Rate My Professor Rachel Neale

Professor Rachel Neale completed a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland and spent a short time in clinical practice before pursuing a career in science and research. She completed a PhD in skin cancer prevention at QIMR Berghofer. Professor Neale then obtained an NHMRC Sidney Sax Fellowship which enabled her to spend two years at the University of Oxford, where she played a vital role in an international consortium studying the effects of human papilloma virus on the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Upon returning to Australia, Professor Neale established a program of research into pancreatic cancer and later into vitamin D. Drawing on her expertise in both skin cancer and vitamin D, she contributes to policy discussions about balancing the risks and benefits of sun exposure. She leads the health working group for the United Nations Environmental Effects Assessment Panel which reports to the parties to the Montreal Protocol. Professor Neale is the deputy director of the Population Health Program at QIMR Berghofer, holds an adjunct appointment at the University of Queensland, and serves as Senior Group Leader of the Cancer Aetiology and Prevention Research Group. In 2025 she was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.