Photo Credit: Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education
The Australian Government has announced 24 recipients of the prestigious Centres of Research Excellence (CRE) funding of $72 million through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Among them is the FASD Hub Australia Chair Professor Elizabeth Elliott, who will receive $3 million to lead a new CRE focused on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
“Our team is thrilled to receive this prestigious NHMRC grant for a Centre of Research Excellence in FASD. It will strengthen Australia’s collaborative research network, build capacity in early-to-mid-career researchers, and fund research that will be translated into prevention, optimal treatment, and the best possible outcomes for children and adolescents with FASD. Our research will be co-designed with people living with FASD to ensure it addresses their priorities and has maximal impact,” said Professor Elliott.
Professor Elliott is internationally recognised for her leadership and longstanding contributions to FASD research and diagnosis. She previously co-led the FASD Research Australia CRE (2016–2021) with The Kids Research Institute Australia Emeritus Professor Carol Bower. Together, they advanced national collaboration, strategic research, and the translation of findings into advocacy and policy.
With a strong focus on translation, Professor Elliott’s new CRE aims to move evidence into action to support improved health services, raise awareness, and influence policy to drive prevention and improve access to diagnosis.
Managed by Associate Professor Sharon Medlow, FASD CRE Manager from The University of Sydney, the CRE in FASD includes Chief Investigators who are experts in:
- Epidemiology: Professor Alexandra Martiniuk, The University of Sydney and Associate Professor Louise Mewton, The University of Sydney
- Implementation Science: Associate Professor Heather Shepherd, The University of Sydney
- Health Economics: Associate Professor Nick Scott, Burnet Institute
- Pregnancy Cohorts: Associate Professor Delyse Hutchinson, Deakin University
- Indigenous Research and Knowledge Translation: Professor Heather D’Antoine, Menzies School of Health Research and Dr Lauren Rice, The University of Sydney
- Preconception Health: Professor Kirsten Black, The University of Sydney
- Policy Development and Evaluation: Dr Fiona Robards, The University of Sydney
Associate Investigators bring expertise in:
- Translational Research: Dr Melanie Kingsland, The University of Newcastle Australia
- Systematic Reviews: Dr Svetlana Popova, The University of Toronto
- Paediatrics: Professor Susan Wolfenden, The University of Sydney
- Pregnancy and Substance Use: Dr Katrina Prior
- Genetics: Professor Tracy Dudding-Byth, University of Newcastle Australia
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Dr Joccelyn Cook, Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada
- Cohort Studies: Ms Evelyne Muggli, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
- Lifecourse Epidemiology: Professor Craig Olsson, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
- Aboriginal Research and Advocacy: Ms Emily Carter, Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre
- Consumer Advocacy: Ms Sophie Harrington, National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
The NHMRC’s CRE funding reflects a continued commitment to collaborative research aligned with national health priorities, including those outlined in the National FASD Strategic Action Plan and supported by recent Senate Inquiry recommendations.
