January 23, 2017

Forbes accolade for UOW neuroscientist

Dr Natalie Matosin named in Class of 2017. 

A UOW alumnus has been recognised for her work in the field of neuroscience, announced in the Class of 2017 Forbes 30 under 30 in the Science and Healthcare category.

According to Forbes Magazine, “their [the Class of 2017] uniting feature is their spark of innovation, leading their fields with the fearlessness that has come to define Millennials”.

Dr Natalie Matosin studied a Bachelor of Medical Science and went on to study a Doctor of Philosophy, completing both at UOW. She is currently undertaking research at the Max Planck Institute of Pyschiatry under a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Fellowship and was the only Australian to be nominated in any of the Forbes categories for the Class of 2017.

Her work focuses on neuroscience and psychiatric disorders, particularly stress as a risk factor for the development of mental health conditions. A molecular neurobiologist, Dr Matosin studies the genetic and molecular basis of severe psychiatric conditions such as depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Following an anonymous nomination to the list, Dr Matosin went through a rigorous application process, competing against thousands of other applicants across Europe.

“It is an incredible feeling, I’m so honoured and proud to be included in the list alongside so many inspiring and interesting young leaders,” she said.

“I am still shocked that I was included, when I got the email about the nomination I nearly deleted it as I thought it was spam!”

Dr Matosin said her time at UOW was integral to getting her where she is today.

“Without the support and encouragement of the University, my friends and colleagues every step of the way I would never have received the grant that allowed me to travel overseas and be in the running for Forbes.”