Kathy Gatford

Dr. Kathy Gatford is an Associate Professor in the School of Biomedicine at the University of Adelaide and a research group leader in the Robinson Research Institute. She holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons I, dux) and PhD, and has been actively contributing to biomedical research and teaching since 2008.

Her research focuses on the early origins of health and disease, specifically examining how environmental factors during early life program subsequent metabolic function and health outcomes. Dr. Gatford's work employs preclinical models to investigate interventions that can prevent adverse effects of poor pregnancy conditions. Her current research projects include studying antenatal glucocorticoids' impact on lung maturation while protecting brain development, exploring prenatal origins of allergy, and investigating gut adaptations during pregnancy.

Dr. Gatford has secured over $2.9 million in research funding since 2007, including grants from NHMRC, Diabetes Australia Research Trust, and the CRC for an Internationally Competitive Pork Industry. Her research has translational applications in both human health and animal well-being.

• Diabetes Australia Research Trust Type 2 Millennium Award (2014-2015)

As an educator, Dr. Gatford coordinates and teaches in multiple undergraduate programs including the Bachelor of Health & Medical Sciences and the Bachelor of Medical Studies. She serves as Program Coordinator for the Bachelor of Health & Medical Sciences (advanced) program and has supervised numerous Masters and PhD students. Her research group, the Early Origins of Health and Disease Research Group, collaborates extensively with researchers at SAHMRI and other institutions.

Dr. Gatford's work bridges basic science with clinical applications, with projects ranging from improving survival in twin lambs to developing dietary interventions for intrauterine growth restriction in humans.