ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ

Dr Saeed Shanehsazzadeh is a Research Associate with work spanning across nanotechnology, brain imaging, and neuroscience to advance early detection of dementia. At CHeBA, he is currently developing nanoparticle-based imaging tools to identify Alzheimer’s-related changes in the brain before symptoms appear. With international research experience and a personal connection to dementia, Saeed’s ultimate aim is to see his research translated into clinical practice, so patients and families can access earlier interventions and better outcomes.

How did you first get into research?

I’ve been curious about science for as long as I can remember. As a child, I was fascinated by the natural world – especially ants and bees. At one point, I even planned to a book on the anatomy of bees, though that project never quite materialised. During my bachelor’s degree in applied physics, I was invited by a group of medical students to collaborate on neuroscience-related experiments. This was my first real introduction to brain function, anatomy, and the science behind of perception and response. I was captivated by the brain’s complexity and found myself drawn to the challenge of designing and running experiments. That early experience ignited a lasting passion for neuroscience research and set me on the path I’m still pursuing today. During the first year of my MSc, I published my first paper on reflective surgeries, and later, through my PhD, I deepened my understanding of research even further.

Did you experience a ‘defining moment’ which led you to this field?

One of the most defining moments in my journey came about five or six years ago, when my grandmother - my mother’s mother - was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It was the first time I truly witnessed how devastating dementia can be, not only for the individual but for the entire family. Watching her decline and seeing the emotional toll it took on my mother as her primary carer, left a lasting impression on me.

Later, during my time as a National Imaging Facility (NIF) Fellow at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Professor Perminder Sachdev on a dementia research project. That experience revealed to me just how impactful this work could be, reigniting my motivation and ultimately leading me to join his research group, firmly setting on the path I continue to pursue today.

Do you have any personal interests or activities which are protective behaviours against cognitive decline?

I love playing chess - it keeps my mind active and sharpens my strategic thinking. Recently, I’ve also started learning backgammon, an ancient Persian board game. I’m still very much a beginner, but I enjoy the challenge and the learning process. I’m also a big fan of cinema, whether it’s revisiting classic and influential films or exploring the imaginative worlds of science fiction, which has always fascinated me. To balance these mental pursuits, I make time for walking and running, staying physically active, socially connected, and am mindful of a healthy diet - simple but powerful habits to support brain health. Above all, I treasure time with my family, especially playing with my six-year-old son.

What are you currently researching?

My current research is focused on developing nanoparticle-based imaging agents to target and detect early amyloid deposits in the brain, which are linked to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and cerebral amyloid angiopathy. The nanoparticles serve as contrast agents for MRI and a new imaging technology called magnetic particle imaging (MPI). Currently, a key part of the work involves adjusting both the size of the nanoparticles and improving how we attach antibodies to them. Antibodies serve as guides that help the nanoparticles seek out and bind to Alzheimer’s plaques. As part of this project, we’ve collaborated with international partners, including Uppsala University in Sweden, to access new antibodies to refine our probes. I work with both in vivo and in vitro models to test these nanoparticles and improve their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Overall, this research aims to support earlier detection of neurodegenerative diseases and address challenges in delivering imaging agents directly to the brain.

Why is your research important?

Before joining CHeBA, my research focused primarily on cancer, where the overarching goal was to detect disease as early as possible - because prevention and early intervention are far more effective than attempting to halt progression of disease once it has advanced. The same principle applies to neurodegenerative diseases.

What do you love about working for CHeBA?

I’ve had the privilege of working in five different countries - Iran, Belgium, Canada, Singapore, and Germany - as well as here in Australia, and CHeBA has been one of the best places I’ve worked. What I value most about CHeBA is its collaborative and multidisciplinary environment. You’re surrounded by passionate researchers, clinicians, and data scientists, all united by a shared goal of improving brain health in ageing populations. The translational focus and community impact of the research here also align strongly with my own values and goals. What stands out most is how active and driven the entire team is. I find it especially inspiring to work with Professors Perminder Sachdev and Henry Brodaty – not only leaders in the field but also incredibly supportive mentors who encourage young researchers and embrace new ideas. That combination makes CHeBA a truly motivating and innovative place to work.

What is the ultimate hope you have for your research?

My ultimate goal is to take this research from bench to bedside - to see these imaging tools used in hospitals and clinics to detect and manage cognitive decline earlier and more effectively. If successful, I hope that one day the probes we’re developing can be safely tested in humans and make a real difference in clinical care. For me, the most rewarding outcome would be to see my research contribute directly to improving the lives of patients.

_{Dr Saeed Shanehsazzadeh is a Research Associate at CHeBA. He holds a PhD in Medical Physics from Tehran University of Medical Sciences and has over a decade of experience in molecular imaging, nanomedicine, and multidisciplinary medical sciences labs in Iran, Germany, Belgium, Canada, Singapore and Australia. With more than 50 papers published, Dr Shanehsazzadeh’s work focuses on advancing magnetic particle imaging (MPI) as a novel method for detecting early changes in the brain related to neurodegenerative diseases.}