ProfessorPeter Butterworth

Prof Butterworth’s research adopts a lifecourse approach, seeking to build understanding of the social causes and social consequences of mental health and wellbeing. His work examines the role of factors such as poverty and disadvantage, employment and (psychosocial) job quality, while also considering the social, geographic and policy context. Butterworth’s research seeks to inform contemporary health, social and public policy priorities and his research track record is characterised by strong collaboration and partnership with policymakers and the community sector. Since 2018, a major focus of Peter’s research efforts has involved use of the ABS Person-Level Integrated Data Asset (PLIDA). He has worked with a range of Commonwealth government agencies through contract research, tenders and secondments to use this new population-level data resource to inform policy development (including a focus mental health and suicide prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the evaluation of major government programs such as the Better Access program and the new MBS Eating Disorder items).

Through his academic career, Prof Butterworth has authored more than 235 peer-reviewed journal articles and chapters and over 68 commissioned reports. His research has accrued over 23,000 citations (google scholar) with a h-index of 71 (scopus h-index = 55) and is extensively cited in policy reports and inquiry submissions. While hard to quantify, a recent Sage Policy Profile report (July 2026) showed Butterworth's research had been cited in 513 distinct policy documents: while many of these were Australian, over 260 of these policy documents were from countries other than Australia or from InterGovernmental Organisations. 

Peter has received over $28m in competitive funding as a Chief Investigator, including 22 successful NHMRC and ARC grants (with three competitive fellowships from NHMRC (2) and an ARC Future Fellowship). Butterworth’s applied focus is also evident in almost $9m funding from tenders and commissioned research from government and community organisations.