Shanthakumar Wilson Rajaratnam

Shanthakumar Wilson Rajaratnam is a Professor of Sleep and Circadian Medicine and Head of the School of Psychological Sciences at Monash University. He holds multiple leadership roles, including Chair of the Sleep Health Foundation, Chair of the Monash Sleep Network, and Chair of the Working Group for the International Association of Circadian Health Clinics. His expertise bridges academia and clinical practice, with external affiliations as an Associate Neuroscientist at Brigham and Women's Hospital and a part-time Lecturer in Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

He holds academic qualifications in Psychology (BSc(Hons), 1994), Chronobiology (PhD, 1998), and Law (LLB(Hons), 2000), all from Monash University. His research focuses on sleep and circadian rhythms' impact on occupational health, clinical populations, and public safety, particularly addressing sleep disorders through light and melatonin interventions. He investigates how circadian disruption affects mood, cognitive function, and safety in shift workers and drivers, advocating for evidence-based preventive health strategies rooted in neuroscience.

Shantha's work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being. His research interests include:

• Workplace health, productivity, and safety
• Interventions for circadian disruption in occupational settings
• Circadian clock regulation of mood and cognition
• Light and melatonin's effects on sleep
• Legal implications of sleep loss

He has received the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Education (2013) and leads major initiatives like the Alertness CRC and the ARC Training Centre for Optimal Ageing. His advisory roles include Interim Research Director for the Well and Productive CRC and collaboration with the Paramedic Health and Wellbeing Research Unit (PHAWRU). He actively engages in public outreach through art installations and media, such as 'Dormitorium' and ABC Radio National's 'An invitation to sleep.'