Inaugural Professorial Lecture – Professor Barbara Galland

Children's Sleep Health Matters

About Professor Barbara Galland's research
Barbara’s early research centred on understanding the biological mechanism(s) involved in Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy, with a focus on cardio-respiratory control during sleep. While the mechanism(s) remain elusive, many hypotheses generated from her studies supported the adoption of safe sleep practices, that we now know are vital for protecting our little ones. That research enabled her to develop expertise in sleep health and sleep-related breathing disorders in children.

She has advanced the field in several aspects of paediatric sleep measurement and built an evidence base around childhood snoring linked to learning deficits that support the arguments for early intervention. A growing demand for expertise in sleep research is matched by her multidisciplinary practice, currently with many University of Otago collaborators across Health Sciences and Sciences. Barbara greatly values these collaborations and her role in research. She has mentored more than 30 postgraduate students to complete their degrees.

This lecture will be followed with light refreshments, tea, coffee & juice.