University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Dr Steyn completed a Doctorate at the Centre for Neuroendocrinology (University of Otago, NZ) in 2008, and is currently employed as a Senior Research Officer and an Associate Lecturer at the School of Biomedical Sciences (University of Queensland, AU). Dr Steyn has pioneered innovative techniques and introduced new and exciting opportunities within the field of basic endocrine research. Dr Steyn aims to show that critical changes in endocrine function negate pathological changes associated with the development of obesity. Working alongside a number of collaborators, Dr Steyn is expanding these ideas to demonstrate the role of the melanocortin system in modulating the balance between growth hormone and insulin secretion, the importance of endocrine adaptations in timing pubertal onset, and the role of the endocrine system in modulating key physiological adaptations central to the progression of Motor Neurone Disease.