Our Population Health team explores the physical and mental health of humans across the lifespan.
Our research
We combine epidemiology, clinical assessment and basic research approaches to to study the causes and patterns of physical and mental health conditions in the community. Our work is designed to produce real-world insights that can be translated into better health outcomes.
Our approach
Our diverse team works with people of all ages from Geelong and surrounding regions to better understand physical and mental health across the lifespan. Participants take part in detailed assessments at clinical facilities at Barwon Health, and their data is linked with health registries to expand the reach of our research.
We examine whether patterns seen in laboratory research appear in the broader population, and we also use population data to raise new questions that guide future lab investigations.
Our projects
We lead several long-term health studies that explore the links between lifestyle, physical health and mental wellbeing. These projects provide a rich foundation for high-impact research and have informed healthcare practice both in Australia and internationally.
- The Geelong Osteoporosis Study (GOS)
- The PRedictors and Outcomes of incident FRACtures (PROFRAC) study
- The Vitamin D in Pregnancy (VIP) study
- The Bipolar Disorder and Lifestyle study
- The Ageing, Chronic Disease and Injury (ACDI) study
Geelong Osteoporosis Study
The Geelong Osteoporosis Study is one of the longest running population studies in Australia. It follows men and women from a young age through to middle and older-age. Findings from this study have helped shape diagnostic criteria for both physical and mental health conditions.
Our impact
Our studies produce valuable data with local, national and global significance. This evidence supports the design of clinical trials, while informing economic modelling and contributes to major international research efforts.
Our world-renowned team is leading the way in developing and testing solutions for real-world practice. We help shape public health messages, guide national health policy and influence clinical practice to improve health outcomes for communities.
Our team
Theme Leader
Professor Julie Pasco is an expert in musculoskeletal and population health and leads the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. She is a leading expert in ageing, epidemiology and the links between physical and mental health, with extensive peer-reviewed research published in national and international journals.
Deputy Theme leader
Professor Lana Williams is an expert in psychiatric epidemiology and mental and physical health. She has made significant contributions to nationally recognised research, with extensive peer-reviewed publications across her field.
