A member of the Australian Brain Alliance’s executive has been honoured at the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) annual Research Excellence Awards in Canberra.

Associate Professor James Bourne received the Marshall and Warren Award for his innovative research which could change the way an illness or disease is diagnosed, treated or prevented.

Associate Professor Bourne has focused his research in better understanding the complex circuits between the brain and eye, in order to help those recovering from brain injury as well as children experiencing difficulty with their vision.

“Our research will also help children who start to show early signs of movement and vision problems, in explaining why they may be experiencing those problems and how we might help them in overcoming these challenges,” A/Prof Bourne explained.

NHMRC CEO, Professor Anne Kelso said every scientist honoured has presented the highest quality research application for their grant category as determined by independent expert review panels.

“Considering NHMRC received over 5,400 applications last year, these are truly great achievements,” Prof Kelso said.