Dr Sophie Hickey

Dr Sophie Hickey is an applied sociologist and postdoctoral researcher at the Molly Wardaguga Research Centre.

She currently manages the Indigenous Birthing in an Urban Setting (IBUS) Study. This is a large longitudinal cohort study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and children in Brisbane designed to provide feedback to local service providers to improve maternity care.

The new model of care has resulted in a profound reduction in preterm birth.

Working with a very multidisciplinary team and industry partners, Dr Hickey uses mixed-methods, participatory action research, institutional ethnography and implementation science to improve health, services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Research interests:

• health services research
• midwifery (maternal and infant health)
• Aboriginal health
• public Health
• social science
• participatory action research
• institutional ethnography