Professor Alicia Spittle appointed as new interim Associate Dean of Research

The Melbourne School of Health Sciences (MSHS) is delighted to announce that Professor Alicia Spittle has been appointed as the new interim Associate Dean of Research for the Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS). She will be working alongside her colleagues to drive the Faculty’s research strategy over the next twelve months.

Prof Spittle has an extensive background in physiotherapy, specialising in early detection and early intervention for children with cerebral palsy and/or who were born preterm. Her research to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes for premature and at-risk infants has earned her national and international recognition, alongside fellowships within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and at the National Health and Medical Research Council.

‘I’m passionate about supporting researchers across the Faculty at different stages in their careers,’ says Prof Spittle.

‘We are fortunate to have world-class researchers from a breadth of disciplines within the MDHS. Collaborating on research means we can improve health outcomes.’

Professor Jenny McGinley, Head of the Department of Physiotherapy, thinks the new appointment is well-deserved.

‘Alicia is an outstanding physiotherapy clinician-researcher and research mentor. Her leadership of a multi-disciplinary team to improve outcomes for premature and at-risk infants has been recognised internationally. It’s wonderful to see her continue to progress her career in this new role,’ she said.

Prof Spittle will work as Associate Dean of Research alongside her ongoing role at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in the Royal Children’s Hospital, where she maintains a part-time position as Senior Clinician.

The School congratulates Professor Spittle on the appointment and wishes her all the best in her new role.