Public Health

Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Risk modelling

Researchers: A/Prof Patricia Lee, Dr Hai Phung, Dr Leopold Aminde, Dr Thanya Pathirana, Prof Lennert Veerman, Dr Mai Tran, Prof Jeroen Kroon, Dr Kathy Heathcote

The Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Risk modelling team, a dynamic team of health researchers committed to advancing public health through robust methodologies research and data driven insights. We play a central role in supporting research across the school by offering expertise in study design, data analysis, and interpretation of complex health data.

Our expertise spans epidemiology, biostatistics, and risk modelling across clinical trials, cohort studies and large – scale cross-sectional surveys. We focus on the prognosis, prediction and modelling for the prevention and treatment of major public health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, mental disorders, addiction, dental illnesses, and maternal and child health.

We apply a wide range of advanced analytical techniques such as multilevel modelling meta-analysis, Bayesian approaches, time series analysis, and machine learning across large clinical, survey and international datasets.

Environmental Health, Climate and Disaster Resilience

Researchers: A/Prof Shannon Rutherford, Dr Febi Dwirahmadi, Dr Connie Gan, Dr Ernesta Sofija, Prof Cordia Chu, Ms Susan Cooke, Dr Thanya Pathirana, Dr Nicola Wiseman, Dr Mujibul Anam, Prof Cara Beal, Prof Anne Roiko

Our focus is on advancing planetary health by understanding, assessing, and responding to the complex relationship between Earth's systems and human health and wellbeing environmental changes (including climate change and extreme events) affects, health impacts, human vulnerability, and the capacity for community and institutional responses.

Our research promotes sustainable healthcare practices that reduce environmental footprints while maintaining quality care. Through interdisciplinary approaches, we develop evidence-based strategies and conduct translational research for sustainable development, building capacity through international collaboration. We proudly host the Centre for Environment and Population Health (CEPH), and members are theme leads in the Griffith Institute for Human and Environmental Resilience (GIHER).

Social Determinants of Health and Health Promotion

Researchers: A/Prof Bernadette Sebar,  Prof Neil Harris, Prof Jeroen Kroon, Dr Ernesta Sofija, Prof Cordia Chu, Dr Febi Dwirahmadi, Dr Hai Phung, Dr Nicola Wiseman, Dr Connie Gan, Dr Lily O'Hara, Dr Mujibul Anam

Our research stream focuses on understanding the significant influences of social, cultural, political, and environmental determinants have on various populations to gain and maintain health.  Our team has specific expertise in health inequalities, prevention, health promotion, intervention, implementation and evaluation designs and policy research that aim to optimise good health for all.

Public Health & Economics Modelling

Researchers: Prof Lennert Veerman, Dr Leopold Aminde, Dr Linda Cobiac, Dr Yanni Li, Dr Mary Wanjau, Dr Mishel Shahid

World-leading epidemiological modelling and data analysis to estimate the health and economic impact of preventive policies and interventions. Much of our work focuses on the major risk factors for chronic disease including oral disease: diet, physical activity; body mass; alcohol; and tobacco. Our work aids priority setting in prevention and informs policy decisions in Australia, low- and middle-income countries, and around the world.

Public Health Nutrition

Researchers: Prof Faruk Ahmed, Prof Jeroen Kroon, Dr Ernesta Sofija, Prof Lennert Veerman, Dr Nicola Wiseman, Dr Mujibul Anam

Our research covers both undernutrition and overnutrition, including micronutrient deficiencies in different population groups internationally and within Australia. The major focus is to identify the determinants of malnutrition and poor dietary behaviours, and to design and test appropriate nutrition interventions at a community level to improve the nutritional status in the population. Our team has a strong track record in conducting randomised control trials.