Overview
Background
Professor Jason Ferris, is the Director of Research and Statistical Support Services (RASSS), University of Queensland. While providing service primarily to the Faculty of Medicine the service is expanding to support other organisation units. He is also a leading research academic at the Centre for Health Services Research (CHSR) where he is the Program Leader for Global Substance Use and Mental Health (GSUMH) unit. He holds an honorary professorial role at Turning Point, Victoria (2018-) and is also the Chief Data Scientist for the Global Drug Survey (2013-). Since 2019 he has held a ministerial appointment as an Advisory Council Member to the Queensland Mental Health Commission and is an interRAI Fellow (interrai.org).
Since 2020, Professor Jason Ferris, in collaboration with Dr Dom Gorse (Director of QCIF Data Science) and many others across QCIF and UQ, have been working on the development and deployment of UQ KeyPoint - an innovative data infrastructure, data governance and digital solution enabling researchers to access, manage, analyse and share sensitive research data in a scalable, fully governed and highly secure environment. The work has received a number of accolades. In 2023, The University of Queensland recognised the value of KeyPoint winning the Award for Excellence in Innovation. In 2022, the Faculty of Medicine recognised his commitment and leadership to the University awarding him and the team the Innovators of the Year Award. Professor Ferris has received other recognition as well. In 2021, the Faculty of Medicine recognised the outstanding support of RASSS with a Service Excellence Award. In 2020, The University of Queensland recognised his contributions to his research field: he was awarded the Faculty of Medicine Leader of the Future Award (Academic) and The Director's Choice Award for contributions to the Centre for Health Services Research. In 2019, he was awarded The Outstanding Mid-Career Researcher within the Centre for Health Services Research and was also chosen as a finalist for the Faculty of Medicine Leader of the Future Award (Academic). Additionally, across the Faculty of Medicine, his Research and Statistical Support Service, was nominated for a Service Excellence Award (2019 and 2020). In 2015, he received the University of Queensland, Early Career Researcher Award within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science. In September, 2014, he received a Highly Commended Early Career Researcher Award within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science.
He has been involved in a number of key projects: The Queensland Evaluation of the Alcohol Fuelled Violence Policy (QUANTEM), The Overarching Evaluation of the National Support for Child and Youth Mental Health Program (CHYME), the evaluation of ProjectSTOP (a decision-making national database for pharmacists aimed at preventing the use of pseudoephedrine based products as a precursor in the manufacture of methamphetamine), and a national review of the links between random breath testing and alcohol-related road traffic accidents. Jason has over 20 years of social science and public health research experience. He has a well-established publication record with a strong focus on alcohol and drug research and public health. With a Master degree in biostatistics he has well developed and expansive quantitative methods skills and a broad range of experience in many of the facets of both social science and medical research. In 2014 his PhD on alcohol epidemiology was conferred.
Previously, as a senior statistician at the Institute for Social Science Research he developed and taught a number of training models in research methods and statistical analysis as part of the Methods for Social Analysis and Statistics (MFSAS). Since its inception in 2012 he has been course coordinator and trainer for a number of these training modules (see below). From 2016-2018 he was the Director of MFSAS. Between 2016-2017 he was also the ISSR Co-postgraduate Coordinator.
Availability
- Professor Jason Ferris is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Psychology, James Cook University
- Masters (Coursework), University of Melbourne
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
- Board Member, Queensland Mental Health Commission, Queensland Mental Health Commission
- Fellow, interRAI, interRAI
Research interests
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Biostatistics and applied statistics research, design and methods
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Substance use and mental health
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interRAI (https://www.interrai.org/)
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Global Drug Survey (https://www.globaldrugsurvey.com/)
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Data and database management
Research impacts
- The track record of the Global Substance Use and Mental Health unit (CHSR) shows a deep understanding of research that intersects substance use, mental health and public health.
- The team has world class expertise in applying a wide variety of novel biostatistical methods to understand individual- and population-level trends in substance use.
- The team is able to apply expert biostatistical skills to analyse large public health and crime datasets (>30 million observations) to make significant contributions to alcohol and illicit drug policy, internationally. For example, the team has produced >50 publications using data from Global Drug Survey, the world’s largest anonymous drug survey.
- The team’s wide-reaching impact in the area of drug-related harms has led to a number of significant policy changes. For example, the team’s research on the effectiveness of Random Breath Testing (RBT) on incidents of alcohol-related traffic crashes led to changes to the police approach to RBTs in Queensland. Furthermore, the team’s involvement in an evaluation of the Queensland government’s alcohol-fuelled violence policy led to the repeal of the 1am lock-out laws, the reduction in one-off extended trading permits, and the enforcement of mandatory ID scanners in Safe Night Precincts.
- The team has unique expertise in the linking of administrative datasets to provide improved understanding of the impact of substance use on health services.
Works
Search Professor Jason Ferris’s works on UQ eSpace
2017
Conference Publication
Queensland Evaluation: What we know (Plenary)
Ferris, Jason A., Zahnow, Renee, Miller, Peter and Coomber, Kerri (2017). Queensland Evaluation: What we know (Plenary). Cross Roads: Winter School Addictions, Brisbane, Queensland, 27-28 July 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Pharmacological cognitive enhancement among non-ADHD individuals with a social interest in drug use – A cross-sectional study in 15 countries
Maier, Larissa J., Zahnow, Renee, Winstock, Adam R. and Ferris, Jason A. (2017). Pharmacological cognitive enhancement among non-ADHD individuals with a social interest in drug use – A cross-sectional study in 15 countries. Australasian Professional Society of Alcohol and Drugs, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 12-15 November 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Last drinks loopholes: the use of extended trading permits in the NTE
Zahnow, R., Ferris, J., Miller, P. and Coomber, K. (2017). Last drinks loopholes: the use of extended trading permits in the NTE. Kettil Bruun Society Meeting, Sheffield, United Kingdom, June 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Global Drug Survey 2017: Pills, powders, pleasures, problems ((Plenary)
Winstock, Adam R., Barratt, Monica J., Ferris, Jason A. and Maier, Larisssa J. (2017). Global Drug Survey 2017: Pills, powders, pleasures, problems ((Plenary). The 10th International Conference on Nightlife, Substance Use and Related Health Issues, Dublin, Ireland, 24-26 May 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Symptoms and correlates of emergency medical treatment following the use of MDMA (2014-2016)
Maier, Larissa J., Palamar, Joseph J., Barratt, Monica J., Ferris, Jason A. and Winstock, Adam R. (2017). Symptoms and correlates of emergency medical treatment following the use of MDMA (2014-2016). Lisbon Addictions: 2nd European Conference on Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies, Lisbon, Portugal, 24-26 October 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Queensland Evaluation: What we know (Keynote)
Ferris, Jason A., Zahnow, Renee, Miller, Peter and Coomber, Kerri (2017). Queensland Evaluation: What we know (Keynote). Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation: Attorney Generals Assembly, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 8 June 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Queensland Government's tackling alcohol-fuelled violence policy: A graphical display of administrative data
Ferris, Jason, Zahnow, Renee, Miller, Peter G., Coomber, Kerri, Carah, Nicholas, Goold, Lachlan and Regan, Scotty (2017). Queensland Government's tackling alcohol-fuelled violence policy: A graphical display of administrative data. APSAD 2017 Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 12–15 November 2017. Hoboken, NJ United States: Wiley.
