Professor Trevor Kilpatrick
MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FAHMS

Professor Trevor Kilpatrick leads a group of scientists focused on the molecular and cellular neuroscience of myelination, demyelinating disease and neural regeneration, as well as the aetiology and pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). He is passionate about translating scientific research into tangible patient outcomes and demonstrated healthcare advancements.

Professor Kilpatrick was Director of The Florey from April 2022 to July 2024. During his tenure he oversaw the implementation of a new scientific structure, redefining the Institute’s strategy and purpose through a focus on research missions and themes, and building on The Florey’s long-held expertise in key health areas and discovery science.

Professor Kilpatrick’s experience leading translational projects that involve deep collaborative interactions between biologists, molecular geneticists, imaging scientists, clinical researchers, epidemiologists and bioinformaticians means he can provide valuable oversight for proposed research.

Professor Kilpatrick’s career achievements include the cloning of mammalian neural precursors and the discovery of neurotrophic factors for myelinating cells that are damaged by MS.

He also co-founded the Ausimmune Consortium, which has since evolved into a pre-eminent national and international resource that has advanced our understanding of the epidemiology of MS – clarifying the contributions of inadequate sunlight exposure and vitamin D deficiency, smoking, obesity and the Epstein-Barr virus to disease activity.

In addition to his academic interests, Professor Kilpatrick established the MS Research Unit at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. He and his team review over 1000 patients with MS per annum from every part of Australia.