Brian Draper

Professor Brian Draper is a Conjoint Professor at the School of Psychiatry, UNSW, and a Consultant Psychiatrist in Older Persons Mental Health Services. He holds Honorary Senior Research Fellow positions at Neurosciences Research Australia. His research focuses on mental health in aging populations, particularly dementia, suicide prevention in later life, and comorbidities like depression and substance abuse in older adults. Draper's work includes studies on Aboriginal Australian aging populations, ethical end-of-life care, and historical analyses of mental health practices. He collaborates nationally and internationally, contributing to projects like the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study and the Koori Growing Old Well Study.

• Education: MB BS MD UNSW, FRANZCP
• Key Roles: Conjoint Professor, Consultant Psychiatrist, Honorary Research Fellow

Research Interests: Clinical aspects of mental health in old age, dementia care systems, suicide prevention models, and ethical issues in palliative care. His work integrates clinical practice, population health, and cultural competency, with a focus on marginalized groups like Indigenous Australians.

Publications emphasize translational research, including books on dementia care and peer-reviewed articles on topics like self-harm in dementia patients and opioid risks in aging populations. He actively participates in policy advisory roles for organizations like Alzheimer's Disease International and the WHO.

Grants and collaborations involve ARC and NHMRC-funded projects examining late-life depression and suicide, with a particular interest in frailty's role in mental health outcomes. Draper's work bridges clinical research and practical interventions, addressing gaps in mental health service delivery for older adults.