Rate Professor Rachel Skinner

Professional Summary: Professor Rachel Skinner

Professor Rachel Skinner is a distinguished academic and clinician at the University of Sydney, Australia, with a significant focus on adolescent health and vaccinology. Her expertise and leadership in public health, particularly in the field of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and sexual health, have positioned her as a key figure in global health research and policy.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Skinner holds advanced qualifications in medicine and public health. Her academic credentials include:

• MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)
• PhD in Public Health, with a focus on HPV vaccination and adolescent health
• Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP)

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Skinner’s research primarily centers on adolescent health, with a strong emphasis on:

• HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention
• Sexual and reproductive health in young people
• Public health interventions and policy development for vaccination programs
• Behavioral and social determinants of health in adolescents

Career History and Appointments

Professor Skinner has held numerous prestigious positions throughout her career, contributing to both clinical practice and academic research. Key appointments include:

• Professor in Child and Adolescent Health at the University of Sydney
• Senior Staff Specialist in Adolescent Medicine at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney
• Director of Research at the Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Sydney

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Skinner has been recognized for her contributions to public health and adolescent medicine with several notable accolades, including:

• Recipient of competitive research grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia
• Recognition for leadership in HPV vaccination policy and implementation globally

Key Publications

Professor Skinner has authored and co-authored numerous influential publications in high-impact journals. A selection of her key works includes:

• Skinner, S. R., et al. (2015). 'Efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of the human papillomavirus 16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine in women aged 15-25 years: 7-year follow-up of the phase 3, double-blind, randomised controlled VIVIANE study.' The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
• Skinner, S. R., et al. (2008). 'Adolescent and young adult HPV vaccination in Australia: Achievements and challenges.' Preventive Medicine.
• Skinner, S. R., et al. (2014). 'HPV.edu study protocol: A randomised controlled trial of education plus reminder versus education alone on HPV vaccine uptake in schools.' BMC Public Health.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Skinner’s work has had a profound impact on public health, particularly in the area of HPV vaccination. Her research has informed national and international vaccination policies, contributing to the reduction of cervical cancer rates through improved vaccine uptake among adolescents. She is widely regarded as a thought leader in adolescent health, bridging clinical practice with policy advocacy to address critical health challenges facing young people.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Skinner is actively involved in shaping health policy and education through various roles, including:

• Member of advisory committees on vaccination and adolescent health for the Australian Government and World Health Organization (WHO)
• Frequent speaker at international conferences on public health and vaccinology
• Contributor to editorial boards and peer-reviewed journals in the field of adolescent medicine and public health