Associate ProfessorKathryn Aston-Mourney

My research work spans mechanistic discovery through to therapeutic development. I lead a multidisciplinary program investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that cause diabetes —and use these insights to develop new treatment approaches, integrating pharmacological protection with innovative materials design, with the goal of improving the lives of people living with diabetes.

Key research interest areas include: Diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, Gestational, Monogenic); Metabolism; Islets; Islet Transplants; Pharmacological Cellular Protection; Cell-protective Biomaterial Development. 

In 2021, I built an innovative group‑supervision model within the Metabolic Research Unit to create a more collaborative, supportive, and productive research environment. This “super‑group” structure brings together students and supervisors across related projects, enabling close collaboration, shared problem‑solving, cross‑training in specialised techniques, and a culture of constructive peer review. It has strengthened research quality, accelerated candidate progress, and enabled the design of integrated research programs that ethically maximise the value of each experiment. 

The quality and influence of my research are reflected in sector‑recognised metrics.

In the past 5 years, 63% of my publications have appeared in the world’s top 25% of journals (CiteScore, SciVal). More impressively, 22% have been in the world’s top 10% of journals and 5% in the world’s top 1%, metrics are above the Deakin, Australia and World averages.  

A field‑weighted citation impact of 2.45 (OpenAlex) indicates that my publications receive more than twice the citations expected for similar outputs globally. My research has also contributed to seven patents and one policy document, demonstrating translation, innovation, and real‑world impact.

ScholarGPS rankings placing me in the top 3.8% of researchers globally. More specifically I am ranked in the top 3.6% for Diabetes and 2.3% for Beta-Cell reserachers reflecting expertise in my field.

Together, these contributions reflect a research program that is collaborative, high‑performing, and committed to advancing scientific knowledge, creating the next generation of medical researchers and improving outcomes for people with diabetes.