Peter Crack

Professor Peter Crack is a neuropharmacologist serving as Head of the Neuropharmacology Research Group in the Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne. Holding a BSc (Hons), PhD, and Graduate Diploma in Education, he leads research into the molecular mechanisms driving neuroinflammation and neurological injury. His work centers on innate immune signalling pathways, particularly type-I interferon and STING signalling, and their roles in brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The laboratory employs functional genomics, pharmacology, and multi-omics approaches to identify therapeutic targets and develop brain-penetrant small-molecule therapies aimed at limiting secondary damage and enhancing recovery. Specific projects address stroke, the leading cause of long-term disability in adults; TBI, a major cause of death and permanent disability in young individuals; and innate immunity's contribution to neural injury. Professor Crack's group integrates drug discovery with translational neuroscience to advance clinically viable treatments.

Professor Crack has secured major funding, including the inaugural MDHS Innovator Award in 2024 for developing drug candidates that block STING to mitigate neuroinflammation post-TBI, an NHMRC Investigator Grant in 2025 for 'Targeting STING in treating traumatic brain injury,' and an ARC Future Fellowship in 2011 valued at $760,894. His scholarly impact is substantial, with over 118 publications cited more than 25,000 times on Google Scholar and 8,201 citations on ResearchGate. Key works include 'The contribution of neuroinflammation to amyloid toxicity in Alzheimer’s disease' (Journal of Neurochemistry, 2016), 'Inflammation in epileptogenesis after traumatic brain injury' (Journal of Neuroinflammation, 2017), and 'Potential Contribution of NF-κB in Neuronal Cell Death in the Glutathione Peroxidase-1 Knockout Mouse' (Stroke, 2006). He contributes to public engagement through Pursuit articles, such as on e-scooter-related traumatic brain injuries, and teaches pharmacology courses at the University of Melbourne. His research influences advancements in neuropharmacology and therapeutic interventions for neurological disorders.

Professional Email: pcrack@unimelb.edu.au