Rate Professor Michael Kassiou

Professional Summary: Professor Michael Kassiou

Professor Michael Kassiou is a distinguished academic and researcher at the University of Sydney, Australia, with a globally recognized profile in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. His work primarily focuses on the development of novel therapeutics for central nervous system disorders, bridging chemistry and neuroscience to address critical health challenges.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Kassiou holds advanced degrees in chemistry, reflecting his deep expertise in the field:

• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Australia
• PhD in Organic Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Australia (1992)

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Kassiou’s research is centered on medicinal chemistry, with a particular emphasis on:

• Drug design and development for neurological and psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases
• Development of PET (Positron Emission Tomography) imaging agents for brain research
• Targeting the translocator protein (TSPO) for therapeutic and diagnostic applications

His interdisciplinary approach integrates synthetic chemistry with pharmacology and neuroscience, contributing to innovative solutions for complex medical conditions.

Career History and Appointments

Professor Kassiou has held numerous prestigious positions throughout his career:

• Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Sydney (current)
• Director, Drug Discovery Initiative, University of Sydney
• Former Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Johns Hopkins University, USA (early career)

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Kassiou has been recognized for his contributions to science and drug discovery with several notable accolades:

• Fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI)
• Recipient of the Adrien Albert Award for Sustained Excellence in Medicinal Chemistry (2018)
• Multiple grants from the Australian Research Council (ARC) and National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)

Key Publications

Professor Kassiou has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications. Below is a selection of significant works:

• Kassiou, M., et al. 'Ligands for the Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor: Potential Imaging Agents for Neuroinflammation.' Current Medicinal Chemistry, 2005
• Kassiou, M., et al. 'Development of Novel PET Probes for Imaging the Translocator Protein (TSPO).' Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2013
• Kassiou, M., et al. 'Synthetic Approaches to Novel CNS Drug Candidates.' Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 2017

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Kassiou’s research has had a profound impact on medicinal chemistry and neuroscience, particularly in the development of diagnostic tools and treatments for brain disorders. His work on TSPO ligands has advanced the understanding of neuroinflammation, influencing both academic research and clinical applications. He has collaborated extensively with international researchers and industry partners, contributing to the translation of scientific discoveries into real-world health solutions.

Public Lectures, Committee Roles, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Kassiou is actively involved in the academic community through various roles:

• Regular speaker at international conferences on medicinal chemistry and neuroscience
• Member of editorial boards for leading journals, including Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
• Advisor and reviewer for national and international funding bodies such as NHMRC and ARC