Dr Robert J Hatch
BSc(Hons), PhD
Location
Parkville Campus
30 Royal Parade
Parkville Victoria 3052

Biography
Dr Robert J Hatch is a Senior Research Officer at The Florey at the University of Melbourne. He received his PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Melbourne in 2014. His research interests focus on the neurobiology of epilepsy. He has used models of human genetic epilepsy syndromes to show that pathological signatures at the neural network scale provide an important mechanistic link between single nerve cells and whole brain seizures. He has also revealed the fundamental biophysical mechanisms of how brain acid levels can reduce seizures, paving the way for therapeutic clinical trials.
Dr Hatch is a highly respected researcher in the field of epilepsy. His work has been published in leading scientific journals, and he has received numerous awards for his research. He is also a passionate advocate for people with epilepsy, and he works to raise awareness of the condition and to improve the lives of those affected by it.
Dr Hatch is a leading expert in the field of epilepsy, and his work is making a significant impact on the understanding and treatment of this condition. He is a dedicated researcher, educator, and advocate, and he is making a real difference in the lives of people with epilepsy.
Career highlights
Current roles
- Senior Research Officer, Ion Channels and Disease Group, The Florey
- In Vitro Biology Consultant to Praxis Precision Medicines
Past roles
- Research Fellow, Glaucoma Research Laboratory, Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA)/Visiting scientist, Ion Channels and Disease Group, The Florey
- Post Doctoral Fellow, Ageing and Dementia Laboratory, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Reseach, Queensland Brain Institute
- Honorary Fellow, Neuroscience Research Group, Critical Care Theme, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
Award and achievements
- 2018 – Maurice Cantlon Memorial Fund ($45,000), Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne
- 2016 – Digital online article and audio interview with the Australian Broadcast Corporation (ABC) News: The World Today, Australia. Digital online article with Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Life, Australia
- 2015 – Early Career Researcher Symposium Poster prize ($150), University of Queensland
- 2015 – Invited article in the ANS national newspaper
- 2013-2014 – 6 months salary ($12,500) for PhD from MCRI
- 2013 – Live radio interview on Triple R Public Radio Station: Detour, Australia
- 2013 – Science Communication Prize, Students of Brain Research (SOBR) Symposium2012 – Invited article in the ANS national newspaper
- 2011 – Miller Travel Fellowship ($2,500), FNI, University of Melbourne
- 2010-2013 – Australian Postgraduate Award ($24,652 p.a. stipend), Australian Federal Government
- 2008 – Sir John Eccles Vacation Scholarship ($500), University of Melbourne