Newsletter | Term 1, 2026
School of Population Health | April 2026
Head of School update
It’s a pleasure to write to you in my capacity as Head of School, having been formally appointed to the role in late 2025. I’m grateful for the support of colleagues over the past year, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead as we continue to strengthen our teaching, research, and engagement across our school.
This year, we were delighted to welcome Professor Jane Currie, who has joined us to lead the development of our new postgraduate program in nursing. Jane brings extensive expertise in health services research, clinical education, and as a nurse practitioner. Her leadership will be instrumental as we design a program that meets the evolving needs of the nursing workforce. We have also welcomed Dr Nicki Meagher, Cancer Institute NSW Early Career Research Fellow and UNSW Scientia Lecturer, and Dr Aidan Cashin, UNSW Scientia Senior Lecturer to the school.
Our commitment to enhancing student learning has also been reflected in the recent Health Leadership and Management Masterclass, which once again provided students with invaluable access to senior health service leaders. These sessions continue to serve as high‑value opportunities for students to connect theoretical learning with real-world leadership challenges. I extend my thanks to our guests, Natalie Wilson and Stephanie Macfarlane of NSW Health, and Donna Garland, Royal Hospital for Women, and the teaching staff – Professor David Greenfield, A/Professor Ben Harris-Roxas, A/Professor Anne Hogden and A/Professor Anurag Sharma – who made this rich learning experience possible.
Also to note, Dr Rachel Rowe and Dr Esther Tordjmann convened an inspiring Advocacy Lab workshop, bringing together students and community stakeholders to explore how student-driven advocacy can meaningfully embed equity into climate-responsive public health. This workshop exemplifies the goals of the Advocacy Lab—building the confidence and capability of our students to engage with urgent and complex public health issues while working alongside community voices. Thanks to Rachel, Esther, and all the guests and contributors for creating such an impactful learning environment. You can watch a short video about the event, or read more about the Advocacy Lab here. In recognition of the Advocacy Lab’s achievements in student and community engagement, it has been nominated by the Vice-Chancellor for the MacJannet Prize for Global Citizenship – just one of just two UNSW program finalists.
As we progress through the year, I want to acknowledge the ongoing dedication of our staff, students, and partners. I look forward to sharing more of our collective achievements in the months ahead.
Photos of the Masterclass and Advocacy lab event are below!
Professor James Wood
Head of School
Health Leadership and Management Masterclass
Advocacy Lab Workshop
Photo credit: Rachel Rowe
Photo credit: Rachel Rowe
Awards, promotions & achievements
Promotions
We are delighted to congratulate Shuang Liang and Jeffery Chan on their promotions to Level B. We’re also pleased to share the promotion Holly Seale and Natalie Taylor to Professor. These promotions recognise their sustained excellence in research, teaching, and leadership, and we are proud to see their achievements acknowledged.
Appointments
We warmly congratulate A/Professor Anita Heywood, who has been appointed Deputy President of the UNSW Academic Board. This is an important leadership role within the University, and Anita’s appointment reflects her deep expertise and longstanding contributions to public health education and governance.
We also acknowledge Dr Jane Hwang, who has joined the Council on the Ageing (COTA) NSW Academic Roundtable, an initiative bringing together experts to help inform policy and support the wellbeing of older people across NSW.
Awards
Congratulations to Dr Anthony Sunjaya, whose outstanding contributions to health systems research have been recognised with a 2025 EMCR Award in the UNSW Medicine & Health Health Systems Research Theme Awards. This award highlights Anthony’s impactful work and his growing leadership in the field.
2025 Medicine & Health Staff awards
Congratulations to SPH staff who were recognised in the 2025 faculty staff awards:
- Professor Rohina Joshi, Research: High Impact Partnership Award
- Dr Abrar Chughtai, Educational Excellence Award
- Precision Care Initiative Team within i2i, Research: Shaping Healthcare Award
- A/Professor Timothy Dobbins, Student's Choice Award for Inspirational Teaching
- Dr Cherie Lucas, as a member of the Nexus Team, Collaboration Award
New student association – Association of Population Health (APH)
We’re delighted to share that a team of School of Population Health students – Vishwa Desai, Chloe Tan, Jessica Heskett, Angelene Firmalino and Soumya Srivastava – have formally established a student association through ARC. You can see more about APH on their Instagram page.