2017
Conference Publication
What can 20,000 people tell us about their recent Nitrous Oxide (N2O) use? Understanding the Recreational Use of N2O and the Dose-Response Relationship with Myeloneuropathy
Ferris, Jason A., Zahnow, Renee, Maier, Larissa J., Barratt, Monica J. and Winstock, Adam R. (2017). What can 20,000 people tell us about their recent Nitrous Oxide (N2O) use? Understanding the Recreational Use of N2O and the Dose-Response Relationship with Myeloneuropathy. Lisbon Addictions: 2nd European Conference on Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies, Lisbon, Portugal, 24-26 October, 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Moving on from representativeness: testing the utility of the Global Drug Survey
Barratt, Monica J., Ferris, Jason A., Zahnow, Renee, Palamar, Joseph J., Maier, Larissa J. and Winstock, Adam (2017). Moving on from representativeness: testing the utility of the Global Drug Survey. Critical Approaches to Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (CAATOD): Rethinking Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco, Vienna, Austria, 23-24 February 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Queensland Government’s Tackling Alcohol-fuelled Violence (QUANTEM) Policy: A graphical display of administrative data
Ferris, Jason A., Miller, Peter, Zahnow, Renee, Coomber, Kerri, Cook, Stephanie and QUANTEM Team (2017). Queensland Government’s Tackling Alcohol-fuelled Violence (QUANTEM) Policy: A graphical display of administrative data. Australasian Professional Society of Alcohol and Drugs, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 12-15 November 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Moving on from representativeness: testing the utility of the Global Drug Survey
Maier, Larissa J., Ferris, Jason A. and Winstock, Adam R. (2017). Moving on from representativeness: testing the utility of the Global Drug Survey. Eighth EUSPR Conference and Members’ Meeting: Quality in Prevention, Vienna, Austria, 20-22 September 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Assessing NPS use trends and related harms using the Global Drug Survey
Maier, Larissa J., Barratt, Monica J., Ferris, Jason A. and Winstock, Adam R. (2017). Assessing NPS use trends and related harms using the Global Drug Survey. NPS conference, Vienna, Austria, 23-24 October 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Can wastewater analysis be used to inform on the clandestine production of methylamphetamine?
Kayalar, Hasan, O'Brien, Jake, Shimko, Katja, Tscharke, Ben, Choi, Phil, Ferris, Jason, Eaglesham, Geoff, Jiang, Hui, Barron, Leon, Mueller, Jochen and Thomas, Kevin (2017). Can wastewater analysis be used to inform on the clandestine production of methylamphetamine?. 2nd Queensland Mass Spectrometry Symposium, Brisbane, Australia, 2-3 November 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Last drinks loopholes: the use of extended trading permits in the NTE
Zahnow, R., Ferris, J., Miller, P. and Coomber, K. (2017). Last drinks loopholes: the use of extended trading permits in the NTE. Club Health conference, Dublin, Ireland, 24-26 May 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
The disruption of Australian domestic methamphetamine production: analysis of pseudoephedrine-based medication sales data
Ferris, Jason A. (2017). The disruption of Australian domestic methamphetamine production: analysis of pseudoephedrine-based medication sales data. The 11th International Society for the Study of Drug Policy, Aarhus, Denmark, 17-19 May 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
User characteristics and effect profiles of butane hash oil: An extremely high-potency cannabis concentrate
Chan, Gary, Hall, Wayne, Freeman, Tom, Ferris, Jason A., Kelly, Adrian, Winstock, Adam and Copeland, Jan (2017). User characteristics and effect profiles of butane hash oil: An extremely high-potency cannabis concentrate. College on Problems of Drug Dependence, Montreal, Canada, 17-22 June 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
The Global Drug Survey: how online methods and independence offer alternative perspectives on drug use
Winstock, Adam R., Maier, Larissa J., Ferris, Jason A. and Barratt, Monica J. (2017). The Global Drug Survey: how online methods and independence offer alternative perspectives on drug use. Lisbon Addictions: 2nd European Conference on Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies, Lisbon, Portugal, 24-26 October 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Last-drinks loopholes: the use of extended trading permits in the NTE
Zahnow, Renee, Ferris, Jason A, Miller, Peter and Coomber, Kerri (2017). Last-drinks loopholes: the use of extended trading permits in the NTE. Global Alcohol Policy Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 4-6 October 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Mapping methamphetamine demand and precursor procurement against wastewater monitoring indicators
Ferris, Jason A. (2017). Mapping methamphetamine demand and precursor procurement against wastewater monitoring indicators. Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Science (QAEHS) Symposium, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 17 November 2017.
2017
Conference Publication
Who initiates drug use through cryptomarkets?
