Distinguished Professor David Adams is internationally recognised as a leader in membrane physiology and neuroscience research, specifically the study of membrane receptor and ion channel function using molecular biological and electrophysiological recording techniques. His research over the last twenty years has characterised novel peptides isolated from the venom of cone snails as probes for ion channel function, and as potential drugs for the treatment of chronic neuropathic and visceral pain.

Distinguished Professor Adams’ discovery of analgesic conotoxins targeting G protein-coupled receptors that modulate voltage-gated calcium channels provides a lead for the development of non-opioid drugs for pain treatment.