ANU neuroinformatics researchers recognised for contribution to brain science

Three early-career researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) Neuroinformatics group have been recognised for their impactful contributions to the field, which integrates neuroscience and informatics to study the brain.

The ANU School of Medicine and Psychology’s Early Career Researcher (ECR) Research Impact Awards were presented at the School’s recent Research and Education Day 2025, showcasing innovative research that bridges disciplines to drive social and health impact.

Dr Chirath Hettiarachchi (School of Computing) and Dr Robin Vlieger (School of Medicine and Psychology) received awards in ‘Diagnostics, therapeutics, and clinical care’ category; while Dr Mousumi Rizia (School of Medicine and Psychology) was honoured in the ‘Brain, vision, mental processes, and health’ research theme.

The awards acknowledge the significant impact of their recently published peer-reviewed research. Dr Hettiarachchi’s work explores reinforcement learning in the study of depression, Dr Vlieger applies machine learning to brainwave (EEG) studies, and Dr Rizia advances generative AI for brain health research.

Their transdisciplinary work strengthens the neuroinformatics mission of the School of Computing and the School of Medicine and Psychology at ANU, fostering collaboration across disciplines and community engagement. These awards celebrate their outstanding contributions to the rapidly evolving intersection of AI, neuroscience, and healthcare.