Ali Cheetham

Ali Cheetham is a Research Fellow at Monash University's Addiction Research Centre, actively contributing to substance use disorder research with 44 publications spanning 2010-2024. Currently serving as Chief Investigator on four major research projects through 2029, her work focuses on innovative treatment models for opioid dependence and alcohol use disorders.

Research interests center on addiction treatment accessibility, particularly pharmacist-prescriber collaborative care models for opioid dependence (MATOD), help-seeking behaviors among individuals with substance use disorders, and school-based drug education programs. Her work addresses UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and wellbeing through evidence-based interventions.

Recent publication trends demonstrate expertise in pharmacist-led treatment models (35% of 2023-2024 output), help-seeking barriers analysis (25%), and integrated care systems evaluation (20%). Key methodological strengths include mixed-methods approaches combining quantitative latent class analysis with qualitative stakeholder perspectives.

Current research projects include:

• Evidence Check supporting NSW Opioid Dependence Treatment Guidelines update (2024-2025)
• Upscaling pharmacist-prescriber MATOD model addressing Australia's treatment shortage (2025-2029)
• Updating National School Drug Education Principles (2024-2025)
• Co-designing school-based help-seeking program for substance use (2024-2028)

Collaborates extensively with Australia's leading addiction research institutions including Turning Point, Alcohol and Drug Foundation, and Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation. Organized the 2024 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and Other Drugs Conference.