Matthew Kelly

Associate Professor Matthew Kelly is a prominent researcher at the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health (NCEPH) within The Australian National University. With over 15 years of research experience focused on the Asia-Pacific region, particularly Southeast Asia, he leads the Master of Public Health program at ANU and maintains close collaborations with universities and ministries of health in Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.

• Department of Applied Epidemiology
• Building 62, Room 2.08
• ORCID: 0000-0001-7963-2139

Dr. Kelly's research spans critical health challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, with special emphasis on Southeast Asia. His work addresses changing nutrition burdens, health information system strengthening (particularly for mortality surveillance), water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and related health burdens, and non-communicable disease and infection interactions, with a specific focus on tuberculosis-diabetes mellitus co-morbidity. His research methodology combines epidemiological approaches with spatial analysis and health systems strengthening.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on tropical diseases, multimorbidity patterns, and health system interventions across Southeast Asia. His work increasingly incorporates spatial modeling techniques and addresses the intersection of infectious and non-communicable diseases, particularly in resource-limited settings. The research demonstrates a clear trajectory toward addressing complex health challenges through integrated, multi-sectoral approaches.

Dr. Kelly actively supervises numerous graduate students and leads multiple research projects focusing on health resilience in Indonesia, mortality surveillance in Pacific nations, and combating health misinformation. His collaborative approach is evident in the extensive international partnerships reflected in his publications.

His current research portfolio includes projects on environmental enteric dysfunction in Central Java, mortality surveillance models in Solomon Islands and Timor Leste, climate-resilient primary healthcare in Indonesia, and innovative approaches to health education in the Lower Mekong Basin.