Professor Leanne Redman has been appointed as the new Academic Director of the Charles Perkins Centre (CPC) at the University of Sydney. This appointment follows an extensive global search and takes effect on February 9, 2024. The CPC is the university’s largest multidisciplinary research initiative, dedicated to addressing obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and related health issues.
Currently, Professor Redman holds multiple influential roles at Louisiana State University‘s Pennington Biomedical Research Center, including the LPFA Endowed Chair in Nutrition and Associate Executive Director for Scientific Education. She has spent over 20 years conducting pioneering research on women’s health, particularly focusing on obesity during pregnancy, maternal nutrition optimization, and childhood obesity prevention.
Redman’s Vision for a Collaborative Future
Professor Kathy Belov, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global and Research Engagement) at the University of Sydney, expressed confidence in Redman’s appointment. She stated, “Leanne’s research record makes her a perfect fit for the Charles Perkins Centre. She brings deep expertise and a collaborative spirit that will strengthen our community.” As the CPC embarks on a new chapter after a comprehensive five-year review, Belov is eager to see how Redman’s leadership will shape the Centre’s future.
Originally from Australia, Professor Redman graduated with a Bachelor of Human Movement Science with honours from Southern Cross University. She earned her PhD from the University of Adelaide in 2004 and a Master of Clinical Research in 2011 from Tulane University in the United States. Her extensive academic training and research success will play a significant role in advancing the CPC’s mission.
At Pennington Biomedical, Redman has focused on how dietary habits and physical activity impact body composition and energy metabolism. She has designed and conducted numerous clinical trials exploring the relationship between diet, exercise, and obesity. Her research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind obesity development and create effective treatment and prevention strategies.
A Record of Accomplishments and Recognition
In her capacity as Director of the Nutrition Obesity Research Center, Redman’s research has also examined the intergenerational transmission of obesity. She has authored over 300 research articles, reviews, and book chapters on topics such as diet, exercise, and pregnancy, with her work cited more than 28,000 times.
Earlier this year, Redman received the American Society for Nutrition’s McCollum Award, which honors a clinical investigator recognized for generating innovative concepts in nutrition. This accolade adds to her impressive list of achievements, including the TOPS Award from The Obesity Society in 2023, two national mentoring awards, and the LSU Presidential Laurels Medal in the same year.
Dr. John Kirwan, Executive Director of Pennington Biomedical, highlighted Redman’s contributions to e-health technologies, including smartphone applications designed to help individuals adhere to national dietary and exercise guidelines. He noted her pivotal role in the Nutrition for Precision Health study, the largest effort to date focused on how individual bodies respond to different foods.
In reflecting on her new role, Professor Redman shared her enthusiasm, stating, “Ever since the CPC was established in 2012, I have maintained a keen eye on its progress and expansion. By combining my academic training and passion for improving global health, I am excited to lead this successful cross-disciplinary Centre towards a future of strong strategic alliances and collaborations.”
The CPC, since its inception, has implemented principles from evolutionary biology and ecology to foster multidisciplinary collaborations that span clinicians, scientists, writers, and philosophers. These collaborations have generated significant real-world impacts and translations in health research, working closely with partners such as the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, and various international universities, including the University of Glasgow and the University of Copenhagen.
As the Charles Perkins Centre prepares for a new era under Professor Redman’s leadership, the anticipation for innovative research and impactful collaborations continues to grow.
