Beyond the Lab – An Interview Series

Welcome to our bi-monthly interview series, where we engage in enlightening conversations with researchers from Victoria and around the globe. These dedicated professionals are at the forefront of Huntington’s Disease research, working tirelessly to improve the quality of life for families affected by this condition. Through these interviews, we aim to share their invaluable insights, groundbreaking discoveries, and the latest advancements in the field. Join us as we explore the journey of these researchers and their contributions to the fight against Huntington’s Disease.

Click through the below videos to know more about the researchers and listen to our conversations with them.

We are thrilled to kick off our series with a conversation featuring Professor Anthony Hannan, head of the Epigenetics and Neural Plasticity Group and Research Co-Lead for the Mental Health Mission. As an esteemed researcher and a long-time supporter of Huntington’s Victoria, Professor Hannan brings invaluable insights into the role of environmental stimuli in managing neurological conditions, including Huntington’s Disease.

In this edition, Professor Hannan delves into groundbreaking research on the gut-brain axis and its impact on managing Huntington’s symptoms. He discusses the critical connection between gut and mental health, highlighting how these factors can play a significant role in symptom management.

As we edge closer to a disease-modifying therapy, this conversation is essential for steering the community toward effective symptom management in the meantime. Click below to listen to this vital discussion, where Professor Hannan shares the latest research findings and his perspective on the importance of mental wellbeing in living with Huntington’s Disease.

In this edition, we’re excited to feature Ji-Shen Loong, a doctoral trainee in Clinical Psychology and a dedicated board member at Griefline. Ji-Shen’s research is centered on developing a holistic approach to wellbeing within the Huntington’s community. His work is driven by the belief that true wellness should reflect the lived experiences and expectations of the community. Through his research, Ji-Shen seeks to create a holistic model of wellbeing that resonates with individuals affected by Huntington’s Disease, as well as their families, caregivers, and loved ones. His approach is deeply collaborative, involving the community at every stage to ensure the outcomes are both accessible and empowering.

Join us as Ji-Shen shares his unique insights on what it means to live well with Huntington’s Disease. His conversation offers a fresh perspective on holistic wellness, emphasizing the importance of defining wellness through the eyes of the community.

In this edition, we are sharing this insightful interview with Ajantha Rajasekar, a seasoned Clinical Trial Manager, who sheds light on the evolving landscape of clinical trials. In this conversation, Ajantha explores how human research studies have advanced to address ethical concerns and prioritize participant well-being, underscoring the vital roles of regulatory authorities and ethics committees in safeguarding the integrity of these studies. This interview demystifies the informed consent process, emphasizing how it empowers participants by ensuring they are fully informed and have the autonomy to withdraw at any time. She clarifies the role of placebo treatments, explaining their design to protect vulnerable populations while contributing to meaningful research outcomes.

Additionally, she outlines the practical measures taken to prevent participants from incurring travel and accommodation costs, ensuring that clinical trials are accessible to all. Ajantha also discusses initiatives by the pharmaceutical industry to promote equitable access to medical interventions, reflecting a growing commitment to diversity and inclusion. Click below to better understand clinical trials and what it means to participate in one.