CHE researcher appointed Visiting Professor at Australian University

News

Posted on Tuesday 6 January 2026

Professor Rowena Jacobs shared expertise in mental health economics in Australia.

CHE researcher and Deputy Director, Professor Rowena Jacobs, held a Visiting Professor role at Macquarie University in Australia during December 2025, where she delivered a series of seminars and workshops with academics, policymakers and mental health stakeholders.

While in Sydney, Professor Jacobs gave a public lecture at the Macquarie University Centre for the Health Economy (MUCHE) titled, Mental health economics: Using data to inform policy. The talk explored how data can be leveraged to improve mental health policy and resource allocation, with a focus on building more effective and equitable systems.

“The seminar provided some great insights about the UK experience,” said Kerry Hawkins, CEO of Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA).

“It has highlighted the importance of both qualitative and quantitative metrics for robust analysis of the mental health system,” added Kerry.

“We have come away from the seminar with a fresh perspective on the data gaps that we need to address in this country, if we are to influence mental health system transformation with any real impact,” she concluded.

During her visit, Professor Jacobs also delivered a workshop with PhD students on their research and led a seminar for staff, students and policymakers titled, What does higher mental healthcare expenditure achieve?. In addition, she gave a seminar at Monash University, further strengthening international collaboration with Australia in health economics and mental health research.