Associate Professor Kelly Clemens
Kelly Clemens is an Associate Professor in the School of Psychology, and Associate Dean of Impact Partnerships for the Faculty of Science, UNSW.
Kelly has studied at the University of Otago and the University of Sydney, with post-doctoral experience at the University of Bordeaux, France, and Macquarie University, Sydney, before establishing her own laboratory at UNSW in 2012. Her research focuses on the causes and consequences of drug addiction, spanning basic science through to translational and industry engagement.Ìý
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- Publications
- Media
- Grants
- Awards
- Research Activities
- Engagement
- Teaching and Supervision
Project Grants
- NHMRC Ideas Grant (2024-2027)ÌýClemens K, Waters P, Jones N, Zimmermann K;ÌýNext generation biological therapeutics for the treatment of addiction.
- NHMRC Ideas Grant (2024-2027)ÌýClemens K, van Dorst J, Zimmermann K;ÌýProtecting the unborn: Treatments for prenatal opioid exposure and its long-term effects.
- NHMRC Ideas Grant (2020-2022)ÌýClemens K, Waters P;ÌýA role for long non-coding RNA in the persistence of drug seeking.
- ARC Discovery Project (2020-2022) Clemens K;ÌýDoes nicotine make memories stronger?
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Awards, Fellowships
- UNSW Scientia Fellowship (2018-2022)
- Faculty of Science Research Grant (2013, 2017, 2018)
- Faculty of Science Visiting Academic Fellowship (2013) Prof. Serge Ahmed
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) (2012-2015)
- Macquarie University Research Fellowship (2010-2012)
A/Prof Clemens has broad interests in addiction biology and this is reflected in the main research themes in her laboratory. The first focuses on the molecular, including the array of epigenomic and transcriptomic changes that occur in response to drugs of abuse. It is hypothesised that molecular changes in the brain could be the mechanism through which drug cravings can persist and instigate relapse, even after very long periods of abstinence. To pursue this possibility, A/Prof Clemens uses a range of molecular techniques and bioinformatics to assess changes in the brain that occur following drug exposure. Using identified targets (in particular non-coding RNA), she is then able to manipulate the expression of these targets in vivo and show functional changes in drug-seeking behaviour. Working with collaborators in the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences as well as industry partners in Biotechnology and Gene Therapeutics, she is hoping to develop targeted gene therapies to treat addiction and other mental health disorders.Ìý
A second major theme is using knowledge in the behavioural neuroscience of drug addiction for direct translational outcomes.ÌýWorking closely with Neonatologists at the Royal Hospital for Women, A/Prof Clemens isÌýcharacterising changes in the brain and behaviour of rats prenatally exposed to opioids, with a particular focus on possible preventative or treatment measures. This study encompasses a whole-body approach, with a particular focus on the gut-brain axis and how drugs that improve gut health may significantly improve long-term outcomes for infants. This work is paralleled by a human study in collaboration with outstanding clinicians across the South Western Sydney Local Health District, to accelerate the potential for rapid translational outcomes.Ìý
Finally, A/Prof Clemens' lab has an extensive history in the basic study of behavioural neuroscience in addiction, and further research in her lab makes use of sophisticated in vivo imaging techniques (e.g. calcium imaging) as well as post-mortem approaches (RNA scope, Immunofluorescence). Together these three themes are aimed at improving our understanding of the consequences of drugs of abuse, with a clear pathway towards industry engagement and translation.Ìý
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My Research Supervision
Caspar Muenstermann (PhD)
Timothy Hill (PhD)
Isobel Williams (PhD)
Rinjani Soengkoeng (PhD/Clinical Masters combined)
Psychology Honours (3/year)
Neuroscience Honours (1/year)
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My Teaching
PSYC 3051 Physiological Psychology
NEUR 4411 Neuroscience Honours: Behavioural Neuroscience (Course Convenor)