Skip to menu Skip to content Skip to footer
Honorary Professor

Sarah Medland

Email: 

Overview

Background

Professor Sarah Medland (OAM, FASSA, FAHMS, PhD) is a Psychiatric and Statistical Geneticist working in Neuroimaging and Mental health genetics. Her work bridges Genetics, Psychology, Neuro-Imaging, Health Economics and applied Statistics with a focus on understanding the genetic and environmental contributions to human behaviour and disease. She chairs the genetics working group of the ENIGMA neuroimaging consortium and is an active member of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium.

Primary Appointment: Coordinator of the Mental Health Research Program and Group Leader (Psychiatric Genetics) QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.

ORCID: 0000-0003-1382-380X

ResearcherID: C-7630-2013

Scopus Author ID: 34571085600

Email: sarah.medland@qimrberghofer.edu.au

Qualifications

2006 PhD (Psychology), University of Queensland

Dean's Award for Outstanding Research Higher Degree Thesis

2000 BA Hons (Psychology), University of Queensland, 2000 (Psychology Double Major, English Minor)

Availability

Honorary Professor Sarah Medland is:
Available for supervision

Fields of research

Works

Search Professor Sarah Medland’s works on UQ eSpace

436 works between 2001 and 2025

1 - 20 of 436 works

2025

Journal Article

Polygenic risk scores and help-seeking behaviour in young people with recent onset of mood and psychotic disorders

Scott, Jan, Crouse, Jacob J., Medland, Sarah E., Mitchell, Brittany L., Gillespie, Nathan A., Martin, Nicholas G. and Hickie, Ian B. (2025). Polygenic risk scores and help-seeking behaviour in young people with recent onset of mood and psychotic disorders. Journal of Affective Disorders, 372, 40-47. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.11.067

Polygenic risk scores and help-seeking behaviour in young people with recent onset of mood and psychotic disorders

2024

Journal Article

Accelerating Heritability, Genetic Correlation, and Genome‐Wide Association Imaging Genetic Analyses in Complex Pedigrees

Donohue, Brian, Gao, Si, Nichols, Thomas E., Adhikari, Bhim M., Ma, Yizhou, Jahanshad, Neda, Thompson, Paul M., McMahon, Francis J., Humphries, Elizabeth M., Burroughs, William, Ament, Seth A., Mitchell, Braxton D., Ma, Tianzhou, Chen, Shuo, Medland, Sarah E., Blangero, John, Hong, L. Elliot and Kochunov, Peter (2024). Accelerating Heritability, Genetic Correlation, and Genome‐Wide Association Imaging Genetic Analyses in Complex Pedigrees. Human Brain Mapping, 45 (17) e70044, e70044. doi: 10.1002/hbm.70044

Accelerating Heritability, Genetic Correlation, and Genome‐Wide Association Imaging Genetic Analyses in Complex Pedigrees

2024

Journal Article

The effect of polygenic liability to mental disorders on COVID-19 outcomes in people with depression: the mediating role of anxiety

Monistrol-Mula, Anna, Felez-Nobrega, Mireia, Byrne, Enda M., Lind, Penelope A., Hickie, Ian B., Martin, Nicholas G., Medland, Sarah E., Colodro-Conde, Lucía and Mitchell, Brittany L. (2024). The effect of polygenic liability to mental disorders on COVID-19 outcomes in people with depression: the mediating role of anxiety. Psychological Medicine, 54 (15), 4140-4149. doi: 10.1017/s0033291724001983

The effect of polygenic liability to mental disorders on COVID-19 outcomes in people with depression: the mediating role of anxiety

2024

Journal Article

Genomic structural equation modeling reveals latent phenotypes in the human cortex with distinct genetic architecture

Morey, Rajendra A., Zheng, Yuanchao, Bayly, Henry, Sun, Delin, Garrett, Melanie E., Gasperi, Marianna, Maihofer, Adam X., Baird, C. Lexi, Grasby, Katrina L., Huggins, Ashley A., Haswell, Courtney C., Thompson, Paul M., Medland, Sarah, Gustavson, Daniel E., Panizzon, Matthew S., Kremen, William S., Nievergelt, Caroline M., Ashley-Koch, Allison E. and Logue, Mark W. (2024). Genomic structural equation modeling reveals latent phenotypes in the human cortex with distinct genetic architecture. Translational Psychiatry, 14 (1) 451, 451. doi: 10.1038/s41398-024-03152-y

Genomic structural equation modeling reveals latent phenotypes in the human cortex with distinct genetic architecture

2024

Journal Article

Anorexia nervosa polygenic risk, beyond diagnoses: relationship with adolescent disordered eating and behaviors in an Australian female twin population

Curtis, Madeleine, Colodro-Conde, Lucia, Medland, Sarah E., Gordon, Scott, Martin, Nicholas G., Wade, Tracey D. and Cohen-Woods, Sarah (2024). Anorexia nervosa polygenic risk, beyond diagnoses: relationship with adolescent disordered eating and behaviors in an Australian female twin population. Psychological Medicine, 54 (13), 1-9. doi: 10.1017/s0033291724001727

Anorexia nervosa polygenic risk, beyond diagnoses: relationship with adolescent disordered eating and behaviors in an Australian female twin population

2024

Journal Article

Genomic analysis of intracranial and subcortical brain volumes yields polygenic scores accounting for variation across ancestries

