Professor Robyn Lucas

Public health messages need to be safe, evidence-based and appropriate for different population groups. This is challenging for sun exposure guidance. My work aims to identify and address evidence gaps to improve population health and well-being, particularly around sun exposure messaging.

Professor Robyn Lucas is an epidemiologist and specialist public health physician. After completing medical training in Auckland, NZ she worked in clinical settings in diverse settings including Toronto (Canada) and Honiara (Solomon Is). In 2005 she was awarded a PhD in epidemiology and concurrently completed the Global Burden of Disease due to Ultraviolet Radiation Study for WHO. Her research focuses on optimal levels of sun exposure, particularly possible benefits for autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Lucas leads the health chapter of the UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel for the Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depletion. She is Head of the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health (Australian National University), and has adjunct appointments at James Cook University (Townsville) and the Telethon Kids Institute (Perth).