Dr Philip Ryan
MBBS (Hons), BMedSc, PhD

Dr Ryan’s overall research goal is to understand the neural circuitry underlying hunger and thirst, as well as more complex conditions such as anxiety, depression and addiction. His current research is particularly focused on the role of the neuropeptide oxytocin in these conditions. He uses cutting-edge genetically encoded tools and techniques to trace and characterise these neural circuits, such as optogenetics, which uses laser light to activate selective neuronal populations; and DREADD receptors, which use designer drugs to activate specific neurons.

Dr Ryan completed his PhD at The Florey in 2013 and was awarded two prestigious fellowships to continue his studies overseas: the NHMRC CJ Martin Fellowship and Australian American Association Fellowship. He has spent the last 4 years at the University of Washington in Seattle, where he worked in the laboratory of Professor Richard Palmiter, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellow, who is highly regarded for his research into neural circuits using genetically encoded techniques. He has recently returned to The Florey as a postdoctoral fellow in the Behavioural Neurosciences Division, where he will be expanding on his postdoctoral work in studying neural circuits.