My research has made major contributions to understanding the long-term effects of heavy substance use on the brain and behaviour (e.g., why individuals addicted to heroin find it difficult to control their impulses & repeatedly relapse), as well as the impact of drug use on mental health (e.g., links between early and heavy cannabis use & risk for psychosis). Our findings have also challenged some widespread perceptions about drug use (e.g., that cannabis has minimal effects on brain & behaviour). Our research has also made contributions to understanding the neurobiology of several psychiatric disorders including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. His discoveries have led to increased public and professional awareness on these topics and established his group at the forefront of addiction and psychiatric neuroscience research in Australia.

Neurology