Dr Prabha Andraweera
Ext-Funded Research Fellow (B)
Adelaide Medical School
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.
Dr. Prabha Andraweera obtained her medical degree (MBBS) from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka in 2001. She obtained her PhD from the University of Adelaide, Australia in 2012. She is currently a lecturer and a senior research fellow at the Robinson Research Institute and the Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide.
- My Research
- Career
- Publications
- Grants and Funding
- Teaching
- Supervision
- Professional Activities
- Contact
I have a strong research interest in genetic and modifiable lifestyle factors that contribute to health in pregnancy and beyond for mothers and children. My current research investigates the effects of major pregnancy complications including gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, gestational diabetes mellitus and spontaneous preterm birth on cardiovascular health of women and their children.
Current projects
Risk for cardiovascular disease among women and children after major pregnancy complications (PhD candidate Miss Maleesa Pathirana)
We are following up women and children of the STOP (Screening Tests to Predict Poor Outcomes of Pregnancy) study at 3 years postpartum to assess risk factors for cardiovascular disease among women and haemodynamic parameters in children.
Risk for premature coronary artery disease after major pregnancy complications (PhD candidate Dr. Adeel Khoja)
We are currently assessing the association between major pregnancy complications and premature coronary artery disease among South Australian women by performing a data linkage between the Coronary Angiogram Database of South Australia (CADOSA) and the South Australian Perinatal Statistics Collection (SAPSC).
Cardio Obstetrics Registry of South Australia (COROSA)
We have established a database that collects information on health outcomes of women who have cardiac disease during pregnancy. This is a prospective registry and the purpose of the database is to observe the management of these patients from pre-pregnancy to the post-natal stage. Analysis of this information will ideally enable identification of risk factors, patient care and treatment, and preventative strategies for pregnancy-related cardiac deterioration. Furthermore, the database will allow monitoring of the effectiveness of interdepartmental management, which will further enable development of quality assurance strategies and well-formed guidelines for multidisciplinary management of future pregnancies.
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Appointments
Date Position Institution name 2023 - ongoing Senior Lecturer and Research Fellow Adelaide Medical School 2019 - ongoing Lecturer and Research Fellow Adelaide Medical School 2015 - 2018 NHMRC Peter Doherty BioMedical Fellow University of Adelaide, Adelaide 2014 - 2015 Postdoctoral Fellow The University of Adelaide 2013 - 2014 Visiting Research Fellow The University of Adelaide 2012 - 2013 Lecturer Faculty of Medicine, The University of Colombo 2008 - 2012 PhD Candidate The University of Adelaide 2006 - 2008 Lecturer The University of Colombo -
Awards and Achievements
Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount 2015 Recognition Certificate of excellence as a reviewer Molecular Human Reproduction - - 2014 Award Robinson Institute Prize for the best oral presentation in reproductive health, pregnancy and child health Annual Scientific Conference of the Australian Society for Medical Research - - 2013 Recognition Certificate of excellence as a reviewer Molecular Human Reproduction - - 2012 Award Dean’s Commendation for excellence of the Doctoral thesis The University of Adelaide - - 2011 Award Best Poster Award Annual Scientific Meeting of Robinson Research Institute - - 2011 Award Best Poster Award The University of Adelaide - - 2010 Award Frederick P Zuspan Award International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy and the Perinatal Society of USA - - 2010 Award ISSHP Young Investigator Travel Award International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy - - -
Education
Date Institution name Country Title 2008 - 2012 The University of Adelaide Australia PhD 1995 - 2001 The University of Colombo Sri Lanka MBBS
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Journals
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Book Chapters
Year Citation 2018 Andraweera, P., Dekker, G., Arstall, M., Bianco-Miotto, T., & Roberts, C. (2018). Complications of pregnancy and future cardiovascular risk. In R. Vasan, & D. Sawyer (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Cardiovascular Research and Medicine (Vol. 1, pp. 643-650). Netherlands: Oxford:Elsevier Inc. -
