Behavioural Neuroscience

^{© Anne Graham (NeuRA)}

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 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, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. 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 providing more stimulating housing conditions and utilising more natural test system models.

Professor Karl’s research has attracted funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (Project Grants & Dementia Research Team Initiative), the Motor Neuron Disease Research Institute of Australia, the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (USA), the German Research Foundation and other funding bodies (e.g. Mason Foundation National Research Program).

Affiliations

Conjoint Principal Research Fellow, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) (opens in a new window)

Conjoint Associate Professor, University of New South Wales (UNSW) (opens in a new window)

Current Major Projects / Funding

The non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD): A novel therapeutic for dementia

Collaborative partners: Brett Garner (University of Wollongong) and Arne Ittner (UNSW)

Funding: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) - Project Grant (#1141789)

The role of neuregulin 1 (NRG1) isoform types in schizophrenia

Collaborative partners: Cyndi Shannon Weickert (NeuRA)

Funding: NHMRC - Project Grant (#1102012)

Developing Insight into the Molecular Origins of Frontotemporal Dementia and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Collaborative partners: Ian Blair, Julie Atkin, Roger Chung, Gilles Guillemin (all Macquarie University), Lezanne Ooi, Justin Yerbury, (both University of Wollongong)

Funding: NHMRC – Dementia Research Team Initiative (#1095215)

New therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease

Collaborative partners: Thomas Fath and Lars Ittner (both UNSW)

Funding: NHMRC - Project Grants (#1083209 and #1081916)

Defining the spatial and temporal regulation of neurite branching

Collaborative partners: Thomas Fath (UNSW)

Funding: Australian Research Council (ARC) – Discovery Project (#180101473)