About ANSA
Advancing the science and ethical practice of applied neuroscience
ANSA's purpose is to advance the scientific study and professional practice of applied neuroscience, maintain high ethical standards, and see the field recognised as an integral part of the health system.
ANSA was formed in November 2006, when two groups that had built the field in this region joined together: the Australian Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback and the Australia Pacific Rim Chapter of the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research.
How ANSA was formed
Our aims
What ANSA is here to do
Select a theme to see what each aim means in practice.
Education and training
- Educate the public and health practitioners about applied neuroscience.
- Support members to maintain their certifications, with ongoing education on developments and research in the field.
- Connect members with training providers for foundation and advanced training.
In practice
Members keep up to date through our annual conference, regular webinars and a free neurofeedback mentoring series, and can find courses through our list of training providers.
Advocacy and awareness
- Advocate for and promote applied neuroscience to professionals in the community.
- Raise public and professional awareness of applied neuroscience as an integral part of the health system.
In practice
ANSA's Advocacy committee represents the field in policy discussions, and our public pages explain neurotherapy in plain language.
Ethics and standards
- Promote and maintain high ethical standards in the use of applied neuroscience, including through peer review.
In practice
ANSA provides CPD opportunities on ethics and professional standards in our field, helping members apply them in their practice. All members agree to abide by ANSA's Code of Ethics.
Science and best practice
- Advance the scientific study and professional practice of applied neuroscience, including biofeedback, neurotherapy, applied psychophysiology and nutrition.
- Establish and support best practice in the clinical applications of applied neuroscience.
- Encourage research and the growth of clinical and educational applications.
In practice
Our conference program and member webinars keep practitioners connected with current evidence.
International connections
- Build and maintain relationships with international societies that share our aims, such as ISNR and AAPB.
In practice
ANSA is an affiliate of the International Society for Neuroregulation and Research (ISNR), and ANSA members receive ISNR affiliate membership. Through our connection with the School of Neurotherapy, we also promote international peer groups to members, such as EEG case consultations.
Our committee
The people who lead ANSA
ANSA is run by volunteers elected by members at the Annual General Meeting. The President serves a two-year term, and other office bearers are elected each year.
Office bearers
President
James Reid
Immediate Past President
Jillian Harrington
Secretary
Alex Ryan Incoming
Nia Barnes Outgoing
Treasurer
Annette Andersen Outgoing
To be confirmed Incoming
Public Officer
Darius Rountree-Harrison
Committee members
Roger Gurr
Tim Rolfe
Stephanie Geck
Sally Westland
Rustam Yamash
Sunelle Asmussen
Nicole Sudmalis
Elizabeth Latchford
Sub-committees
Conference committee
Plans the annual conference program, speakers and venue.
Education and professional development committee
Develops webinars, mentoring and other learning for members.
Advocacy committee
Represents the field in policy discussions and public awareness.
Members are welcome to join a sub-committee. Email secretary@appliedneuroscience.org.au to express interest.
Our history
From a network of psychologists to ANSA today
How ANSA came together, and the milestones since.
Before ANSA
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1995
A network forms
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1997
AAAPB is incorporated
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1999
A neurofeedback chapter in Brisbane
ANSA is formed
In November, the AAAPB and the Pacific Rim Chapter of iSNR amalgamate to form the Applied Neuroscience Society of Australasia.
Since 2006
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2008
International teachers in Sydney
Workshops with Dr Tom Collura, Dr Donald Moss and Dr Rien Breteler at the Sydney conference.
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2010
Workshops and the Q-Club
Workshops with Sebern Fisher and Drs Roger and Mary deBeus, and the start of the Q-Club, a QEEG study group.
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2011
QEEG and LORETA training
A four-day workshop with Dr Leslie Sherlin alongside the annual conference.
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2013
ERPs as biomarkers
Workshops on event-related potentials in clinical assessment.
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2020
A virtual conference and a new name
ANSA's first virtual conference, and iSNR becomes the International Society for Neuroregulation and Research (ISNR).
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2025
Mentoring for members
A free online neurofeedback mentoring series for members begins.
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2026
Neurotherapy Across the Lifespan
The 19th annual conference at the QT Gold Coast, with keynotes from Jay Gunkelman, Dr Siegfried Othmer, Dr Tiff Thompson and Dr Nicholas Dogris.
The full timeline also traces the development of neurofeedback and neuromodulation, from the first EEG recordings to today.
Explore the full historyBe part of ANSA's next chapter
Join a community of practitioners and researchers shaping applied neuroscience in Australia and New Zealand.
Applied Neuroscience Society of Australasia
A non-profit society for health professionals and researchers working in applied neuroscience across Australia and New Zealand.
Acknowledgement of Country
ANSA acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work, and their continuing connection to Country. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.