Kay Double

Professor Kay Double is Professor of Neuroscience at the Brain and Mind Centre and Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. She holds a PhD from the University of Sydney (1993) and a Habilitation from the University of Würzburg, Germany (2003). Her research specializes in neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis, including biometal dyshomeostasis involving iron, copper, and zinc; oxidative stress in the substantia nigra; neuromelanin function; and protein misfolding such as superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) aggregation in PD and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Double's team has identified novel therapeutic targets, including SOD1 pathology in PD models and copper supplementation to mitigate nigrostriatal degeneration and reverse Parkinson-like symptoms in mice. Key publications include 'Oxidative stress in the aging substantia nigra and the etiology of Parkinson's disease' (Aging Cell, 2019; 883 citations); 'The relevance of iron in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease' (Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2004; 380 citations); 'Iron and dopamine: a toxic couple' (Brain, 2016; 339 citations); 'Brain iron pathways and their relevance to Parkinson's disease' (Journal of Neurochemistry, 2001; 522 citations); and 'Neuromelanin in human dopamine neurons: comparison with peripheral melanins and relevance to Parkinson's disease' (Progress in Neurobiology, 2005; 505 citations). With over 11,500 citations and 174 publications on ResearchGate, her work has advanced understanding of metal-induced neurodegeneration and influenced PD research globally.

Double's career at the University of Sydney includes progression from Associate Professor to full Professor. She has secured funding for projects like the Biometals in Neurological Diseases (BiNDs) Team and leads research on ethical animal use in neuroscience. Recognized for supervision excellence, she received the SUPRA Supervisor of the Year award (2024) and a Vice-Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Research Higher Degree Supervision. Additional roles include Executive Secretary of the Australasian Neuroscience Society (re-elected 2016), Chair of the University Animal Ethics Committee, and L3 Supervisor in the Neuroscience Theme. She contributes to teaching neuroscience courses and mentoring HDR students, emphasizing responsible research practices.

Professional Email: kay.double@sydney.edu.au