Associate ProfessorLouise Thornton

Dr Thornton is an Associate Professor and Program Lead for Digital Interventions and Engagement at the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use. She leads a program of research to identify and understand the most effective ways digital technologies can be leveraged to reduce chronic disease risk and improve people’s mental health. Her research primarily focusses on adolescents and young people, and people experiencing mental health problems. Dr Thornton also leads a program of science communication and research that promotes the Matilda Centre’s research to a global audience.

Dr Thornton is Program Director of the Leggett Precision Hub for Alcohol Treatment at the University of Newcastle and serves as the NSW representative on the executive for the Society for Mental Health Research (Australia's peak body for mental health research). She has previously served as member of the Board of Directors of the International Society for Research on Internet Interventions (2022-2025, Treasurer 2025) and Deputy Director of the Hunter Medical Research Institute's HealthyMinds Research Program (2024-2025).