University teams with Aeternal Group to bring multidisciplinary brain health assessments to veterans affected by blast exposure
The University of Wollongong (UOW) is partnering with Wollongong-based Aeternal Group to support an Australian-first program assessing veterans experiencing symptoms of traumatic brain injury linked to blast exposure.
The Veteran Brain Health Intensive (VBHI), developed by Aeternal and modelled on a best-practice US program, is working to address the years of disconnected referrals, missed symptoms and uncertainty experienced by many veterans exposed to blast overpressure.
Four veterans from Perth, Sydney and Brisbane are taking part in the VBHI from 2-6 November 2026, following a successful pilot in June. UOW is providing facilities including the Clinical Trials and Research Unit for the program.
“By supporting the Veteran Brain Health Intensive through our clinical research facilities and expertise, UOW is helping bring a new model of care closer to the veterans and families who need it. The partnership also creates opportunities to build the research evidence needed to better understand the longer-term impacts of blast exposure on veterans’ brain health.”
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Alan Rowan
UOW medical researchers Professor Heath Ecroyd and Professor Martina Sanderson-Smith, from UOW’s Molecular Horizons, have been working with the VBHI team on the University’s role in the program and the potential for it to grow.
Over five days, specialists including neurologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists and allied health clinicians assess each veteran alongside their support person. Participants receive an integrated assessment and report to inform treatment planning, rather than navigating separate appointments and incomplete findings. Families are also included, given their significant role in treatment after a positive diagnosis.
Conservative estimates suggest 3,000 to 6,000 veterans live with persistent symptoms consistent with traumatic brain injury. The true number is likely higher because blast exposure accumulates over years of service and often goes unrecorded. The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide recommended a brain injury program to better understand the impacts of repetitive low-level blast exposure and assess and treat neurocognitive issues affecting serving and ex-serving members.
“The Veteran Brain Health Intensive began when our team recognised a healthcare gap for Australian veterans experiencing symptoms of blast-induced brain injury and decided to act.
“Following research into global best practice, program design and a successful June trial, we’re thrilled momentum is growing for the VBHI’s first full cohort. Support from the University of Wollongong, alongside our existing proponents, is a significant step in scaling this program to meet the need in Australia’s veteran community.”
Aeternal Group CEO Kasey Mumford
UOW and Aeternal Group see the VBHI as a foundation for a nationally significant clinical program and longitudinal veteran cohort.