Education highlights
SPH Teaching innovation featured at the 2025 CAPHIA Conference
Dr Esther Tordjmann presented at the CAPHIA Teaching and Learning Forum 2025, showcasing an innovative approach to teaching health equity that centres lived experience and community voices in the classroom. She co-presented with Karyn Brown, a peer educator from the Waterloo social housing community, demonstrating how we can make equity real while engaging students in analytical thinking so they can develop their own solutions to complex equity issue in their future roles. The teaching innovation draws on the award-winning Waterloo peer educator program which Esther evaluated as part of her previous role in the Sydney Local Health District.
It was a great opportunity to meet like-minded peers equally passionate about the future of public health.
CAPHIA Hackathon
SPH sponsored nine students to attend the CAPHIA Public Health Hackathon. Students were assigned to teams with public health students from 17 universities to investigate a public health problem. Supported by mentors and Design Thinking experts, they investigated, analysed and built a solution to contribute to reducing vaping harms in young people.
SPH students Brittany Wilson and Rachel John, with University of Sydney teammates, as the ‘No Mo Smoko’ team, created the ‘Toolkit for Health’ initiative across three days of iterative, human-centred design. The No Mo Smoko team made it through the heats and had the opportunity to present their concept to a room of public health professionals and academics from Australia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. We’re proud to share that they placed second overall with our intervention, receiving high commendation from the judging panel. Congratulations Brittany and Rachel!
Read more about the No Mo Smoko initiative below.
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Team Members
- Brittany Wilson - MPH, UNSW
- Rachel John - MGH/MHLM, UNSW
- Aisling Harrison - MPH, USYD
- Yuki Morikami - MPH, USYD
- Annie Cheok - MPH, USYD
Concept: We propose a workplace-based initiative designed with tradies to reduce vaping by addressing workplace culture, boredom and peer influence.
The problem: Vaping among 18–24-year-olds is increasing, and young tradespeople are especially at risk. Workplace culture and peer norms make vaping feel normal, yet tradies remain an under researched group.
Although the skilled trades industry is likely not what first comes to mind when thinking about youth vaping, young tradies aged 18-24 are one of the most at-risk yet overlooked groups. Smoko culture, boredom on the job and workplace social norms all contribute to the normalisation of vaping for young tradies.
Focus demographic: Young tradespeople aged 18–24.
Research conducted: Through informal interviews and prototype testing, tradies told us vaping is social and happens on smoko, during long days on site and because “everyone’s doing it.” We used these insights to understand the behavioural drivers behind vaping.
Solution: “Toolbox for Health” – a workplace-driven approach featuring digital storytelling, co-created content and practical workplace tools to support healthier habits.
Implementation of the idea: Co-design with tradies, employers and health agencies, then pilot the initiative with industry partners in a selected Sydney area and measure engagement and quit-related outcomes.
GLEPHA Undergraduate Student Paper Award
SPH student Bhavna Singh received the 2025 Global Law Enforcement and Public Health Association (GLEPHA) Undergraduate Student Paper Award.
Engagement and impact
National media coverage on Australia’s GLP‑1 Surge
A/Professor Michael Falster explored the rapid rise of GLP‑1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. In ABC News, he discussed common side effects — including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation — as well as the challenge that weight often returns without regaining lost muscle or bone.
In SBS News, A/Professor Falster contributed insights into Australia’s booming uptake of GLP‑1 medicines and emphasised that these drugs are not a “magic bullet,” highlighting the importance of healthy, balanced diets.
A/Professor Falster also recently spoke with 7 News about new findings showing that an emerging pill version of GLP‑1 medicines is highly effective at reducing HbA1c and increasing weight loss, but comes with higher gastrointestinal side effects and significantly higher discontinuation rates — a key barrier to long‑term clinical effectiveness.
SPIRIT Symposium Drives Momentum in Social Prescribing
The Social Prescribing Interdisciplinary Research Implementation and Transformation (SPIRIT) Symposium, held in March 2026 at the UNSW Health Translation Hub, brought together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and community partners to examine the future of social prescribing in Australia and its role in supporting health beyond clinical care.
