Thousands of people are processing the emotional impact of being caught up in the Australian bushfires. Here are some tips on how you can support a friend or family member who may be struggling.

The Department of Psychiatry congratulates the following staff members who have been awarded National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and Australian Research Council (ARC) grants:

Professor Nicola Lautenschlager welcomed Department of Psychiatry staff to the annual Master of Psychiatry teaching awards held on 4 December 2019 in the Dax Gallery. Professor Lautenschlager thanked all staff for their contribution to the Department's research and teaching activities throughout 2019.

As announced in the recent round of senior academic promotions, it is with great pleasure the Department of Psychiatry announces the academic promotion to Professor awarded to Ben Harrison.In addition Ben was  awarded the Dame Kate Campbell Fellowship which is awarded based on academic benchmarking metrics, research impact, national and international standing, as well as leadership, engagement to the values and strategic priorities of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.The Department congratulates Ben on these great achievements.

Department of Psychiatry Travelling Scholarships and Fellowship are now open until 12 December 2019.Further information is found at the following links.Graham Burrows Travelling ScholarshipNikolaos and Dimitra Pantelis Travelling ScholarshipIsaac Schweitzer Travelling Fellowship

The days are getting longer and the weather warmer. This change in season, means many staff and students choose to use the University facilities late into the evening, particularly as exams approach.

Research into the effectiveness of “rescripting” dreams suggests that posttraumatic nightmares are actually a range of different phenomena, opening up the possibility of targeted treatments.

Thanks to a generous donation from Professor Christos Pantelis and Mrs Kimberley Pantelis, PhD students focusing on schizophrenia research in the Department of Psychiatry at the University have the opportunity to attend and present at an international conference with the support of the Nikolaos and Dimitra Pantelis Travelling Scholarship.

Esteemed guest speakers came together to share the latest in psychiatry research during the 8th Annual Department of Psychiatry Research Symposium. The Symposium was organized by the Department’s Research sub-committee led by Dr Anita Goh together with Ms Jan Mariani.

Impaired memory is a symptom of schizophrenia and University of Melbourne PhD student Cassandra Wannan has identified areas of the brain that give us new clues as to what’s going on

Led by Professor Xin Yu and Professor Huali Wang, a delegation of seven clinical researchers from Peking University Institute of Mental Health, visited the Department of Psychiatry from 6 to 9 August 2019.

New research shows that some people with schizophrenia may have a protective mechanism that buffers against the ongoing impact of structural changes in the brain.

After a comprehensive recruitment process the Melbourne Medical School is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Nicola Lautenschlager as the Deputy Head and Research Director.

Recognition for dedication and significant contributions to the field of psychiatry​.

Recognising​​ current and former students for their outstanding achievements.

Researchers believe the genetic risk factors associated with schizophrenia may eventually evolve out of existence, but does this mean the condition will disappear?

Dr Alex Bahar-Fuchs from the Academic Unit for Psychiatry of Old Age, Department of Psychiatry discussed the link between olfactory loss and cognitive decline in older people with Norman Swan on Radio National's Health Report, and told listeners about a novel new trial his group will soon commence, focused on training cognition through the nose.https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/healthreport/smell-training-and-your-brain/10936068

The Melbourne Medical School is delighted to officially launch a brand new initiative: the Strategic Grants for Outstanding Women. This scheme aims to assist talented female academics to negotiate some of the challenges they face in sustaining and building their careers with a view to facilitating their progression to senior academic positions.

Congratulations to Department of Psychiatry AUPOA Research Fellow Dr Terry Chong who was recently inducted into the University of Melbourne Academy of Clinical Teachers.Members of the Academy share the following characteristics:They have made a substantial and valued contribution to the University’s medical education programs over a significant period of time;They are recognised as excellent, dedicated, committed and passionate educators;They serve as role models for all clinicians who teach;They provide advice to the School on matters relating to clinical teaching, student assessment and program evaluation.Please click here to find out more about the University's Academy of Clinical Teachers.

The Melbourne Medical School is a proud supporter of International Women’s Day and in 2019 we have answered the call for #BalanceforBetter through launching an exciting new initiative to support career progression in outstanding academic women.

Healthcare is a complex and rapidly changing environment and the Melbourne Medical School is poised to adapt to these real-world challenges.

The recipients of the 2019 Department of Psychiatry Travelling Scholarships announced:The Inaugural Graham Burrows Travelling Scholarship was in honour of Professor Graham Burrows a mental-health clinician, researcher and mentor and advocate for the mentally ill.  The funds were established through the generosity of the International Society for the investigation of Stress and Dr Barbara Burrows.The recipient of the 2019 scholarship is Dr Terence Chong.  The Nikolaos and Dimitra Pantelis Travelling Scholarship was generously established by Professor Christos Pantelis and Mrs Kimberley Pantelis in honour of Christos' parents, to support students undertaking schizophrenia research within the Department of Psychiatry.The recipient of the 2019 scholarship is Ms Cassandra Wannan.

Professor Bernhard Baune, Cato Chair & Head of Department of Psychiatry and Co-Head, Mental Health Theme, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health has resigned effective 28 February 2019.

AUPOA's Dr Anita Goh has been selected as one of Science and Technology Australia's 60 'Superstars of STEM'Please click here to view Anita's profile.

Jan Mariani recognised with Melbourne Medical School Reward and Recognition Award

A new brain scanning technique reveals how changes in white and grey matter seen in schizophrenia are linked, and how the brain compensates for these changes, at least in the illness’s early stages.

The Department of Psychiatry Awards event was held on the 4 December 2018. It was a pleasure to have the newly appointed Head of Melbourne Medical School, Professor John Prins, attend to present some awards. The awards which included Master of Psychiatry Teaching Awards and the John Adey Award and the John Cade Memorial Medal Award for 2017.  The Bruce Singh Award was presented by Professor Bruce Singh.

Department of Psychiatry Travelling Scholarships are now open until December 2018.Further information is found at the following links.Graham Burrows Travelling ScholarshipThe Nikolaos and Dimitra Pantelis Travelling Scholarship

The Department of Psychiatry was pleased to award the inaugural recipient of the Nikolaos and Dimitra Pantelis Travelling Scholarship earlier this year to Dr Ye Tian.

Congratulations to Dr Tamsyn Van Rheenen of the Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre in the Department of Psychiatry, on being awarded a prestigious Club Melbourne Fellowship.