Psychosocial Research Group
Front row, from left: Kathy Tucker, Bettina Meiser, and Michael Friedlander.
Back row, from left: Jessica Koehler, Jennifer Irle, Claire Wakefield, Nadine Kasparian, Kelly Mok, Barbara Bennett,
Kim Strong, Elvira Zilliacus, Michelle Peate, Alison Rutstein, and Janet Tyler
The Psychosocial Research Group (PRG) comprises a research team dedicated to the exploration of all psychosocial aspects of cancer. The PRG began in 2000 and instigated a research program in psycho-oncology. It has now established itself as a leading centre in this field.
The PRG currently includes a total of 16 full- and part-time staff including researchers, students and administrative staff. The PRG has developed an excellent reputation in the supervision of post-graduate students; thus far four PhD students, two doctoral students, four master’s students and two Independent Learning Project students from a range of backgrounds, including psychology, public health, medicine, genetic counselling and science, have completed their degrees.
On the basis of the quality and quantity of its peer-reviewed publications and research grants, the PRG is one of the leading international groups in the field of psychosocial aspects of cancer genetics. Other areas of national and international recognition include the aetiology of cancer-related fatigue, the psychosocial support and information needs of younger women with a diagnosis of breast cancer and cultural aspects of cancer.
The PRG has published over 90 peer-reviewed articles since 2000. To support our research programs we have received grants from the following funding bodies: National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, Cancer Council of New South Wales, National Breast Cancer Foundation, Cure Cancer Foundation, Cancer Institute NSW and the Susan Komen Foundation, United States.