Roger Smith

Laureate Professor Roger Smith is a globally renowned Professor at the University of Newcastle and Director of the Mothers and Babies Research Centre. His work spans endocrinology, reproductive science, and maternal-fetal medicine, with a focus on preterm birth, placental aging, and innovative nanoparticle therapies. He collaborates across John Hunter Hospital and institutions in Madagascar and Nepal, addressing maternal mortality and cultural interventions.

• Co-Director, Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science (2009–)
• Director, Department of Endocrinology (1990–), John Hunter Hospital

Research Interests include hormonal regulation of human parturition, placental endocrinology, and social determinants of maternal health. He pioneered ex vivo models for studying myometrial activation and nanoparticle-based treatments for reproductive disorders.

• 2019 SRI Distinguished Scientist Award
• 2009 Santa Chiara Prize for Multidisciplinary Research
• 2013 Member of the Order of Australia

A PhD supervisor and collaborator on 15+ recent publications, his work bridges basic science and community-based interventions, including a culturally tailored song campaign to improve maternal care in Nepal. He holds leadership roles in academic societies and has contributed to international consensus documents on preterm birth.