We are proud to announce the recipient of the prestigious 2025 I. Peter Farrell SpinalCure Fellowship: Dr. Ramon Martinez-Marmol, a neuroscientist whose work is reshaping what is possible in the field of nerve repair.
This AUD$1.5 million, five-year Fellowship represents a major investment in one of the brightest minds in neuroscience today—and in the future of people living with spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries.
Ramon’s Fellowship project, Fusion of Axons Innovative THerapy (FAITH), seeks to do what no current therapy can: physically rejoin severed spinal cord nerves after injury using a molecular “glue” known as a fusogen. These naturally occurring proteins have the potential to reconnect axons, restore function, and change the trajectory of nerve injury recovery.
Nature’s own solution: learning from a tiny worm
What makes Ramon’s approach truly unique is his inspiration: a tiny nematode worm called Caenorhabditis elegans, which can spontaneously repair its spinal cord after injury. When its neurons are severed, this worm uses a molecule called a fusogen to fuse the broken ends back together—restoring function and continuity. Imagine superglue for nerves. Ramon’s vision is to bring this astonishing natural mechanism into the realm of human health.
A researcher driven by purpose
Ramon embodies everything this Fellowship stands for: deep scientific insight, a relentless drive for discovery and an unshakeable commitment to improving human life. His research vision is bold and original, grounded in deep expertise and delivered with clarity and purpose.
This prestigious Fellowship is very generously supported by Caroline Farrell whose late husband Peter had lived with a spinal-cord injury. Caroline had been a researcher herself and understands how difficult it is for a dedicated scientist to get sufficient funding to allow them to focus on the ideas that may eventually lead to a cure.
Caroline Farrell with Dr Ramon Martinez-Marmol outside The Queensland Brain Institute.
Ramon explains his research to Caroline Farrell, the generous funder of the Fellowship.
C.Elegans, the worm with the seemingly magical abilities.