- Dr Leigh Walker has received a prestigious CASS Foundation, Daniel Rechtman Research Award to explore how long-term alcohol use alters brain function.
- The project aims to generate information leading to the development of more targeted and effective treatments for alcohol use disorder.
Funding supports search of new treatments for alcohol use disorder
A Florey project has received funding to identify sex differences in the way alcohol affects the brain, addressing a critical gap in addiction neuroscience.
Dr Leigh Walker has been awarded the 2025 Daniel Rechtman Research Award of $75,000 to progress her innovative work, paving the way for more inclusive, equitable healthcare solutions and to develop a broader range of treatment options for alcohol use disorder.
The Daniel Rechtman Research Award was established in 2022 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the CASS Medicine/Science grants and to honour Daniel Rechtman, the founding Chair of The CASS Foundation. It is awarded to one emerging research leader per year from a nominated organisation over a 3-year period. Dr Walker is the first of 3 Florey researchers to receive the award.
“I am deeply grateful to The CASS Foundation for supporting this project,” Dr Walker said.
This award will enable us to identify novel sex specific changes in the brain of individuals with alcohol use disorder – a critical step toward developing more effective, personalised treatments.
Dr Walker said The Cass Foundation’s support is helping to close the gender gap in addiction research.
“It brings us closer to real-world solutions for those most affected,” she said.
The study will use advanced spatial genomics technology to explore how long-term alcohol use alters brain function in both men and women with alcohol use disorder. By analysing donated human brain tissue, Dr Walker will investigate how alcohol affects gene activity in specific brain regions, potentially uncovering sex-specific patterns.
Mr David Abraham AM, the Executive Director and Chair of the CASS Foundation, said: “We at CASS are delighted to see the 2025 DRRA award go to Dr Walker, and look forward to seeing the results of her innovative work over the coming year.”
