Bree Hobden

Dr. Bree Hobden is an Australian Rotary Health Postdoctoral Fellow at the School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, specializing in Health Behaviour Sciences. Her research focuses on mental health, substance use, and Indigenous health, with particular emphasis on co-occurring disorders among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Behavioural Science, University of Newcastle
• Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), University of Newcastle (Class 1)

Dr. Hobden's research interests span multiple interconnected domains of public health and clinical psychology. Her primary focus is on understanding and addressing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, particularly among vulnerable populations. She has developed significant expertise in Indigenous health research, with a strong emphasis on culturally appropriate methodologies and community engagement. Her work on cancer care and patient experiences has contributed to improving healthcare delivery systems, especially in oncology settings. Dr. Hobden employs diverse research methodologies including systematic reviews, scoping reviews, and mixed-methods approaches to address complex health issues. Her research has important implications for healthcare policy and practice, particularly in developing culturally safe interventions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Analysis of Dr. Hobden's recent publications reveals a strong focus on Indigenous health research, particularly examining co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Her work consistently emphasizes cultural appropriateness and methodological rigor in Indigenous health research. There is a clear trajectory toward examining ethical considerations in Indigenous health research, as evidenced by multiple 2025 publications on research ethics and human research ethics approval processes. Her research also spans cancer care, patient experiences, and organizational factors affecting treatment outcomes for substance use disorders.

Scientific Awards:

• Adam J Berry Junior Scientist award from the Australian Academy of Science (2016)
• Finalist in University of Newcastle's Three Minute Thesis competition

Dr. Hobden has secured over $4 million in competitive funding from prestigious sources including NHMRC, National Heart Foundation, and MRFF. Her current fellowship research centers on increasing understanding of co-occurring mental health and substance use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. She is leading work examining data from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey, analyzing information from over 10,000 individuals aged 15 years and older. Her research program demonstrates a strong commitment to translating research findings into practical healthcare improvements, particularly through system-level interventions.

Dr. Hobden is actively involved in research teams examining Indigenous health, mental health services, and cancer care quality. She collaborates extensively with researchers at the University of Newcastle's Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour and with national and international partners on Indigenous health research initiatives. Her work with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Addiction in the US during 2016 demonstrates her international research engagement.