Fergus O'Connor

Dr. Fergus O'Connor is a Research Fellow at Griffith University's School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work, with additional appointments at the Griffith Institute for Human and Environmental Resilience and The Australian Centre for Precision Health and Technology (PRECISE) since 2025. His research bridges laboratory-based physiological findings with real-world applications to address critical challenges in climate health and occupational safety.

Dr. O'Connor's research focuses on the physiological consequences of environmental and occupational heat exposure, particularly among vulnerable populations including older adults and individuals with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. He integrates physiological and psychometric approaches to understand thermal stress responses in real-world settings, while investigating strategies to mitigate heat exposure effects and exploring controlled heat exposure as a non-pharmacological intervention to enhance cardiovascular function and physiological adaptation. His work spans human thermoregulation, heat therapy applications, and development of evidence-based interventions for public health policy and occupational safety.

Analysis of his recent publication record reveals a strong focus on thermal physiology across multiple contexts - from occupational settings like mining to clinical applications for heart failure patients. His research demonstrates particular attention to age-related differences in heat response, innovative cooling strategies like electric fan use, and digital solutions for heatwave preparedness. The interdisciplinary nature of his work connects physiology, public health, environmental science, and clinical practice.

Dr. O'Connor currently leads or contributes to multiple funded research projects, including a $93,000 grant on heatwave resilience for vulnerable Australians and an $81,375 grant for vascular echocardiography equipment. His service on editorial boards of Temperature, Applied Physiology, Nutrition & Metabolism, and Discover Public Health reflects his standing in the scientific community.

As an active researcher with numerous recent publications and grants, Dr. O'Connor provides opportunities for students interested in climate health, thermal physiology, and public health applications. His work directly contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) through research that enhances resilience to environmental challenges in a warming world.