UNIVERSITY of Newcastle cancer care and health behaviour researcher Robert Sanson-Fisher has won the inaugural Research Australia NSW Government health services research award.
Laureate Professor Sanson-Fisher was recognised for his contributions to health promotion, health service evaluation and chronic disease control.
An internationally-recognised leader in health behaviour research, Professor Sanson-Fisher is an advocate of patient-focused healthcare delivery, particularly for vulnerable population groups including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
“Thanks to my colleagues and in particular patients and community members who gave up their time, contributed their expertise and so willingly contribute in a variety of ways to our research endeavours,’’ Professor Sanson-Fisher, who is also director of the university’s priority research centre for health behaviour, said.
‘‘Without them our research would not be possible.’’
Professor Sanson-Fisher and his colleagues recently completed the largest trial in smoking cessation programs for pregnant Aboriginal women. He also led two of the largest cluster randomised community trials in cancer control and reducing alcohol harm.
He is focused on improving health screening at the provider and community level, and was one of the first behavioural scientists to argue for, and demonstrate a commitment to, evidence-based practice in health promotion and cancer control.
Presented for the first time in 2014, the award recognises a researcher who has made an outstanding contribution to their field, provided research leadership and undertaken research that has led to a significant improvement in healthcare.