BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL APPROACHES TO OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE, BODY IMAGE AND EATING DISORDERS
Dr Nicola Acevedo, Neuroscientist and Research Fellow
Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
& Consultant, Neurotech Insights, Melbourne, Australia &
Director, BioAutism, Melbourne, Australia & Vice-President
Australasian Brain Stimulation Society
RESEARCHER PROFILE
Filmed in Melbourne, Australia | December 2025
Dr Nicola Acevedo is a Neuroscientist and Research Fellow with extensive expertise in developing novel therapeutics for neurological and psychiatric disorders, contributing to more than ten clinical trials. She specialises in brain stimulation and psychedelic treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related conditions, with a strong commitment to advancing personalised, evidence-based neurobiological therapies for severe psychiatric illness. Her approach integrates biopsychosocial and person-centred principles to improve treatment access and mental health outcomes.
Nicola completed her PhD on deep brain stimulation for treatment-refractory OCD- described as a “tour de force”- producing eight first-author peer-reviewed publications and multiple international collaborations and papers. She now leads research in psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for OCD, body dysmorphic disorder, and anorexia nervosa. Her work has been presented at leading international forums including Oxford and Harvard University, and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Congress.
Alongside her research, Nicola holds leadership positions across brain stimulation, OCD, and ethics committees, serves on a peer review board, and is Director of the charity BioAutism Ltd. She also provides mentorship and supervision, with a commitment to supporting junior researchers. Her contributions have been recognised with the Early Career Researcher (ECR) Excellence Award from Biological Psychiatry Australia. As an ECR, Nicola is driven by the potential to innovate and make an impact in national mental health services.
Source: Supplied
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3059-3620
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New models of care and value in General Practice
Dr Michael Wright is a GP, health economist and health services researcher. Dr Wright currently works as a portfolio GP, combining clinical practice with strategic appointments (most recently with RACGP, Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network, Avant Mutual the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) and academic research analysing the effects of current health policy on the quality and performance of primary care.
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Non-invasive tools for CVD screening and monitoring
Dr Hadi Afsharan is a Research Fellow Cardiovascular Science & Diabetes at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research; is a translational research and innovation fellow in medical technologies at The University of Western Australia, holding dual titles as Translational Fellow and Innovation Fellow within UWA’s Medical School and the FHRI (Future Health Research and Innovation) program.
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Genetics and Environmental Factors of Glaucoma & Myopia
Professor David Mackey’s original research, over more than 30 years into the genetics of glaucoma and in the fields of optic atrophy and congenital cataract, has received constant professional accolades, attracted ongoing research funding and led to his publication of more than 400 peer-reviewed papers.
