trials for neuromuscular, neurodegenerative and mitochondrial disorders. In addition to her clinical trial activity, Dr Liang contributes to clinical research in neurogenetic and neuromuscular disorders.
Dr Michal Lubomski (BPharmSc, MBBS (HonsI), MMed/Surg, PhD, FRACP)
- Staff Specialist, Department of Neurology, Royal North Shore Hospital
- Visiting Medical Officer, Department of Neurology, Prince of Wales Hospital
- Clinical Senior Lecturer, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney
- Clinical Senior Lecturer, School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame
Dr Lubomski has clinical expertise and interests in neurogenetics, stroke and movement disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease. He has recently completed his doctoral studies, which investigated the gut microbiome in Parkinson’s disease patients receiving standard and advanced therapies. Dr Lubomski’s research interests are centered on Parkinson’s disease and associated advanced therapies.
Related information:
Online Resources
Researcher ID:A-7430-2015
SCOPUS author identifier: 14919144800
ORCID:https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0512-8989
Google Scholar:https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&tzom=-660&user=caUc7zkAAAAJ
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ryan-Davis-5
