Rate Professor Jeff Keelan

Professional Summary: Professor Jeff Keelan

Professor Jeff Keelan is a distinguished academic and researcher at the University of Western Australia (UWA), recognized for his contributions to reproductive and maternal-fetal health research. With a career spanning several decades, he has established himself as a leading expert in obstetrics, gynecology, and perinatal science, focusing on improving outcomes for mothers and infants through innovative research and clinical advancements.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Keelan holds advanced qualifications in medical and reproductive sciences. His academic journey includes:

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) with a focus on biological sciences.
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Reproductive Biology, completed at the University of Auckland, New Zealand.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Keelan’s research is centered on maternal and fetal health, with particular emphasis on:

• Preterm birth prevention and mechanisms of labor.
• Placental function and its role in pregnancy complications.
• Inflammation and infection in pregnancy outcomes.
• Development of therapeutic interventions for high-risk pregnancies.

His work integrates clinical research with molecular and cellular approaches to address critical challenges in perinatal medicine.

Career History and Appointments

Professor Keelan has held numerous prestigious positions throughout his career, including:

• Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Western Australia.
• Head of the School of Women’s and Infants’ Health at UWA (previous role).
• Director of the Women and Infants Research Foundation, based at King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth.
• Research affiliations with leading institutions in New Zealand and Australia prior to his current role at UWA.

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Keelan has been recognized for his impactful contributions to medical research with several accolades, including:

• Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FRANZCOG).
• Multiple research grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia.

Key Publications

Professor Keelan has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in high-impact journals. Some notable publications include:

• Keelan, J.A., et al. (2016). 'Cytokines, prostaglandins and parturition—a review.' Placenta.
• Keelan, J.A., et al. (2012). 'Preterm birth: A complex disease with multiple risk factors.' Frontiers in Immunology.
• Keelan, J.A., et al. (2003). 'Placental cytokines and the onset of labor.' Journal of Reproductive Immunology.

His publications are widely cited, reflecting his significant influence in the field of reproductive health research.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Keelan’s research has had a profound impact on the understanding of preterm labor and placental dysfunction, contributing to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. His work has informed clinical guidelines and policy in maternal-fetal medicine, particularly in the prevention of preterm births, a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Through his leadership roles, he has mentored numerous early-career researchers and clinicians, fostering the next generation of experts in obstetrics and gynecology.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Keelan is actively involved in the academic community, contributing through:

• Regular presentations and keynote addresses at international conferences on maternal and fetal health.
• Membership in advisory committees for national and international research bodies focused on reproductive health.
• Editorial board membership and peer-review contributions to leading journals in obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology.