Deborah Loxton

Professor Deborah Loxton is a leading academic at the University of Newcastle, serving as Director of the Centre for Women's Health Research (CWHR) and the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH). Her work bridges quantitative and qualitative research in women's health, with a focus on reproductive health, domestic violence impacts, and social determinants of wellbeing.

• PhD in Health (University of New England, 2003)
• Bachelor of Psychology (Honours, University of New England)

Loxton’s research examines lifelong health impacts of trauma, particularly domestic violence, and maternal/infant health disparities. She has pioneered the WWOMB program to reduce global maternal mortality and co-authored the #EndGenderBias survey report on healthcare discrimination.

Her recent publications address topics like intimate partner violence in twin studies, contraceptive use among women with chronic diseases, and WASH services in Nepal. Awards include the CAPHIA Team Award (2015) and University of Newcastle Faculty Research Award (2008).

• Secured over $50 million in grant funding
• Collaborated with WHO, USA Academy of Violence and Abuse, and Korean Women’s Development Institute

She leads the HMRI Women’s Health Program, focusing on violence prevention, maternal health, and healthy aging. Her work has shaped Australia’s National Women’s Health Strategy and National Plan to End Violence policy.