Professor Margaret Morris (BSc, PhD Monash) is currently Head of Pharmacology at UNSW Sydney, where she leads the Environmental determinants of obesity research group within the School of Medical Sciences. Her research addresses critical questions concerning the impact of adverse early life events and lifestyle factors on chronic disease risk. The impact of parental obesity and early childhood events has been a key focus, exploring offspring metabolic and cardiovascular risk, and lifestyle and pharmacological options for intervention.

Current work includes intergenerational transmission of obesity and the psychology of eating, e.g. how does provision of a varied, energy rich diet override the regulatory control mechanisms that should maintain body weight?  Prof Morris’ lab is investigating the impact of dietary sugar, and fat, on cognition and the relationship with changes in composition of the gut microbiota.

A full-time Teaching & Research academic with experience in 5 Australian Universities, Prof Morris plays a key role in educating health professionals (Medicine, Optometry, Science, Medical Science, Exercise Science)