Michael Barnett

Professor Michael Barnett is the Professor of Neurology at the Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. He holds the position of consultant neurologist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Sydney, where he directs the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Clinic. Additionally, he heads the MS Clinical Trials Unit at the Brain and Mind Centre and serves as co-director of the MS Research Australia Brain Bank. Barnett completed his neurology training at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and pursued subspecialty training at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London. He earned an MBBS with Honours, fellowships of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) and Royal College of Physicians (FRCP), and a PhD in MS pathophysiology.

Barnett's research specializations encompass neuroimaging biomarkers and the pathogenesis of MS and other central nervous system inflammatory disorders, such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. As Consulting Research Director of the Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Centre, he advances AI applications in quantitative MRI analysis to enhance neuro-radiology services for brain ailments, including MS. His scholarly output includes over 160 publications with more than 10,500 citations. Key works feature 'The thalamus and multiple sclerosis: modern views on pathologic, imaging, and clinical aspects' (Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology, 2015; 435 citations), 'A real-world clinical validation for AI-based MRI monitoring in multiple sclerosis' (npj Digital Medicine, 2023), 'Brain atrophy and lesion burden are associated with disability progression in grey matter lesions in multiple sclerosis' (2021), and contributions to disease-modifying treatment guidelines for MS. He has led major funded projects, including MRFF grants totaling millions for MS and autoimmune disorder research. Barnett received the MS Australia 50th Anniversary President's Medal for longevity of service. His contributions extend to clinical trial leadership and development of imaging tools transforming MS management and monitoring.

Professional Email: michael.barnett@sydney.edu.au