Dr Prabha Andraweera
Ext-Funded Research Fellow (C)
Adelaide Medical School
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.
Dr. Prabha Andraweera is a medical researcher with a research focus on maternal and child health. She completed a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) at the University of Colombo in Sri Lanka in 2001 and a PhD in Medicine at the University of Adelaide in 2012 (Australian Leadership Award Scholar). Her PhD thesis by publication entitled ‘Vascular endothelial growth factor family gene polymorphisms and adverse pregnancy outcomes’ was awarded Dean’s Commendation for Doctoral thesis excellence. She is a Senior Research Fellow in pregnancy research in the Adelaide Medical School, Women’s and Children’s Hospital and The Lyell McEwin Hospital.
Dr. Andraweera’s research program focuses on pregnancy and early postpartum period as a window of opportunity to improve lifelong health of women and their families. Early interventions can prevent deaths and disability, reduce the burden on the health care system and result in cost savings for the country. Preventive health activities including screening for early detection of risk for chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease and investing in improving vaccination programmes are critical for the effectiveness of health promotion. Dr. Andraweera’s main research interests include preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, gestational diabetes mellitus; improving health of women who experience these major pregnancy complications; identifying barriers for access to health care among socially disadvantaged women and interventions to improve health of women including screening for risk for coronary heart disease after major pregnancy complications and methods to reduce vaccine preventable diseases among pregnant women and children.
Since 2012, Dr. Andraweera has published over 70 peer-reviewed papers in high quality medical journals across diverse disciplines. She has been awarded NHMRC, government and institutional grants totalling over $4 million as a chief or associate investigator. She was awarded a NHMRC Peter Doherty BioMedical Fellowship (2015-2019). She was the recipient of the Frederick Zuspan award by the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy (ISSHP) in 2010 and Women's Health Research Translation Network Award by the Australian Health research Alliance in 2021.
Dr. Andraweera’s research program includes randomised controlled clinical trials, observational cohort studies, data linkage projects and systematic evidence synthesis projects.
- My Research
- Career
- Publications
- Grants and Funding
- Teaching
- Supervision
- Professional Activities
- Contact
Current research projects
- Trajectory of haemodynamic profile among women with cardio-metabolic risk factors in early pregnancy : A prospective cohort study from early pregnancy until six months postpartum (Lyell McEwin Hospital)
- Prevalence, outcome and models of care for maternal cardiac disease in pregnancy: A prospective registry (Lyell McEwin Hospital)
- Improving postpartum cardiovascular health of women who experience major pregnancy complications: A Randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-component behavioural intervention in improving postpartum cardiovascular risk screening (Lyell McEwin Hospital)
- Adverse pregnancy outcomes and coronary artery disease: linkage of data from Coronary Angiogram Registry of SA and SA perinatal Statistics Collection
- Effectiveness of a nudge intervention in improving influenza and COVID-19 vaccine uptake among pregnant women and medically at risk children - four multicentre randomised controlled trials (Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Flinders Medical Centre, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Mercy Hospital for Women, Royal Children’s Hospital, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Perth Children’s Hospital)
- Determining the ideal time to vaccinate pregnant women against COVID-19 to provide the best protection for infants (Women’s and Children’s Hospital)
- Multiple projects on systematic reviews and meta analyses on pregnancy and child health (suitable for undergraduate students in Medicine and Health Sciences)
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Appointments
Date Position Institution name 2023 - ongoing Senior Lecturer/ Senior Research Fellow Adelaide Medical School 2019 - 2023 Lecturer and Research Fellow Adelaide Medical School 2015 - 2019 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 2021 Award Women’s Health Research Translation Network, Early and Mid-Career Researcher Funded Award Australian Health Research Alliance Australia - 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. H., Dekker, G. A., Arstall, M., Bianco-Miotto, T., & Roberts, C. T. (2018). Complications of pregnancy and future cardiovascular risk. In R. S. Vasan, & D. B. Sawyer (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Cardiovascular Research and Medicine (Vol. 1, pp. 643-650). Netherlands: Oxford:Elsevier Inc.
DOI Scopus14 -
Conference Papers
Year Citation 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.
DOI2010 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.
DOI2009 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.
DOI 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-2026 | The Hospital Research Foundation | Genomic characterisation of Streptococcus agalactiae from carriage positive pregnant women and infants with Group B Streptococcal disease in South Australia | Prabha Andraweera, Helen Marshall, Mark McMillan, Lex Leong, Andrew Lawrence, Morgyn Warner, Lito Papanicolas | $33,968 |
| 2024-2025 | Robinson Research Institute | Preparing for Group B Streptococcus Vaccine: Attitudes of pregnant women in Australia | Prabha Andraweera, Bing Wang, Mark McMillan, Helen Marshall | $15,000 |
| 2023-2024 | Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation | When should we vaccinate pregnant women against COVID-19 to offer the best protection to infants? | Helen Marshall, Prabha Andraweera, Branka Grubor-Bauk, Thomas Sullivan | $91,000 |
| 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, Thomas 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 (Commonwealth) | Vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphisms and adverse pregnancy outcomes | 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 Trajectory of hemodynamic changes during pregnancy and risk for postpartum metabolic syndrome in woman with cardiometabolic risk factors in early pregnancy Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Aasiya Mohebi -
Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name 2019 - 2023 Co-Supervisor Assessing the Influence of Pregnancy and its Complications on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Adeel Akbar Khoja 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 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
Connect With Me
External Profiles
