Alexander Mcfarlane MBBS, MRANZCP, FRANZCP, MD

Professor McFarlane is Currently the Director of The University of Adelaide's Centre for Traumatic Stress Studies, Professor McFarlane's area of particular speciality has been the effects of traumatic stress and is an international expert in the field of the impact of disasters and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). His research has focused on the epidemiology and longitudinal course of PTSD as well as the neuroimaging of the cognitive deficits in this disorder. He has published over 250 articles and chapters in various refereed journals and has co-edited three books.

In the medico-legal arena, he has the long-standing experience, including writing a report for the United Nations about the Compensation Commission for the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait and has also been engaged by the Ministry of Defence in the United Kingdom in the matters relating to the Falkland Island, Gulf War and Northern Ireland Veterans. Professor McFarlane has acted as special advisor to the Department of Veterans' Affairs, including the Scientific Advisory committee examining the health and psychological status of Gulf War Veterans. A Past President of both the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies and the Australasian Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and a recipient of the Robert Laufer Award for outstanding scientific achievement in the field of traumatic stress. In 2008, I was awarded the Organon Senior Research Award of the RANZCP for the most outstanding contribution to psychiatric research in the last five years. Also, the recipient of the Founders' Medal of the Australasian Society for Psychiatric Research awarded to individuals who have made a contribution of significance to psychiatric research over their entire career.

In 2011, Professor McFarlane received the Officer of the Order of Australia Award in the Australia Day Honours List. The award recognises outstanding contributions to medical research in the field of psychiatry, particularly posttraumatic stress disorders, to veterans’ mental health management, and as an author. In 2012, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies. This award recognises years of service and leadership in the field of traumatic stress. In 2016, Professor McFarlane became one of the three Australians to be awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the American College of Psychiatry in recognition of his contributions to the field of traumatic stress.