Interview with Professor James St John, Head of the Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research at Griffith University’s Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics

Every day, one Australian suffers a spinal cord injury — often with lifelong consequences. But what if the key to healing lies... in your nose?

This week on the Gold Coast Insider Podcast, we dive into revolutionary research that’s turning heads worldwide. Our guest, Professor James St John, is leading a world-first clinical trial at Gold Coast University Hospital that aims to regrow damaged spinal nerves using olfactory cells (yes, the ones that detect smell!) to create neural bridges and spark regeneration.

It’s bold. It’s ground-breaking. And it’s happening right here on the Gold Coast.

From spinal repair to early detection of Alzheimer’s and dementia, this episode is a deep dive into radical science, brilliant minds and hope for millions.

Tune in now – this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

(00:00 ) Introduction
(01:35 ) Journey into Neuroscience
(04:20 ) Olfactory System & Regeneration
(06:54 ) Breakthrough Spinal Cord Therapy
(09:58 ) Clinical Trials & Challenges
(16:58 ) Previous CIinical Trial Attempts
(20:28 ) Long-term Intensive Rehabilitation to Therapy Success
(22:46 ) Impact of Spinal Cord Injury
(26:16 ) Clinical Trial Goals & Designs
(33:01 ) Power of Philanthropy & Community Support
(37:21 ) Alzheimer's & Smell Loss Link
(44:59 ) Building a Legacy of Innovation
(47:39 ) Closing comments

About Prof St John
Prof James St John is Head of the Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research at Griffith University. Prof St John has been lead investigator on more than $38 million of research projects funded by philanthropy, state and federal government. The major project of the Centre is the translation of a cell transplantation therapy to repair spinal cord injury. The community co-designed therapy uses transplantation of olfactory glial cells within three-dimensional nerve bridges to repair the injury site of chronic spinal cord injury, combined with intensive long-term rehabilitation. This therapy is now progressing to a clinical trial that is commencing in late 2025 in Queensland.

Links
Griffith University Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics 
Griffith University Smell Clinic 
Professor James St John LinkedIn