CAUSAL GENES AND PATHOGENIC MECHANISMS UNDERLYING GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES
Professor Mauro D’Amato
Professor of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine and Surgery,
LUM University in Casamassima, Italy &
Ikerbasque Research Professor and Head of the Gastrointestinal Genetics Lab
CIC bioGUNE, Derio, Spain
RESEARCHER PROFILE
Filmed online | January 2025
Mauro D’Amato is Professor of Medical Genetics at the Department of Medicine and Surgery at LUM University in Casamassima – Italy, and Ikerbasque Research Professor and Head of the Gastrointestinal Genetics Lab in CIC bioGUNE, Derio – Spain. His career has developed through an important international trajectory, holding research and academic positions at several institutions including the Wellcome Trust Center for Human Genetics in Oxford – UK, the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm – Sweden, Biodonostia HRI in San Sebastian – Spain and Monash University in Melbourne – Australia.
Professor D’Amato has more than 25 years research experience in the field of human genetics and complex diseases, with activities most recently geared towards a translational application for therapeutic precision in gastroenterology. His team, the Gastrointestinal Genetics Laboratory, combine leading expertise in genomic, computational and pre-clinical research, and have contributed important breakthroughs linking specific genes and pathogenetic mechanisms to a number of gastrointestinal diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), microscopic colitis (MC) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
He is also the coordinator of the bellygenes initiative on the genetics of IBS, and biobank-scale research from his lab contributes to multiple scientific consortia and collaborative networks studying the genetic makeup of millions of people across EU, USA and Australasia.
Professor D’Amato has an H-index of 74, has edited 2 books and published extensively in the field of human genetics and gastrointestinal disease; he provides expert feedback to international journals and research funding agencies, and has supervised more than 40 PhD students and postdocs.
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2743-5197
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Antimicrobial technologies & drug delivery platforms
Dr Aaron Elbourne is an ARC DECRA Fellow, Jack Brockhoff ECR Fellow, and Associate Professor within the School of Science at STEM Hub. A leader in nanomaterials, soft matter science, and interface research, Aaron’s work addresses critical challenges in health and the environment.
With a strong focus on translational research, Aaron’s work bridges the gap between fundamental science and practical applications. His leadership in creating innovative technologies, fostering academic-industry partnerships, and empowering future researchers underscores his commitment to advancing science and creating a meaningful impact.
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Earlier identification and early intervention for children who are deaf or hard of hearing
As Director of NextSense Institute, Professor Leigh is responsible for leading the not-for-profit organisation’s world-class research and education programs and facilities. He has held a variety of positions in the education of children who are deaf or hard of hearing before entering academia. He holds a degree in Special Education from Griffith University, a Master of Science (Speech and Hearing) from Washington University and a PhD in Special Education from Monash University. In 2001, he was made a Fellow of the Australian College of Educators and in 2014, he was invested as an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished services to the deaf and hard of hearing community.
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Brain ageing, dementia and psychiatric disorders
Professor Perminder Sachdev graduated from the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, in 1978 and completed his MD in Psychiatry there in 1983. Following time in New Zealand, he relocated to Australia, where he completed psychiatric training and a PhD at UNSW in 1991. His doctoral work examined ethnopsychological concepts in Māori culture. His early research focused on drug-induced movement disorders, including akathisia, tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, while his later work has centred on dementia and pre-dementia syndromes, particularly neuroimaging, biomarkers and risk factors.
