The group started off life as “Neuroendocrinology Australasia”, with a focus on classical neuroendocrine relationships between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, as well as the pituitary-dependent endocrine hormones. More recently, it has become apparent that many of our scientists were interested in broader relationships between hormones in various body systems and how they influence brain function. For example, hormones from stomach, gut, fat and pancreas all act in the hypothalamus to influence food intake. Hence, we have tried to recognize this breadth by adopting “Hypothalamic Neuroscience” in our name.

These “neuroendocrine” interactions of hormones within the brain have critical roles in many important body processes including development, metabolism, cardiovascular regulation, reproduction, behavior and our ability to deal with stress. Consequently, neuroendocrine interactions are important in a variety of disease states, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, infertility, anxiety and depression.