Dr Andrew Swayne
Group Leader
"Neuroscience research can reveal previously hidden insights into ourselves and the conditions that affect our brains and nervous systems. It is an incredibly exciting field to be involved in."
Dr Andrew Swayne is a clinician-researcher who leads the Neuroimmunology and Stroke Research Group focusing on the intersection of neurological and immunological disorders. Clinically, he is also the Clinical Director of Neurology at the Mater Centre for Neurosciences.
Dr Swayne completed his PhD in 2023, titled Multimodal Evaluation of Autoimmune Encephalitis, and has been recognised nationally for his research, including as a finalist in the ANZAN ASM Young Investigator Awards (2022), a Fresh Science Finalist (Qld, 2021), and recipient of the Laurence Catley Prize through Mater Research.
His research spans multiple neuroimmunological conditions including multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and autoimmune encephalitis. He has collaborated with international teams, including researchers from Oxford University, and contributed to national initiatives such as the AIE Consortium. Dr Swayne has authored over 40 publications with more than 500 career citations and has an h-index of 12.
Dr Swayne has secured over $625,000 in competitive research funding as lead investigator, including fellowships from Mater Research and Queensland Health. He has also contributed to projects receiving over $2 million in total funding.
In addition to his research and clinical leadership, Dr Swayne is committed to education and mentorship. He served as Director of Physician Education at Mater Hospital (2022–2024), achieving a 90 per cent RACP Clinical Exam pass rate and a registrar experience rating of 4.5/5. He has supervised five neurology advanced trainees to completion.
Dr Swayne’s work has had tangible health impacts, particularly in improving diagnostic and management pathways for autoimmune encephalitis in Queensland.