Professor Linda Sweet

RN, RN, BN, MNgS, GCEd, PhD

As Chair of Midwifery my portfolio responsibility is to undertake research and build research capacity within Western Health, including understanding research and research translation. Whilst this is an organisation wide role, the primary focus is on midwifery research and maternity service improvements with a multidisciplinary focus.
I hold adjunct status as Flinders University and the University of Newcastle.

In addition to this, I service the midwifery profession by being a member of the Midwifery Accreditation Committee that endorses all midwifery education programs across Australia as well as being Deputy Editor for Women and Birth, the international journal of the Australian College of Midwives, and peer review for numerous Q1 journals.

I have over 20 years academic experience. Previous to this current appointment I was Head of Midwifery and Higher Degree Research coordinator at Flinders University, Adelaide. I have extensive experience in curriculum development and have held numerous Unit Chair positions in the Master of Clinical Education and the Bachelor of Midwifery at Flinders University.

I have a particular interest in findings ways to support women to breastfeed, particularly those in vulnerable situations such as with preterm babies or babies unable to feed directly from the breast.

Furthermore, with the increasing obesity epidemic I am interested in researching ways to improve women’s awareness and knowledge of pre-conception help and improving outcomes for mothers and babies for women who are overweight or obese.

I am a Fellow of the Australian College of Midwives, a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand Health Professional Educators, a Flinders University Distinguished Scholar and a Winner of the Mary Paton Award for best breastfeeding research.