Janice Russell

Clinical Professor Janice Russell is a distinguished researcher and clinician specializing in eating disorders at the University of Sydney's Central Clinical School, with affiliation to the Brain & Mind Research Institute. Her work spans multiple domains including adolescent health, women's health, neuropsychiatry, and endocrinology within the broader fields of mental health and healthy ageing.

Professor Russell's research program focuses on understanding and improving treatments for eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Her work encompasses both biological and psychological aspects, examining neural mechanisms through fMRI studies while simultaneously developing and testing novel therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), oxytocin interventions, and nutritional rehabilitation protocols. She has pioneered research in telehealth delivery of eating disorder treatments and has made significant contributions to understanding the pathophysiology of eating disorders through metabolic and endocrine studies.

Her publication record demonstrates consistent productivity with research spanning over two decades, with recent work including a 2025 publication on telehealth CBT for muscle dysmorphia. Professor Russell has led numerous clinical trials examining innovative treatments for eating disorders, including studies on oxytocin therapy for anorexia nervosa and comparative studies of refeeding protocols for hospitalized patients.

Professor Russell has been awarded significant research funding from major Australian funding bodies including the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Department of Health and Aged Care. Her 2019 grant as co-investigator on the MAINSTREAM Centre for Health System Research & Translation in Eating Disorders represents a major contribution to healthcare system reform for eating disorders in Australia.

• 2019: MAINSTREAM Centre for Health System Research & Translation in Eating Disorders (MRFF Program Grant)
• 2014: Randomised controlled trial examining oxytocin for anorexia nervosa treatment (NHMRC Project Grant)
• 2010: Study on oxytocin's effects on cognitive rigidity in eating disorders (Butterfly Foundation Collaborative Project)

Professor Russell's research has important clinical implications, directly informing treatment protocols for eating disorders in hospital and community settings. Her work on universal healthcare reform for eating disorders in Australia has contributed to system-level changes in how these conditions are managed within the public health system.