Conference Papers
Year Citation 2022 Khoja, A., Andraweera, P. H., Tavella, R., Gill, T., & Arstall, M. A. (2022). Pregnancy Complications Are Associated With Premature Coronary Artery Disease - Linking Three South Australian Cohorts. In CIRCULATION Vol. 146 (pp. 2 pages). Chicago, IL: LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2018 Andraweera, P., Dekker, G., Leemaqz, S., McCowan, L., Myers, J., Kenny, L., . . . Roberts, C. (2018). MATERNAL BIRTHWEIGHT, EARLY PREGNANCY BODY MASS INDEX AND RISK OF PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS. In PLACENTA Vol. 69 (pp. E5). Tokyo, JAPAN: W B SAUNDERS CO LTD. 2018 Roberts, C. T., Mayne, B., Leemaqz, S., McAninch, D., Breen, J., Andraweera, P., & Bianco-Miotto, T. (2018). PLACENTAL NON-CODING RNA EXPRESSION CHANGES DYNAMICALLY ACROSS GESTATION. In PLACENTA Vol. 69 (pp. E2). Tokyo, JAPAN: W B SAUNDERS CO LTD. 2014 Andraweera, P., Dekker, G., Jajasekara, R., Dissanayake, V., & Roberts, C. (2014). A study of ninety eight single nucleotide polymorphisms in recurrent spontaneous miscarriage.. In Proceedings of the Annual Scientific Sessions of the Australian Society for Medical Research-SA meeting. Adelaide, Australia. 2012 Andraweera, P. H., Dekker., Thompson, S. D., Zhang, V. J., & Roberts, C. T. (2012). Association of maternal, paternal and fetal single nucleotide polymorphisms in vascular endothelial growth factor family genes with preeclampsia. In Pregnancy Hypertension Vol. 1. Melbourne, Australia. 2012 Andraweera, P. H., Dekker., Dissanayaye, V. H. W., Jayasekara, R. W., & Roberts, C. T. (2012). Candidate gene association study on recurrent pregnancy loss in a Sinhalese population from in Sri Lanka. In Proceedings of the Human Genome Meeting, March 2012. Sydney, Australia. 2012 Andraweera, P. H., Dekker., Dissanayake, V. H. W., Jayasekara, R. W., & Roberts, C. T. (2012). A candidate gene association study on preeclampsia in Sinhalese women. In Proceedings of the Human Genome Meeting. Sydney, Australia. 2011 Andraweera, P., Dekker., Thompson, S., North, R., McCowan, L., & Roberts, C. (2011). Single nucleotide polymorphisms in angiogenesis regulating genes and the risk of preeclampsia and small for gestational age birth. In Proceedings of the 12th International Congress of Human Genetics. Montreal, Canada. 2010 Andraweera, P. H., Dekker., Thompson, S. D., McCowan, L. M. E., North, R. A., & Roberts, C. T. (2010). Association of single nucleotide polymorphism in the vascular endothelial growth factor gene with small for gestational age birth. In Pregnancy Hypertension Vol. 1. Melbourne, Australia: Elsevier BV. 2010 Andraweera, P. H., Nowak, R. C., Thompson, S. D., Dissanayake, V. H. W., Jayasekara, R. W., & Roberts, C. T. (2010). Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in cytokine genes with preeclampsia in a Sinhalese population from Sri Lanka. In Pregnancy Hypertension Vol. 1. Melbourne, Australia: Elsevier BV. 2010 Andraweera, P. H., Dekker., Thompson, S. D., Dissanayake, V. H. W., Jayasekara, R. W., & Roberts, C. T. (2010). Insulin like growth factor family genes and the risk of preeclampsia in a Sinhalese population from Sri Lanka. In Pregnancy Hypertension Vol. 1. Melbourne, Australia: Elsevier BV. 2010 Andraweera, P. H., Furness, D. L., Thompson, S. D., Nowak, R. C., Dissanayake, V. H. W., Jayasekara, R. W., . . . Roberts, C. T. (2010). Single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes regulating inflammation and the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss in a Sinhalese population from Sri Lanka. In JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY Vol. 86 (pp. 50). Palm Grove, AUSTRALIA: ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD.
2010 Andraweera, P. H., Nowak, R. C., Thompson, S. D., Furness, D. L., Dissanayake, V. H. W., Jayasekara, R. W., . . . Roberts, C. T. (2010). Single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes modulating inflammation and the risk of preeclampsia in a Sinhalese population from Sri Lanka. In JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY Vol. 86 (pp. 63). Palm Grove, AUSTRALIA: ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD.
2009 Andraweera, P., Thompson, S., Zhang, V., Nowak, R., Dekker, G., & Roberts, C. (2009). Maternal, paternal and fetal single nucleotide polymorphisms in vascular endothelial growth factor family genes associate with pregnancy complications. In AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY Vol. 201 (pp. S13). Chicago, IL: MOSBY-ELSEVIER.
