Professor Julian Paton, Director of Manaaki Manawa, the Centre for Heart Research and Professor of Translational Physiology, Department of Physiology, has won the inaugural Geoffrey Burnstock Memorial lecture gifted from the American Autonomic Society. Professor Burnstock was a pioneer in autonomic neuroscience who discovered purinergic neurotransmission.
Julian’s research team has recently discovered that targeting a purinergic receptor provides a novel way to treat high blood pressure and is also antiarrhythmic. Established in 1992, The American Autonomic Society brings together academics and clinicians who share an interest in the autonomic nervous system and in the treatment and prevention of its disorders. Being asked to deliver this inaugural lecture is recognition and testament to Julian’s international standing in his research field.