Dr Kirrilly Pursey is an early career researcher and Accredited Practising Dietitian known for her exceptional research in the field of disordered eating.
Her groundbreaking research was the first to scientifically link food addiction to highly palatable foods rich in fat and sugar, using advanced functional MRI technology to explore the neural responses to these foods.
Inspired by her personal experience as a parent of a child with an inborn error of immunity, she now leads research aimed at enhancing nutritional care for children with compromised immune systems.
Kirrilly’s research has gained significant international recognition, boasting over 40 highly cited publications (more than 1,500 citations on Scopus and over 2,400 citations on Google).
Her work has been cited in key policy documents from organisations such as the United Nations, UNICEF, and WHO, as well as in seven clinical practice guidelines, over 40 book chapters, and more than 70 media articles. She collaborates with top researchers in various fields, including nutrition, immunology, neuroimaging, and mental health, as well as with clinicians and industry professionals.
Her status as a rising early career research (ECR) leader is evident through her invited role as Associate Editor for Nutrition & Dietetics, and three other guest editor positions. Kirrily has also been authored to four book chapters, and contributions to three invited publications.
She has also participated in two international symposia in the USA and four national seminars, holds a Conjoint Lecturer appointment at Western Sydney University (WSU), and is an invited member of the WSU Eating and Body Image and Eating and Nutrition Research Groups.
Kirrilly has received seven awards as an early career researcher, including the University of Newcastle College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing ECR Award (2022) and the HMRI Food and Nutrition Research Program ECR Excellence Award (2024).
She actively engages in leadership roles including as the HMRI Food and Nutrition Research Program ECR Representative, with Dietitians Australia, and the Nutrition Society of Australia.
Additionally, she has supervised 12 honours students and two PhD candidates. Kirrily works clinically as an Accredited Practising Dietitian in both inpatient and outpatient settings at Hunter New England Local Health District.
