Barbara Dicker orations

We were privileged to have Professor Ron Grunstein AM share some of his vast knowledge and experience in cutting-edge developments in sleep disorders research and new treatments as our keynote speaker.  This annual oration is an initiative of the Barbara Dicker Brain Sciences Foundation showcasing breakthrough life changing research in the areas of sleep, depression and dementia.

The annual Barbara Dicker Oration is an initiative of the Barbara Dicker Brain Sciences Foundation (BDBSF) that facilitates meaningful conversations about mental health and brains sciences, as well as research advancements in these fields.    This year we welcome special guest speaker Professor Scott Ayton,  Head of the Dementia Mission and Translational Neurodegeneration Laboratory at the Florey...

The 2022 Barbara Dicker Oration augmented the work of the Barbara Dicker Brain Sciences Foundation, and its mission to contribute to the wellbeing of individuals and communities by supporting research in the areas of dementia, depression and other brain sciences. This year we were delighted to welcome guest speaker Professor Michael Berk, an internationally recognised leader in mental health and t...

Bringing together Swinburne’s leading mental health researchers, the 2021 Barbara Dicker Oration is a timely conversation surrounding mental health advancement in Australia. Join Swinburne’s Professor Susan Rossell, Professor James Ogloff AM, Dr Michelle Lim and Associate Professor Neil Thomas, to explore what is wrong with our system, the endemic problem of loneliness and the role Swinburne is pl...

The Barbara Dicker Oration 2020 explores the tech-enabled innovations putting humanity first to advance the experiences and care of people living with dementia. Hear from eminent Australian Sir Gustav Nossal AC CBE FRS FAA, our new Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pascale Quester, Chancellor Professor John Pollaers OAM, Chairperson of the Barbara Dicker Brain Sciences Foundation Dr Tony Dic...

The experiences that we see, hear, and feel as a child affect us. But just how much? And in what ways is our brain changed by these childhood traumas? The eighth annual Barbara Dicker Oration was presented by Dr Gustavo Turecki (McGill University, Canada). Dr Turecki has devoted his life’s work to understanding how childhood harm can impair brain development and leave adults more vulnerable to psy...

The 2018 Barbara Dicker Oration was presented by Professor Iris Sommer. Professor Sommer is a best-selling author and Professor of Cognitive Aspects of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorder at the Department of Neuroscience at the University Medical Center Groningen, Netherlands. Entitled The phenomenon of hallucinations, Professor Sommer offered a holistic view into the research and experiences o...

In the 2017 Barbara Dicker Oration Professor Sheri L Johnson, a distinguished professor at the University of California, Berkley, gave us a unique insight into exploring the links of rewards with mania and depression and understanding the relationship between reward pursuit and mood disorders. This Barbara Dicker Oration was held on 11 October 2017.

The fifth annual Barbara Dicker Oration presented by the Barbara Dicker Brain Sciences Foundation features a presentation by Dr Michael Rugg from the University of Texas on Memory and Dementia. Memory is one of our most important mental abilities. It allows us to learn from the past, to plan for the future, and to maintain our sense of selfhood. It is also fragile. Memory ability declines in later...

'Sleep Matters' presented by Professor Shantha Rajaratnam, Deputy Head of School, Monash University School of Psychological Sciences. Professor Rajaratnam presents on recent advances in understanding the role of the brain clock in controlling sleep and wake processes, and talks about various approaches to treating sleep loss.

Information is transforming the way we receive healthcare. New technologies such as web and mobile applications may be of value to those at risk of suicide, who may avoid contact with health services, and prefer distal, anonomous services.

Depression has been called the common cold of mental illness. This presentation provides an overview of the latest findings on the nature and treatment of depression, and why treatment has not stemmed the rise of depression in our society. Presented on 11 November 2013.

The inaugural Barbara Dicker Oration delivered by Prof Patrick McGorry AO. Mental health research is an important priority, and this presentation explores where are we at today and what can we hope for in future and the importance of public support.