Discussions highlighted the role of social prescribing in addressing loneliness, mental health, and chronic disease, and emphasised the importance of strong partnerships between healthcare providers and community organisations. The SPIRIT Symposium reaffirmed UNSW’s leadership in social prescribing research and its commitment to advancing equitable, community-centred models of care.
The Symposium is led by Professor Xiaoqi Feng (Director of SPIRIT, SPH), supported by an expert organizing committee. Members include Professor Patricia Davidson (Co-Director, International Centre for Future Health System), Professor Adrienne Torda (Vice-Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Health; Head of School, School of Clinical Medicine), Professor Bogda Koczwara (Director, Australian Centre for Cancer Survivorship), and Professor Maree Toombs (Deputy Dean of Indigenous; Director of Blakcademy, SPH). The committee is further strengthened by Cathy Brown (Director of EDI, UNSW Societal Transformation & Equity), A/Professor Simone Reppermund (Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing), Professor Karin Sanders (Deputy Dean of Research; Director, UNSW Business Insights Institute), Tamara Raso (Project Officer, PowerLab, SPH), and Zakia Jeemi (Faculty Research Office Support). Professor Jane Currie from SPH contributed to a panel discussion.
AI Leadership at UNSW
As one of UNSW’s AI Champions, Dr Lisa Sharwood was invited to feature in the inaugural episode of the AI@UNSW Podcast, a new series highlighting how staff across the University are using AI in practical, creative, and responsible ways. In the pilot episode, Lisa discusses AI tools, emerging practices, and practical tips drawn from her experience as a Senior Research Fellow in the School of Population Health.
UNSW staff can watch the episode via the AI@UNSW SharePoint site.
Spotlight on Media Impact: Samuel Cornell
In 2025, UNSW PhD Candidate Samuel Cornell became the University’s most‑read author on The Conversation, publishing 19 articles that attracted nearly 500,000 readers. His pieces were widely republished, and his commentary led to interviews across television, radio and podcasts, reflecting the strong interest in his public health perspectives.
Samuel’s collaborative digital storytelling piece, “The Instagram effect: dying for the perfect photo,” created with Matt Garrow and Ashlynne McGhee, has also been nominated for a 2026 Quill Award for Innovation in Journalism.
Advancing Nipah Virus preparedness using a One Health approach
Dr Md Saiful Islam was invited by the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) to deliver a One Health–focused webinar on the Nipah virus on 10 March. The event drew around 570 participants from public health, research, and policy sectors.
Dr Islam outlined the history of Nipah outbreaks in Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, and India, and explained how a One Health approach – linking human, animal, and environmental health – has been essential to understanding transmission pathways.
He also presented evidence of Nipah circulation in bat populations and described how these insights have shaped risk mitigation and prevention strategies, from safer food practices to strengthened surveillance and infection prevention measures. Dr Islam concluded by highlighting the Indo‑Pacific distribution of Pteropus bats and the implications for cross-sectoral surveillance and preparedness, including Australia.
Geospatial Insights to Improve Access to Child Health Services
A recent seminar at Liverpool Hospital, hosted by the South Western Sydney Local Health District, showcased the project “Geospatial mapping of access to child developmental assessment services.” Led by A/Professor Pankaj Garg, with Adjunct Senior Lecturer Dr Ori Gudes providing geospatial analysis and Sibella Bentley contributing, the project examines patterns of access to developmental assessment services to support more equitable and evidence informed service planning. Participants highlighted its innovative use of geospatial technology and its potential for improving access to care. The final report will be shared with stakeholders shortly, followed by preparation of an academic publication.
Dr Gudes is also Guest Editor for the IJERPH Special Issue on Spatial Analysis and GIS in Public Health, inviting submissions on GIS, health equity, environmental health, and accessibility.
National Media Spotlight on School Swimming Safety
Dr Amy Peden and the UNSW Beach Safety Research Group gained significant national media attention following Amy’s recent The Conversation article on the decline of school swimming carnivals and falling swimming skills among children. The piece was widely syndicated across Australian news outlets, amplified further through social media coverage from 7News, and prompted extended radio interviews with ABC (NSW, ACT, WA) and 2SM.
Amy’s strong media engagement continues to highlight the importance of water safety education and the broader public health implications of declining swimming capability among young people.
