Meet Benjamin Hoy, a PhD candidate in Pain & Sensory Cell Biology, who’s diving into one of the most complex challenges in healthcare: understanding pain.

Benjamin’s journey with Flinders University began with a Bachelor of Medical Science, Physiology & Neuroscience, followed by Honours in Pain and Sensory Cell Biology.

Part of FHMRI’s Pain and Cell Neurobiology Lab, his research focuses on using living sensory-neuron biosensors to better understand and classify pain states, with the broader goal of improving pain diagnosis and treatment. His work also engages with advanced in vitro platforms, including microfluidic technologies, as emerging tools for modelling human-relevant nerve systems.

So, what led him down this path?

For Benjamin, it started with a clear motivation: making a difference in an area where better solutions are urgently needed.

“I wanted to contribute to research with real translational potential, particularly in chronic pain,” he explains. “It’s an area where improved diagnosis and treatment could have a huge impact.”

Like many PhD students, Benjamin quickly discovered that research is about much more than experiments and data.

“What’s surprised me most is how broad the experience is,” he says. “It’s not just about generating data, it’s also about problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and learning to navigate uncertainty.”

One unexpected skill that’s become a big part of his journey? Science communication.

“I didn’t expect to develop it so strongly,” Benjamin admits. “But being able to explain complex ideas clearly, whether in presentations, papers, or even conversations, is incredibly important.”

Of course, research doesn’t always go to plan, and that’s where some of the biggest lessons happen.

“Research is rarely linear,” he says. “Some of the most valuable progress actually comes from experiments that don’t work. They force you to think differently, adapt, and ask better questions.”

For anyone considering a PhD, Benjamin’s advice is simple but honest: follow your curiosity.

“Make sure you’re genuinely interested in the question you’re working on,” he says. “That curiosity is what keeps you going through the tougher moments. And you don’t need to have everything figured out at the start, a PhD is as much about learning how to think as it is about learning what to do.”

Looking ahead, Benjamin is particularly excited about tackling one of the biggest challenges in his field: making pain more measurable.

“Pain is still largely assessed through subjective reporting,” he explains. “I’m really interested in how cell-based biosensor systems could help identify biological signatures of pain and improve diagnosis in the future.”

Now, alongside his PhD, he’s also expanding his skillset through a Master of Business Administration Future Business – MBAFB). His story is a great example of how curiosity, persistence, and adaptability can lead to meaningful impact.

Interested in making a difference through research? Explore a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) at Flinders University.