Kym Rae

Professor Kym Rae is a leading academic in Indigenous maternal and infant health at the University of Queensland, affiliated with the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences and Mater Research Institute. Her work bridges clinical research, community engagement, and policy development to address health disparities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.

• PhD in reproductive physiology (2007)
• Director of Gomeroi gaaynggal program (2007–2019)
• Transitioned programs to community control in 2019
• Current Professor role since 2020

Her research interests span maternal mental health, nutrition, pregnancy outcomes, and chronic disease prevention in Indigenous communities. She pioneered mHealth tools and ArtsHealth programs for culturally sensitive health education. Recent work includes longitudinal studies on infant microbiomes and stillbirth perceptions.

Professor Rae has secured over $14 million in grants, including a NHMRC Clinical Trial and Cohort Scheme grant ($4.7M) in 2023. Her findings highlight critical issues like antenatal mental health burdens and high rates of gestational diabetes in Indigenous women. She mentors a diverse team and advocates for co-designed research.

• Scientific Awards: Vice Regal Patronage of the Governor General David Hurley

She supervises PhD and Master’s students in areas such as metabolic disease management, breastfeeding barriers, and resistance training for wellbeing. Her work emphasizes community self-determination and sustainable health improvements through capacity-building initiatives.