Professor Olivia Dean leads a research program that explores novel biologically-relevant treatments for affective disorders. She is currently running several clinical trials investigating therapies to target new pathways in depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and autism.
Over the past fifteen years, Olivia has conducted a multitude of national and international clinical trials, translated these findings into real-world practice and worked with lived expertise to ensure her research is relevant and taken up by the people it’s aiming to assist.
What has brought you to the work you’re currently doing?
I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in 2001 with two majors – psychology and human bioscience. That led me to explore a science Honours project and subsequently take up a research assistant role in 2002. Initially, I was working on a clinical trial of acetylcysteine for people experiencing schizophrenia, and then I took up a PhD investigating oxidative biology underpinning schizophrenia. This led to a variety of postdoctoral positions and ultimately to my role at IMPACT and within the Deakin Clinical Trials Hub today.
Explain some of your research interests and why you’re passionate about them.
My research interests include both basic and clinical science, and centre around developing treatments that target oxidative biology and inflammation in several psychiatric disorders. Importantly, I’ve been dedicated to ensuring that the voices and expertise of those with lived experience are integrated into research in a reciprocal and meaningful way.
What do you hope is the impact of your research?
This research may not only benefit individuals with particular affective disorders, but will also provide important evidence to better understand the underlying biological factors involved in the development of them.
How is your work being received?
My research findings have been translated into clinical practice, included in treatment guidelines such as the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry guidelines for the treatment of psychiatric disorders with nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals, and The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Guidelines for the treatment of mood disorders.
From the years 2019 to 2022, I was a Highly Cited Researcher, representing the top 1% of researchers in the world.
Tell us about some of your collaborations.
I’ve established collaborations within Australia and across the world. These relationships are at all facets of research, from people in the industry and academic leadership roles through to grassroots philanthropists and organisations such as the McIntosh Family and the Geelong Music Community Collective.
What have been some of your career successes?
I’ve received National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funding as a ‘Chief Investigator A’, and also a NHMRC scholarship and fellowship. I’ve also received international funding from the Brain and Behaviour Foundation, as well as several sources of philanthropic funding. I’ve published over 170 papers and been awarded over $30 million in research funding.
What does 2025 look like for you?
This year I will be focusing on the outcomes of a completed trial in bipolar depression. I’ll also be continuing to foster the next generation of clinical and academic researchers