Strengthening India’s Mortality Data Systems — A/Professor Rohina Joshi Leads National Collaboration
Professor Rohina Joshi co-organised the National Symposium & Stakeholder Consultation to Strengthen the Mortality Information System in India, held 10–11 February 2026 at the India International Centre in New Delhi. The event centred on the national theme “Building a Mortality Information System for Viksit Bharat: Every Death is Counted and Cause of Death Ascertained.”
The symposium brought together national and international public health leaders, civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) experts, policymakers, epidemiologists, and researchers to develop a strategic roadmap to improve mortality data quality across India. Discussions focused on enhancing medical certification of cause of death, scaling verbal autopsies, and leveraging digital and AI enabled tools for mortality surveillance.
A key outcome of the meeting was progress toward establishing a National Consortium for Strengthening Mortality Information Systems.
More media publications
Read the latest media publications from the School of Population Health (Note: SPH contributors are listed here, please click on the links to see all authors).
- Waves, wipeouts and collisions: when surfers injure others Amy Peden
- One family’s ocean paddle almost ended in tragedy. It reminds us coastal weather is notoriously changeable Samuel Cornell
- Cyclones get names but deadly heatwaves don’t. Should Australia personalise severe weather? Samuel Cornell
- It’s a pool party! How to stay safe around the pool with friends this summer Amy Peden
- Australia’s red and yellow beach flags can be dangerously confusing. Is it time to change them? Samuel Cornell
- Ice baths and marathons: our modern obsession with ‘wellness’ is driven by ancient instincts Samuel Cornell
- Why can’t we admit to not enjoying a bad holiday? Samuel Cornell
- Travel influencers ‘do crazy things’ to entertain us – and downplay the risks Samuel Cornell
- More women are using steroids – and many don’t know the risks Samuel Cornell
Research highlights
REINVEST Trial: a promising new approach to reducing domestic violence
The REINVEST trial, led by researchers from the School of Population Health (Professor Tony Butler, Dr Emaediong Akpanekpo), and the University of Newcastle, is the first large‑scale randomised controlled trial to test whether a commonly prescribed antidepressant—sertraline—can reduce domestic violence reoffending among highly impulsive men. Findings published in The Lancet eClinicalMedicine showed a 21% reduction in domestic violence reoffending at 24 months among men taking sertraline compared with placebo, with even greater reductions among those who adhered more consistently to the medication regimen.
A complementary BMC Public Health publication led by Dr Amanuel Kidane Hagos highlighted the perspectives of women whose partners, sons, or fathers participated in REINVEST. They reported improvements in men’s impulsivity and violent behaviour, noting that treatment with an SSRI, combined with counselling, clinical follow-up, and strong support from women themselves, contributed to meaningful behaviour change.
In The Conversation, the research team (Professor Tony Butler, Dr Emaediong Akpanekpo, Dr Rhys Mantell, with co-authors) described how modulating serotonin may help regulate impulsivity and reactive aggression—key contributors to domestic violence—while emphasising that medication alone is not the solution, but can be an important component of a broader intervention system.
Coverage by ABC News underscored the trial’s national significance, noting that experts view the findings as a catalyst for rethinking perpetrator interventions in Australia. The results may help shift domestic violence responses toward more personalised, health‑informed strategies supported by ongoing clinical care.
Publications
A new evaluation by Dr Esther Tordjmann and A/Professor Fiona Haigh, examines an award‑winning community‑led peer educator program designed to support residents in Australian social housing communities. Their article, “By Residents, for Residents: Evaluating a Community-Led Peer Health Education Program in Australian Social Housing Communities,” provides important insights into how resident‑driven health initiatives can strengthen community capability, trust, and engagement. Read here.
PhD candidate Madeleine Powell has published new research in Pediatrics examining the heightened risk of child protection involvement among children with prenatal substance exposure. Using the NSW Child ECohort platform, the study provides important evidence and highlights opportunities to mobilise support. This work was conducted in collaboration with A/Professor Kathleen Falster, A/Professor Alys Havard, Ms Tasnia Ahmed, Dr Mark Hanly, A/Professor BJ Newton, and Professor Timothy Dobbins at UNSW. Read here.
Microsoft Copilot was used in the development of this newsletter.