Emily Callander

Emily Callander is a Professor of Women’s Health Economics at the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, and Head of Discipline in Health Services Management at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). She leads the Women’s Economics and Value Based Care research program and holds leadership roles in national health policy, including as Vice President of Women's Healthcare Australasia and member of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee Economics Subcommittee.

• BA in Economics and Policy, Griffith University
• PhD in Health Economics, University of Sydney
• Postdoctoral training at NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre and Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney

Her research focuses on maternal and women's health, utilizing linked administrative data, economic evaluation, and modelled analysis to influence health policy and delivery. Her work spans efficient staffing models, rural health access, national maternity initiatives (e.g., Safer Baby Bundle, Normal Birth Strategy), and cost analyses for global maternal health programs supported by the Gates Foundation.

Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in health economic evaluations of maternity care models, medication use in pregnancy, digital health implementation, and preterm birth prevention. These works emphasize real-world applicability, equity, and cost-effectiveness, aligning with her mission to embed economic evidence into health systems.

She has been supported by prestigious NHMRC awards, including a Doctoral Scholarship, Early Career Fellowship, and Career Development Fellowship. Her scientific contributions are recognized through active research projects and expert media commentary on maternity care policy.

• NHMRC Doctoral Scholarship
• NHMRC Early Career Fellowship
• NHMRC Career Development Fellowship

Emily Callander advises on multiple national and international research projects, often as Chief or Associate Investigator, and collaborates with institutions such as Coventry University. She is actively accepting PhD students and contributes to policy through advisory roles in government and non-profit organizations. Her research is supported by grants from NHMRC, government departments, and international foundations.

She leads the Women’s Economics and Value Based Care program at Monash and is a key member of the Transforming Maternity Care Collaborative. Her work is embedded in real-world health systems, partnering with consumers, providers, and policymakers to improve women’s health outcomes globally.