Rate Professor Maria Craig

Professional Summary: Professor Maria Craig

Professor Maria Craig is a distinguished academic and clinician at the University of Sydney, Australia, with a globally recognized expertise in pediatric endocrinology and diabetes research. Her work has significantly advanced the understanding of childhood diabetes, particularly type 1 diabetes, through a combination of clinical practice, research, and leadership in public health initiatives.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Craig holds the following qualifications:

• MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) from the University of Sydney
• PhD in pediatric endocrinology and diabetes research from the University of Sydney
• Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) in Pediatrics and Child Health

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Craig’s research focuses on the epidemiology, etiology, and management of type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents. Her interests include:

• Environmental and genetic risk factors for type 1 diabetes
• Early intervention strategies and prevention of diabetes-related complications
• Public health approaches to chronic disease management in pediatric populations

Career History and Appointments

Professor Craig has held numerous prestigious positions throughout her career:

• Professor of Pediatric Endocrinology at the University of Sydney
• Senior Staff Specialist in Pediatric Endocrinology at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney
• Conjoint Professor at the University of New South Wales
• Director of the Australasian Diabetes Data Network (ADDN), a national registry for diabetes research

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Craig has been recognized for her contributions to medical research and pediatric health with several notable accolades:

• Recipient of the Australian Diabetes Society (ADS) Kellion Award for outstanding contributions to diabetes research
• National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grants and fellowships for diabetes research

Key Publications

Professor Craig has authored and co-authored numerous high-impact publications in the field of pediatric diabetes. A selection of her key works includes:

• Craig, M.E., et al. (2014). 'Early-life factors contributing to type 1 diabetes.' Diabetologia.
• Craig, M.E., et al. (2017). 'The role of environmental factors in the development of type 1 diabetes.' Diabetes Care.
• Craig, M.E., et al. (2020). 'Global trends in pediatric type 1 diabetes incidence.' Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Craig’s research has had a profound impact on the understanding of type 1 diabetes, particularly in identifying environmental triggers and improving clinical outcomes for children. Her leadership in establishing the Australasian Diabetes Data Network has facilitated large-scale, collaborative research across the region, influencing both policy and practice in diabetes care. Her work is frequently cited in international guidelines for pediatric diabetes management.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Craig is actively involved in the academic and medical community through various roles:

• Regular speaker at international conferences such as the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD)
• Member of the National Diabetes Strategy Advisory Group in Australia
• Editorial board member for leading journals in diabetes and endocrinology, including Diabetes Care
• Contributor to clinical guidelines for the management of type 1 diabetes in children, published by ISPAD and other global bodies