Jason Ivanusic

Professor Jason Ivanusic is a Professor in the Department of Anatomy and Physiology within the School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Melbourne, part of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. He received his PhD from Monash University in 2002, after which he held academic teaching and research positions at the University of New South Wales from 2002 to 2005, before joining the University of Melbourne in 2006, where he advanced to full Professor in 2021. As Head of the Ivanusic Laboratory on Pain and Sensory Mechanisms, his research investigates the neural basis of skeletal pain, including how bone-innervating sensory neurons detect noxious stimuli and how their excitability changes in inflammation and osteoarthritis. His work encompasses in vivo electrophysiological recordings from bone nociceptors, neuroanatomical mapping of sensory nerve terminals, molecular mechanisms contributing to bone pain hypersensitivity, and the efficacy of ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks for pain relief. Ivanusic also explores structure-function relationships in corneal sensory nerve terminals and therapeutic strategies to target pathological pain states.

Ivanusic devotes half his time to teaching anatomy to students in medicine, physiotherapy, biomedicine, and science degrees, emphasizing active learning and innovative approaches that engage students effectively. His excellence in teaching has been recognized with several honors, including the 2017 Australian Award for University Teaching Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (one of only three recipients at the University of Melbourne), the 2010 Melbourne Medical School Teaching Award, the 2008 University of Melbourne Knowledge Transfer/Engagement Award, and the 2020 Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences Staff Excellence Award. Key publications include 'Nerves in Bone: Evolving Concepts in Pain and Anabolism' (Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2019), 'The Physiology of Bone Pain: How Much Do We Really Know?' (Frontiers in Pain Research, 2016), 'A Cadaveric Study Investigating the Mechanism of Action of Erector Spinae Blockade' (Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, 2018), 'GDNF, Neurturin, and Artemin Activate and Sensitize Bone Afferent Mechanonociceptors' (Journal of Neuroscience, 2018), and 'Size, Neurochemistry, and Segmental Distribution of Sensory Neurons Innervating the Rat Tibia' (Journal of Comparative Neurology, 2009). These contributions have advanced understanding of pain neurobiology and influenced clinical pain management strategies.

Professional Email: j.ivanusic@unimelb.edu.au