About
Dr. Peter A. Newman is a Full Professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, and an affiliate of the University of Toronto's Joint Centre for Bioethics. He holds notable awards including the Canada Research Chair in Health and Social Justice (2007–2018) and the Early Researcher Award (2007–2011). His research focuses on LGBTQ+ inclusion, global health disparities, HIV prevention, and vaccine access in marginalized populations. Dr. Newman leads the SSHRC-funded MFARR-Asia partnership, involving 30 academics and 26 community partners across Asia, Canada, the UK, and the U.S. He also co-founded the VOICES-Thailand Foundation to address HIV vaccine trial engagement.
Education: PhD from the University of Michigan, Postdoctoral Fellow at UCLA, and degrees from Hunter College and Cornell University. He directs over $11 million in active grants from SSHRC, CIHR, and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. His work bridges social work and biomedicine, examining vaccine hesitancy and structural barriers to healthcare access.
Research highlights include studies on transgender health, climate change impacts on HIV vulnerabilities, and eHealth interventions for LGBTQ+ mental health. He serves as co-Editor-in-Chief of Sexuality and Gender in Social Services and on editorial boards for PLOS Global Public Health and others. His research emphasizes community engagement, with projects in Thailand, India, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa.
Major awards include the CSWE SOGIE Scholarship Award and Inaugural Fellowship from the Society for Social Work and Research. Dr. Newman collaborates globally, advising organizations like the Tri-agency Programs Secretariat in Canada and the Centre for Sexuality and Health Research in India. His work addresses ethical issues in health research and advocates for health equity through policy and practice.
