Ernie Jennings

Dr. Jennings' research has focussed on identifying the factors that drive the excitability of neurons (nerve cells), concentrating on ion channels and receptors. The prime aim of his research has been a better understanding of the mechanisms of pain, to improve treatment of pain conditions.

In the last decades, his lab has concentrated on pain conditions that originate in the head (e.g. migraine, cluster headaches, temporomandibular disorders). The lab has taken a broad approach to studying these questions, using techniques including behaviour, protein expression assays and patch - clamp electrophysiology.

More recently, there has been an additional focus, looking at practitioners' knowledge and application of the evidence base in their practice.  

Dr. Jennings completed both his undergraduate and graduate studies at University College London, (UK) where he was awarded a PhD in 1999. He came out to Australia on a Wellcome Trust Prize Travelling Fellowship and liked it so much that he decided to stay. He has completed post-doctoral work at The University of Sydney (1999-2003) and The University of Melbourne (2003-2010) prior to accepting an academic position at James Cook University in 2011.