Summary
Research experience: A/Prof Pasco is Principal Fellow at The University of Melbourne and Head of the Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit in the Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences: Barwon Health. She has eighteen years of research experience in population and clinical epidemiology.
Since 1992, A/Prof Pasco has coordinated the Geelong Osteoporosis Study (GOS), an umbrella term for a program of large case-control and prospective population-based studies in both men and women. She has developed a productive research unit working principally on a series of musculoskeletal health projects, with recent expansion into active collaborations in a range of disciplines including mental health, genetics, osteoarthritis, cancer, infectious disease, obesity and nutrition.
Research grants: Significant grant support from NHMRC ($2.95m since 2003; $1.19m as CIA) and other sources ($1.01m). NHMRC GRP member 2008.
Publications: Sustained publication productivity; 89 publications in peer-reviewed journals (34 first author). Most frequently cited first author publications: (i) J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2001) demonstrating an association between circulating leptin levels and BMD in humans, which had not been shown before, suggesting that leptin may mediate the link between body fat mass and BMD (116 citations); (ii) Arch Intern Med (2002) reporting that statins, used for treating hypercholesterolaemia, are associated with reduced fracture risk, which was not entirely explained by increased bone mineral density (BMD) – this suggested involvement of other factors and so might have therapeutical implications (95 citations); (iii) J Bone Miner Res (2004) supporting the hypothesis that bone metabolism is modulated by the adrenergic nervous system (58 citations). Highest impact factor: published in JAMA (2006), IF=31.7, the first to report that circulating high-sensitivity CRP is an independent risk factor for fracture.
Awards: Partnerships Award 2007 (Smart Geelong Network); Kaye Ibbertson Award for Metabolic Bone Disease 2006 (ANZBMS); Population Health and Well-Being Award plus Highly Commended Award 2006 (Smart Geelong Network).
Translation of research findings into health care: BMD data from the random male and female GOS cohorts accepted as the Australian BMD reference range for use on all bone densitometers in the country. GOS fracture data utilised in the preparation of the report of a Fracture Summit and in a submission to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) related to the provision of benefits for primary prevention of fractures. Vitamin D data used to prepare joint ANZBMS/OA/ESA Vitamin D Position Statement for adults and A/Prof Pasco chaired the working party for this statement; subsequently on working party for similar paediatric statement. A/Prof Pasco a scientific committee member for the Vitamin D and Calcium Forum, a joint OA/ANZBMS initiative sponsored by the Australian Government in 2005; guidelines for consumers and GPs published. GOS data submitted to PBAC related to provision of benefits for high-dose vitamin D supplements for the Australian population. The demonstration of 16-30% excess fractures in winter, associated with low vitamin D and high parathyroid hormone and bone resorption marker levels, resulted in the design of a vitamin D intervention trial known as Vital D. Findings from a case-control study investigating risk factors for M. Ulcerans on the Bellarine Peninsula, presented to the WHO in Geneva, provided evidence for developing public health guidelines for preventing transmission of the infection.
Fostering research training: Supervisor for students: 9 PhD (3 completed), 2 Masters (completed), 7 Hons (completed), 2 PgDSc (completed), 3 international and 1 DGerMed (completed). Current departmental Research Higher Degree Manager.
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Julie Pasco's highlights
FEATURED Journal article
The epidemiology of emergency presentations for falls from height across Western Victoria, Australia
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Projects
Displaying the 10 most recent projects by Julie Pasco.
Project Types
9
Research Grant
1
Internal Research Grant
Scholarly Works
Displaying the 318 most recent scholarly works by Julie Pasco.
Keyword Analysis
Honours, Awards and Fellowships
Kaye Ibbertson Award in Metabolic Bone Disease
Population Health and Well-Being Award - St John of God Pathology
Highly Commended Award - CSIRO Textiles & Fibre Technology
Credentials
Positions
General Member
International Federation of Psychiatric Epidemiology
General Member
Australian Society of Psychiatric Research
General Member
International Bone and Mineral Society (IBMS)
General Member
American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR)
General Member
Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society (ANZBMS)
Education
Master of Epidemiology
University of Melbourne
Doctor of Philosophy
Deakin University
Diploma of Education
Monash University
Bachelor of Science with Honours
Monash University