The Perron Institute’s capability in neurosciences has been further strengthened by the appointment of John Curtin Distinguished Professor John Mamo to facilitate translational research on Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders.
The appointment has been made in a partnership with Curtin University, where Professor Mamo, a physiologist with 35 years of medical research experience, has been Director of the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI).
In Alzheimer’s research, Professor Mamo has led critical research studies that led to a paradigm-shifting hypothesis that the most prevalent form of dementia globally is caused by leakage of fat-carrying particles transporting toxic proteins from blood into the brain.
The groundbreaking discovery of a possible link between dietary fat intake and Alzheimer’s via the “blood-to-brain” pathway was the overall winner at the 2022 ‘Curtinnovation’ Awards.
In 2014, he was awarded the highest accolade of the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Marshall and Warren Award for most innovative and potentially transformative research and was a finalist in the Premier’s Scientist of the Year Award category, 2023.
“Professor Mamo is a high achieving and highly regarded researcher leading clinical trials in the areas of Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis and migraine,” said Perron Institute Chief Executive Officer Steve Arnott.
“His research is recognised internationally and he is a wonderful addition to the strong neurosciences research team at the Perron Institute, where the focus is on translating research into benefit to the community.
“Professor Mamo’s research strengths and areas of interest complement the Perron Institute’s activities in several of our research domains, as well as establishing additional lines of inquiry such as pain.
“His appointment is an excellent step forward for the Perron Institute and we welcome this opportunity for increased collaboration, further strengthening the relationship between the Institute and Curtin University,” Steve Arnott said.
Curtin Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Professor Lindy Fitzgerald congratulated Professor Mamo on the new joint position.
“After many years as Director of Curtin’s Health Innovation Research Institute, Professor Mamo will now continue his groundbreaking research in a new collaborative role with the Perron Institute,” said Professor Fitzgerald.
“For decades Professor Mamo has pursued new treatment avenues for those people suffering some of the most prevalent and complex conditions, undertaking research and clinical trials that have real global impact.
“We thank Professor Mamo for his leadership at CHIRI and look forward to continuing to support his important and transformative work.”
Professor Mamo commenced his appointment in early October 2023.