Jen Smith

Jen Smith is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia (UWA), serving as national coordinator and public health co-lead for the Emerging Drugs Network of Australia (EDNA). Her work focuses on illicit and emerging drug toxicosurveillance, combining clinical toxicology with public health strategy. She holds a PhD in adolescent sexual behavior and pregnancy intentions (2010) and prior roles at Curtin University's School of Public Health.

Research & Collaboration: EDNA, a 5-year national collaboration, monitors illicit drug harm in emergency departments (EDs) across five states. Jen's expertise spans qualitative research, policy evaluation (e.g., WA's 'Target 120' initiative), and drug-related health system preparedness. She has published extensively on drug intoxication patterns, clinical predictors of exposure, and emergency medicine protocols.

Awards & Recognition: Received the 2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Research Impact and Innovation for contributions to toxicosurveillance. Her work aligns with UN SDGs addressing health and well-being.

Key Projects: Includes datasets on ED drug use trends, evaluation of public health initiatives, and collaborations with forensic labs, emergency physicians, and policy bodies.