More than 1.4 million Australians live with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and many more are dealing daily with the impacts of psychological trauma. PTSD diagnosis remains complex, lasting and effective treatments are elusive, and the root causes are still not fully understood. But research is offering new hope.
Multi-award-winning producer and ABC broadcaster Dr Norman Swan led this thought-provoking panel discussion exploring the latest in PTSD research and treatment.
Hear from experts identifying neurobiological predictors and early, targeted screening methods to prevent mental illness before conditions become severe and more difficult to treat, and those with extensive experience working at the coalface of mental health services and support for defence personnel and veterans, as well as survivors of serious accidents, natural disasters or other traumatic events.
This is the first in UniSC’s new ‘Building Better’ series designed to ignite conversations, open minds, and explore bold ideas for a better tomorrow.
This panel discussion took place on Thursday 6 November 2025.
Panellists
Professor Alain Brunet
Director of the National PTSD Research Centre
UniSC Thompson Institute
Alain has a background as a scientist-practitioner and is a global authority on trauma-related disorders, like PTSD. He has investigated the impact of trauma exposure on individuals for more than 30 years, with a special focus on characterising risk factors and developing novel treatments. His pioneering research has shown that it is possible to interfere with the re-consolidation of a traumatic memory in the brain, offering an innovative healing pathway for those diagnosed with PTSD.
Dr Rachel Brand
Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology
UniSC School of Health
Rachel is a clinical psychologist and researcher holding a professional doctorate from Royal Holloway University of London and a PhD from Swinburne University of Technology. Her clinical experience includes the delivery and supervision of therapeutic interventions across a number of trauma-affected populations. Rachel’s current research focuses on the development and translation of effective, scalable psychological therapies and this has included working on clinical trials of innovative therapies for people experiencing PTSD and other trauma-related symptoms. She is passionate about improving access to evidence-based therapies within the Australian context, including those for people with PTSD and other complex mental health disorders.
Phillipa (Pip) Weiland CSC
Acting Director General
Mental Health and Wellbeing, Australian Defence Force
Pip Weiland commissioned in the Australian Army Psychology Corps in 2003, and during her 17 year career performed diverse roles across clinical, operational, research and staff positions. She completed her military service as the Commanding Officer 1st Psychology Unit, before returning to her home state of Queensland to commence the role of Regional Director South Queensland Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling. In April 2024 she transferred to the Department of Defence, as the Executive Director Strategic Advisory Group – Mental Health and Wellbeing Branch, where she continues to support veteran and family mental health and wellbeing. Pip is passionate about evidence-based treatment, and has a special interest in psychological resilience and mental health issues associated with exposure to combat.
Timothy Hicks
Psychiatrist
Gympie Hospital, Queensland Health
Timothy is a former British Army combat medic and physiologist. After 14 and a half years, he chose to leave the army to train as a doctor and specialise in Mental Health. He moved to Australia in June 2024 and is currently the consultant psychiatrist for Gympie and has interests in anti-neuronal antibodies associated with psychosis and PTSD.