Barratt, Monica J., Coney, Leigh, Aldridge, Judith, Maier, Larisssa J., Ferris, Jason A. and Winstock, Adam (2017). Who initiates drug use through cryptomarkets?. The 11th International Society for the Study of Drug Policy, Aarhus, Denmark, 17-19 May 2017.
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Jason Ferris is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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Alcohol-related violence and harms in Queensland
Strong evidence exists of an association between alcohol and drug consumption and violence. In 2014 the Queensland Government released the ‘Safe Night Out Strategy’ outlining its approach for dealing with alcohol and drug related violence, for example, the establishment of Safe Night Precincts, new laws for violent behaviour and police empowerment to respond quickly to alcohol and drug related violence. Our recent analysis of alcohol-related assaults in Queensland (January 1st 2004 to June 30th 2014) identified a stable and flat trend between January 2004 and December 2006. For the first nine months of 2007 there was a marked drop in the percentage of alcohol-related assaults and following the 3rd quarter of 2007 to June 30th 2014, the percentage of alcohol-related results continued to decline.
This project will provide an analysis of trends over time (10 years) and the variations by time of day, day of week and location of the assault for three alcohol-related assault series: all assaults, domestic violence related assaults and assaults on Queensland Police. Among other areas the research will focus on: time of day, day of week and geographic location. This research will provide QLD police and policy makers with current information about alcohol related assault trends in Queensland to assist them to more effectively target resources and responses to alcohol related violence.
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Global Drug Survey
The Global Drug Survey (GDS) is the largest annual survey of drug users around the world. The GDS commenced in 2012 with data from 15,000 people representing 8 countries. In 2020 almost 160,000 respondents from over 30 countries completed a survey of their drug use: ever, last 12 months and recent use. Currently in 19 languages, we have data on over 100 different types of drugs: on the less typical drugs for example GHB, ketamine, and many Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and the more common drugs for example cocaine, methamphetamines, cannabis and synthetic cannabis, and alcohol. We have a series of special section modules: law enforcement and policy change, health labels, cannabis, microdosing, vaping, and less common drugs (ayahausca, nitrous oxide or kava). If you are interested in change in patterns over time (repeated cross-sectional panels) or understanding emerging substances or the impact of polices contact me. The GDS team is international with chief and associated investigators from Australia, England, Switzerland, Denmark, Netherlands, United States and partners is many more countries.
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Evaluation of ProjectSTOP and Methamphetamine Clandestine Laboratories
ProjectSTOP is a real time recording (RTR) system designed to reduce the diversion of pseudoephedrine-based products used in the production of methamphetamine. We are the only researchers in Australia to be given access to the ProjectSTOP transaction data by GuildLink. Our study aims to assess whether the RTR system, ProjectSTOP, has reduced the diversion of pseudoephedrine-based products into illicit drug manufacture in Queensland. To quantify the impact of ProjectSTOP we will analyse pseudoephedrine sales data (ProjectSTOP) and data from Queensland Police (offences related to the possession, production, or supply of methamphetamine as well as clandestine laboratory detections).
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National Evaluation of Random Breath Testing: Looking at the impacts on Alcohol-Related Traffic Accidents
The Drug Alcohol and Crime Research Program currently has access to nationwide administrative data from 2000-2012 capturing random breath tests data, traffic crash data and licenced driver data. We are currently looking for RHD students interested in using these data sources to examine the links between RBTs and alcohol related traffic crashes.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Developing an information platform for aged care in Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Len Gray
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Doctor Philosophy
Developing an information platform for aged care in Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Len Gray
Completed supervision
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
School truancy and financial independence during emerging adulthood: A longitudinal analysis of receipt of and reliance on cash transfers
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Lorraine Mazerolle
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Jason Ferris directly for media enquiries about:
- Alcohol and related harms
- Amphetamine-type stimulants
- Biostatistician
- Biostatistics
- Clandestine drug laboratories
- Domestic Manufacture of illicit drugs
- Drug and alcohol epidemiology
- Epidemiology
- Global Drug Survey
- Ice
- Illicit drugs
- Methamphetamine
- psychoactive
- Random breath testing
- Recreational drugs
- Research and statistical support
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