Peta S. Cook

Associate Professor Peta S. Cook is a sociologist at the University of Tasmania within the School of Social Sciences. Her work focuses on ageing, disability, medical science, and chronic illness, particularly how knowledge production shapes medical practices and empowers individuals in healthcare decisions.

• Expertise: Qualitative research methods (over 300 interviews), arts-based research, in-depth interviewing.
• Affiliations: Australian Sociological Association (TASA), Elder Abuse Action Australia.

Research Interests include:

• Addressing ageism, ableism, and elder abuse in community planning.
• Examining social determinants of health and healthcare equity.
• Collaborating on age-friendly societies and traumatic brain injury studies.

Article Trends reveal a focus on:

• Surveillance and privacy in digital and societal contexts (2013–2014).
• Intergenerational financial transfers and elder abuse risks (2024).

Scientific Awards:

• 2018 Vice Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Community Engagement.
• 2020 Sociology in Action award (TASA).
• 2019 Tasmanian Community Achievement Awards finalist.

Grants & Leadership: Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council and Australian Research Council. Held leadership roles in TASA (Thematic Group Portfolio Leader, Treasurer, Vice President).
Labs & Teams: Collaborates across disciplinary and cross-disciplinary teams, emphasizing community-based research and policy impact.