Rate Professor Paula O'Brien

Professional Summary: Professor Paula O'Brien

Professor Paula O'Brien is a distinguished academic at the University of Melbourne, Australia, with expertise in public health law, regulatory theory, and policy. Her work primarily focuses on the intersection of law and health, addressing critical issues such as alcohol regulation, tobacco control, and the legal frameworks surrounding public health challenges.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor O'Brien holds advanced qualifications in law, reflecting her deep grounding in legal theory and practice. While specific details of her degrees and institutions are not fully outlined in publicly accessible sources, her academic career and publications indicate a robust foundation in law and public health policy.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Her research specializations include:

• Public health law, with a focus on regulatory frameworks for alcohol and tobacco control
• Legal and policy responses to non-communicable diseases
• Regulatory theory and governance in health policy

Career History and Appointments

Professor O'Brien has built a notable career at the University of Melbourne, where she holds a senior academic position within the Melbourne Law School. Her roles and contributions include:

• Associate Professor at Melbourne Law School, focusing on public health law
• Director of the Health Law and Ethics Network at the University of Melbourne

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

While specific awards and honors are not widely documented in public sources, her leadership roles and contributions to public health law suggest recognition within her field. Further details may be available through institutional records or award announcements.

Key Publications

Professor O'Brien has authored and co-authored numerous influential works in the field of public health law. Some of her notable publications include:

• 'Australia's Double Standard on Thailand's Alcohol Warning Labels' (2013), co-authored with S. Gleeson, published in Drug and Alcohol Review
• 'Regulatory Responses to Alcohol and Tobacco: A Framework for Analysis' (2015), exploring regulatory mechanisms in public health
• Contributions to edited volumes and policy papers on non-communicable disease prevention through legal frameworks

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor O'Brien's work has had a significant impact on the field of public health law, particularly in shaping discourse around regulatory interventions for alcohol and tobacco control. Her research informs policy debates and provides a legal perspective on addressing global health challenges, contributing to both academic scholarship and practical policy-making. Her leadership in the Health Law and Ethics Network further amplifies her influence by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

Public Lectures, Committee Roles, and Editorial Contributions

Professor O'Brien is actively involved in academic and policy communities, though specific public lectures or editorial roles are not extensively documented in public sources. Her role as Director of the Health Law and Ethics Network indicates significant contributions to organizing academic events, mentoring emerging scholars, and facilitating discussions on health law and ethics.