WoS32009 Andraweera, P. H., Thompson, S. D., Nowak, R. C., Zhang, V. J., Dekker., & Roberts, C. T. (2009). Single nucleotide polymorphisms in angiogenesis regulating genes are associated with pregnancy complications. In Placenta Vol. 30. Adelaide, Australia: W. B. Saunders Co., Ltd.. -
Conference Items
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Report for External Bodies
Year Citation 2021 Elliott, S., Andraweera, P., McMillan, M., Evans, S., Wang, B., Mohammed, H., . . . Marshall, H. (2021). Review of 2020 Influenza vaccine distribution in South Australia.
| Year | Granting body | Title | Chief Investigators | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2025 | NHMRC Partnership Grant | Novel strategies to improve protection for pregnant women and medically at risk children from influenza and COVID-19 | Helen Marshall, Margie Danchin, Chris Blyth, Jodie Dodd, Jennifer Couper, Ivo Vlaev, Jason Ong, Jonathan Karnon, Tom Sullivan, Prabha Andraweera | 1,929,165 |
| 2021 | Heart Foundation | Tom Simpson Equipment Grant | Prabha Andraweera | $14,000 |
| 2020-2021 | Hot North | Innovative ways to improve STI testing among young people living in remote areas of the Northern Territory: behavioural insights (nudges) | Helen Marshall, James Ward, Rosalind Webby, Prabha Andraweera | $36,500 |
| 2019-2020 | Robinson Research Institute Investment for Success | Improving maternal and child health in a socially disadvantaged population | Prabha Andraweera, Claire Roberts, Margaret Arstall, Gus Dekker, Shalem Leemaqz, Zohra Lassi | $30,000 |
| 2019-2020 | Robinson Research Institute Innovative Seed Funding | Devising a clinical audit tool to capture local needs and capabilities regarding adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) in Katakwi District of Uganda | Zohra Lassi, Zeshi Fisher, Alice Rumbold, Prabha Andraweera, Claire Roberts | $25,000 |
| 2015 - 2018 | NHMRC Peter Doherty BioMedical Fellowship |
Genetic and environmental risk for pregnancy complications and subsequent metabolic syndrome |
Prabha Andraweera | $339,436 |
| 2018-2019 | Robinson Research Institute Innovative Seed Funding | Effectiveness of a post-partum intervention to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease after pregnancy complications | Prabha Andraweera, Margaret Arstall, Zohra Lassi, Claire Roberts | $25,000 |
| 2018-2019 | Robinson Research Institute Engaging Opportunities Grant | Designing a high quality evaluative research plan for Birthing Kits Foundation Australia Community Development Project in Uganda | Zohra Lassi, Alice Rumbold, Prabha Andraweera, Zeshi Fisher, Claire Roberts | $8655 |
| 2016 - 2017 | Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation ECR project grant | Genetic and early life determinants of childhood obesity | Prabha Andraweera, Claire Roberts, Gus Dekker, Ben Mol, John Lynch | $35,000 |
| 2016-2017 | Robinson Research Institute Engaging Opportunities Grant | Evaluation of BKFA birthing kits effectiveness and impact in improving outcomes for women and babies in developing countries | Claire Roberts, Prabha Andraweera, Zohra Lassi, Sarah Robertson | $3600 |
| 2015-2016 | Robinson Research Institute Innovative Seed Funding |
Identifying molecular pathways in the placenta that are implicated in the link between pregnancy complications and subsequent coronary artery disease |
Prabha Andraweera, Hannah Brown, Tina Bianco-Miotto | $25,000 |
| 2008-2012 | Australian Leadership Award (AusAid) | PhD scholarship | Prabha Andraweera | $300,000 |
Lecturer, Clinical Skills and Simulation, BHlthMedSc (Advanced) - HLTH SC 1006
Lecturer, Infant, Child and Adolescent Health - HLTH SC 3013
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Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name 2023 Principal Supervisor Trajectories of cardiovascular risk factors during pregnancy and early postpartum period among women diagnosed with metabolic syndrome in the first trimester of pregnancy. Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Aasiya Mohebi 2019 Co-Supervisor Assessing the Influence of Pregnancy and its Complications on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Adeel Akbar Khoja -
Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name 2018 - 2022 Co-Supervisor The Effect of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on Maternal and Child Health Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Maleesa Melanie Pathirana 2017 - 2021 Co-Supervisor In Utero Exposures and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in 8-10 Year Old Children and their Mothers Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Michelle Desley Plummer 2016 - 2019 Co-Supervisor The impact of intrauterine exposures on neurodevelopmental outcomes in 8–10 year old children within a disadvantaged population Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Amy Jade Alice Garrett
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Committee Memberships
Date Role Committee Institution Country 2022 - ongoing Member Steering Committee SA Women's Health Research Translation & Impact Network Australia 2017 - ongoing Council Australia and New Zealand Society for the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) - Australia -
Editorial Boards
Date Role Editorial Board Name Institution Country 2019 - ongoing Associate Editor BMC Reproductive Health The University of Adelaide Australia
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