Neil, originally from the UK, brought up in Adelaide and living with his family in Sydney is an experienced researcher and evaluator. In his chosen field of public health, he has worked in a range research and evaluation roles at the University of Sydney and Macquarie University, the NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney LHD and NPS MedicineWise.
After a decade as a program and policy evaluator in the Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence in the NSW Ministry of Health, he transitioned to the university sector and developed a strong interest and expertise in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. At the University of Sydney (NSW Poche Centre) he conducted research into oral health and was part of a team that developed clinical recommendations for the detection of otitis media among Aboriginal children in primary care. At Macquarie University (Department of Linguistics), he was a chief investigator on an MRFF funded study to address fragmentation in the health system for the detection, treatment and management of otitis media among Aboriginal children.
He has also over the years conducted research into adolescent health, overweight and obesity and tobacco control. He has expertise in a wide range of research methods and study designs including, big data evaluation (Medicare data), health surveys, qualitative interviews, case control studies and implementation science.
His PhD, which was conducted through the Department of Endocrinology at the University of Sydney, investigated the capacity of the Medicare system (through primary, allied and specialist care) to reduce the risk of advanced complications in people with diabetes.
He is passionate about mentoring less senior researchers and takes pride in the achievements of his colleagues. He has a strong interest in addressing social and health inequalities, which first drove him to public health and on to CEI.