Elizabeth Sullivan MBBS MPH MMed MD FAFPHM is a Professor of Public Health and Pro Vice-Chancellor, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing at the University of Newcastle and Clinical Research Lead in Custodial Health at the Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network. 

Liz is an internationally distinguished researcher and educator with extensive leadership experience. Liz joined the University of Newcastle in 2019.

Prior to this, Liz was Assistant Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Distinguished Professor, Public Health at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) where she held several other senior administrative roles in the Faculty of Health.

She has a strong commitment to gender equity and led UTS to an Athena Swan Bronze award and is active in mentoring the next generation of female researchers. She is a former Director AIHW National Perinatal Statistics Unit at the University of NSW (UNSW).

Liz obtained her MBBS, MPH, and MMed (Sexual Health) from the University of Sydney and her Doctorate of Medicine (by Research) from the UNSW. Her public health training was undertaken at the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and included the prestigious Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Officer program and a preventive medicine residency on multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in New York City.

Liz is a public health physician and Fellow of the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (AFPHM). She is a council member of AFPHM Council (2020-) and a former Council member of the NHMRC Council (2015-2018) and has served extensively on government and health committees. She is a Board Member of the Central Coast Research Institute.

Liz’s research interests focus on pregnancy, mothering, and the criminalisation of poverty. She leads a multidisciplinary team aimed at improving interventions to support health and well-being and prevent reoffending.

Liz has produced a substantial body of original research as evidenced by her strong publication track record of over 280 publications and the impact her research has had on policy and practice. She has received over $21 million in research funding support including support from national and international funding agencies (NHMRC, ARC, WHO), and has extensive international collaborations.

Service as a director

Appointed to HMRI Board 13 February 2020

Other current directorships in public and significant companies and institutions

• Board Member of the Central Coast Research Institute