The University of Queensland
Research Field: Biomedical Science
Dr Woodruff’s research focuses on identifying the causes behind the ageing of the brain in health and disease. Brain cell loss is a normal phenomenon which occurs as we age, but also is the process behind several debilitating, and unfortunately common diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease. Research from his laboratory suggests that immune inflammation may be a key component which precipitates or accelerates this disease process. The group has also invented a drug which inhibits this inflammatory substance which has the potential to limit brain cell loss in humans, and thus treat diseases such as Alzheimer’s, and also potentially slow the onset of dementia in Australia’s ageing population.
Trent is passionate about encouraging younger students to pursue careers in Science, contributing to the ‘UQ Postgraduate Science Prospectus’ and ‘UQ Careers in Science’ publications, targeted at undergraduate and High-School students. He also initiated a presentation at the 2012 Lions Club of Queensland meeting, to present his work on the ageing brain, and treatments to slow the ageing process.