Dr Zalesky is recognised for the novel tools that he has developed to analyse brain networks and their application to the study of neuropsychiatric disorders. He developed the network-based statistic, a tool that has been used in hundreds of published studies to map brain network dysfunction. He led development of the Melbourne Subcortex Atlas.

Dr Zalesky co-leads the Systems Lab (www.sysneuro.org), a multidisciplinary group of engineers, neuroscientists and psychiatrists, who use neuroimaging techniques to study the human brain in health and mental illness. The group develops computational models and tools to study brain networks and systems, and applies the knowledge gained from these studies to engineer improved brain stimulation therapies. Current areas of investigation include: fMRI-guided TMS therapy for depression and OCD; network modelling of neuronal communication; high resolution connectomics; and, brain normative modelling.