Made possible through a $1.5 million philanthropic donation from the Parkinson’s Research Foundation, the new imaging capability represents far more than a piece of equipment. It is a significant vote of confidence in the research being led by Professor Ooi, one of Australia’s leading Parkinson’s disease researchers, and in its potential to improve our understanding of one of the world’s fastest-growing neurological conditions.

Parkinson’s disease affects more than 200,000 Australians and around 10 million people worldwide and is Australia’s second most common neurodegenerative disease after dementia. Despite significant advances in research, many questions remain about how the disease develops and progresses, and how it can be detected and treated earlier and more effectively.

The new imaging platform will allow Professor Ooi and her team to analyse biological samples at a scale and speed that was previously difficult to achieve, helping researchers uncover the cellular and molecular processes that drive the disease.

“The Opera Phenix enables rapid analysis of large volumes of cell samples, allowing us to interrogate genetic, environmental and cellular pathways with far greater efficiency. This will directly accelerate our work towards improved diagnostics and therapies,” Professor Ooi said.

By enabling larger, faster and more sophisticated studies, the platform will help accelerate efforts to identify new therapeutic targets, improve diagnostics and bring promising discoveries closer to people living with Parkinson’s disease.

The announcement highlights the importance of investing in both people and technology. Breakthrough discoveries happen when talented researchers have access to the tools needed to pursue ambitious ideas and translate them into real-world impact.

Congratulations again to Lezanne and the Molecular Horizons team on this outstanding achievement.

Read the full UOW announcement here.

Image above L-R: Mr Michael Katz, Parkinson’s Research Foundation; The Hon. Ryan Park MP, New South Wales Minister for Health and Member for Keira; Professor Lezanne Ooi, University of Wollongong; Mr Bryan Belling, Parkinson’s Research Foundation; Professor Max Lu AO, UOW Vice-Chancellor.