Biography
Tim Karl graduated from the Leibniz University of Hannover (Germany) in 2003 with a PhD in Zoology (Behavioural Neuroscience). Until 2008, he was a postdoctoral researcher at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research evaluating the validity of genetic mouse models for brain disorders and also led research projects for the Schizophrenia Research Institute (SRI). In 2008, Tim Karl established his own research team at Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) investigating gene-environment interactions in brain disorders. Since 2016, he is Professor for Behavioural Neuroscience at Western Sydney University (WSU) and Chair of the WSU Animal Care and Ethics Committee (ACEC).
Research
The Karl laboratory carries out preclinical research into the aetiology and therapy of brain disorders including schizophrenia, dementia, and most recently, motor neuron disease. One of Tim Karl’s research aims is to increase our understanding of gene-environment interactions in schizophrenia and how environmental factors (e.g. lifestyle ‘choices’ such as nutrition, drug abuse, exercise) impact on the development and progression of the disease. The Karl team considers both detrimental and potential beneficial effects of these factors, which is highly relevant for future preventative as well as therapeutic strategies. In a related line of research, Tim Karl investigates the detrimental and potentially beneficial properties of cannabis constituents and plant extracts for brain disorders with a particular focus on the non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD). This research is in line with recent advancements in the field of medicinal cannabis and the growing interest of the wider public in this domain. Finally, Tim's research aims to enhance the validity of mouse models and the well-being of test animals in medical research by, for example, providing more stimulating housing conditions and utilising more natural test system paradigms.
Professor Karl’s research has attracted funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, FightMND, the Motor Neuron Disease Research Institute of Australia, the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (USA), the German Research Foundation as well as other funding bodies (e.g. Dementia Australia) and industry partners.
Current Major Projects
A novel cannabis formulation therapeutic strategy for early-stage Alzheimers' disease
Collaborative partners: Genevieve Steiner-Lim (WSU)
Funding: Australian Natural Therapeutics Group Pty Ltd
Modulating actin dynamics in ALS/MND as a novel therapeutic approach in ALS
Collaborative partners: Julie Atkin (Macquarie University, administering institute)
Funding: FightMND
Healthy Ageing - an interdisciplinary network approach for early diagnosis and new therapeutic avenues
Main Collaborative partners: Michael O'Connor, Erika Gyengesi, Ritesh Raju, Genevieve Steiner-Lim (all WSU)
Funding: Ainsworth Medical Research Innovation Fund
Developing novel glutamate-based strategies to normalize dopamine dysregulation during inflammation
Collaborative partners: Rose Chesworth Vieyra (WSU), Cyndi Shannon Weickert (NeurRA), Kelly Newell (University of Wollongong)
Funding: NSW Health
Interactions between Alzheimers' Disease pathologies as a novel therapeutic approach
Collaborative partners: Rose Chesworth Vieyra, Erika Gyengesi, Yossi Buskila (all WSU)
Funding: Dementia Australia - Project Grant