Meet Professor Rob Carter

Head, Deakin Health Economics

Please describe your role.

• Director, Deakin Strategic Research Centre for Population Health Research
• Head, Deakin Health Economics
• Director, NHMRC Centre Research Excellence in Obesity Policy
• Unit head for teaching ‘Priority setting and resource allocation’ in our Masters of Health Economics
• PhD Supervisor (seven students)
• Involved in a range of individual projects across Deakin research streams

The best part of my role is … when I get to do actual research work on the projects I’m involved with, and interacting with my PhDs and Masters students.

The most challenging part is … solving the people problems that inevitably come with leadership, and finding the work/life balance that is crucial to enjoying both.

I’m interested in the work of the Prevention Centre because … the economics of prevention is a key research interest of mine, and integrating economic evaluation into systems analysis is a key methodological challenge for us health economists. The Prevention Centre is also a great team of people.

At work I am always learning … to put my staff and colleagues first and work pressures second. Work pressures will always be there!

Before my current position, my most memorable roles were … Coordinating Economist on the national evaluations of breast and cervical cancer screening, and Senior Private Secretary in Senator John Button’s Office.

Most people don’t know that I … have a $6000 dog (a Bouvier des Flandres), am into kettle bells and love rugby.

When I’m not working, I most enjoy … my family, my garden and walking my dog at the beach.

The talent I would most like to have is … to hold a tune with some modicum of ability. Being 6 foot+ wouldn’t be bad either.

Right now I want to … get stuck into all my projects in the garden (hanging gardens, new pond).

I try to stay healthy by … doing plenty of exercise (gym, Pilates, swimming, gardening), being outdoors in my garden and building things.