Dr Melissa Harris is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Women’s Health Research. She is also the Deputy Director of the Hunter Medical Research Institute Women’s Health Research Program where she leads the sexual and reproductive health and chronic disease, disability, and caring streams.

With a background in pscyhology, Dr Harris has developed an international reputation for research excellence in women’s health, particularly in understanding the complex health and social outcomes for women, including vulnerable populations in healthcare. She has a particular interest in contraception and chronic disease, using innovative research methods and statistical approaches.

Melissa’s groundbreaking research on family planning spans both high and low-middle-income nations. In Australia, Melissa’s work on contraception among young women has produced new insights into complex contraceptive patterns, unintended pregnancy rates, use of contraception at the time of unintended pregnancy, and the uptake and factors influencing long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). Her research has also delved into how women explain their contraceptive choices, changes in use, and access to contraception.

This knowledge has led to improved access to LARC for young women and informed evidence-based contraceptive services at family planning and non-profit organisations across Australia. Additionally, her research has influenced clinical training and therapeutic guidelines around contraception nationally and internationally.