García-Marín, Luis M., Campos, Adrian I., Diaz-Torres, Santiago, Rabinowitz, Jill A., Ceja, Zuriel, Mitchell, Brittany L., Grasby, Katrina L., Thorp, Jackson G., Agartz, Ingrid, Alhusaini, Saud, Ames, David, Amouyel, Philippe, Andreassen, Ole A., Arfanakis, Konstantinos, Arias-Vasquez, Alejandro, Armstrong, Nicola J., Athanasiu, Lavinia, Bastin, Mark E., Beiser, Alexa S., Bennett, David A., Bis, Joshua C., Boks, Marco P. M., Boomsma, Dorret I., Brodaty, Henry, Brouwer, Rachel M., Buitelaar, Jan K., Burkhardt, Ralph, Cahn, Wiepke, Calhoun, Vince D. ... Rentería, Miguel E. (2024). Genomic analysis of intracranial and subcortical brain volumes yields polygenic scores accounting for variation across ancestries. Nature Genetics, 56 (11), 1-12. doi: 10.1038/s41588-024-01951-z

Genomic analysis of intracranial and subcortical brain volumes yields polygenic scores accounting for variation across ancestries

2024

Journal Article

Genetic architecture reconciles linkage and association studies of complex traits

Sidorenko, Julia, Couvy-Duchesne, Baptiste, Kemper, Kathryn E., Moen, Gunn-Helen, Bhatta, Laxmi, Åsvold, Bjørn Olav, Mägi, Reedik, Estonian Biobank Research Team, Ani, Alireza, Wang, Rujia, Nolte, Ilja M., Lifelines Cohort Study, Nolte, Ilja M., Gordon, Scott, Hayward, Caroline, Campbell, Archie, Benjamin, Daniel J., Cesarini, David, Evans, David M., Goddard, Michael E., Haley, Chris S., Porteous, David, Medland, Sarah E., Martin, Nicholas G., Snieder, Harold, Metspalu, Andres, Hveem, Kristian, Brumpton, Ben, Visscher, Peter M. and Yengo, Loic (2024). Genetic architecture reconciles linkage and association studies of complex traits. Nature Genetics, 56 (11), 2352-2360. doi: 10.1038/s41588-024-01940-2

Genetic architecture reconciles linkage and association studies of complex traits

2024

Conference Publication

Genetic And Psychological Predictors Of Suicidal Behavior: Insights From Polygenic Risk Scores And Mental Health Diagnoses

Ceja, Zuriel, Edwards, Alexis, Martin, Nick, Hickie, Ian, Medland, Sarah E. and Rentería, Miguel E. (2024). Genetic And Psychological Predictors Of Suicidal Behavior: Insights From Polygenic Risk Scores And Mental Health Diagnoses. World Congress of Psychiatric Genetics WCPG 2024, Singapore, 15-19 October 2024. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2024.08.324

Genetic And Psychological Predictors Of Suicidal Behavior: Insights From Polygenic Risk Scores And Mental Health Diagnoses

2024

Conference Publication

When You Assume: Results And Reflections From Studies On Public Understanding Of Genetics

Morosoli, José J., Colodro-Conde, Lucia, Barlow, Fiona K. and Medland, Sarah E. (2024). When You Assume: Results And Reflections From Studies On Public Understanding Of Genetics. World Congress of Psychiatric Genetics WCPG 2024, Singapore, 15-19 October 2024. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2024.08.102

When You Assume: Results And Reflections From Studies On Public Understanding Of Genetics

2024

Conference Publication

A Genome-wide Association Meta-analysis Of Lithium Response Including The Recently Recruited Australian Genetics Of Bipolar Disorder Study

Lind, Penelope A., Martin, Nicholas G. and Medland, Sarah E. (2024). A Genome-wide Association Meta-analysis Of Lithium Response Including The Recently Recruited Australian Genetics Of Bipolar Disorder Study. World Congress of Psychiatric Genetics WCPG 2024, Singapore, 15-19 October 2024. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2024.08.458

A Genome-wide Association Meta-analysis Of Lithium Response Including The Recently Recruited Australian Genetics Of Bipolar Disorder Study

2024

Conference Publication

Trans-ancestry GWAS Of Hot Flushes Reveals Potent Treatment Target, Overlap With Psychiatric Disorders, And Cell Types Matching Known Hot Flash Neurons

Werwath, Kathryn, Lawn, Rebecca, Salem, Madeleine, Li, Tayden, Gordon, Scott, Shen, Hanyang, Mitchell, Brittany, Kung, Benson, Stafford, Ciera, Vemuri, Mytilee, Ratanatharathorn, Andrew, Meijsen, Joeri, Medland, Sarah E., Martin, Nicholas G. and Duncan, Laramie (2024). Trans-ancestry GWAS Of Hot Flushes Reveals Potent Treatment Target, Overlap With Psychiatric Disorders, And Cell Types Matching Known Hot Flash Neurons. World Congress of Psychiatric Genetics WCPG 2024, Singapore, 15-19 October 2024. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2024.08.207

Trans-ancestry GWAS Of Hot Flushes Reveals Potent Treatment Target, Overlap With Psychiatric Disorders, And Cell Types Matching Known Hot Flash Neurons

2024

Conference Publication

Examining Polygenic Influences On Brain Function And Anxiety/depression Symptoms During Adolescence

Strike, Lachlan, Mitchell, Brittany, McMahon, Katie, de Zubicaray, Greig and Medland, Sarah E. (2024). Examining Polygenic Influences On Brain Function And Anxiety/depression Symptoms During Adolescence. World Congress of Psychiatric Genetics WCPG 2024, Singapore, 15-19 October 2024. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2024.08.415

Examining Polygenic Influences On Brain Function And Anxiety/depression Symptoms During Adolescence

2024

Conference Publication

Exploring Mental Health Stigma In The Context Of Psychiatric Genetics: Insights From The ISPG Stigma Reduction SIG Survey

Tissink, Elleke, Thijssen, Anaïs, Zinkstok, Janneke, Johnstone, Mandy, Sud, Reeteka, Austin, Jehannine, Sealock, Julia, Medland, Sarah E., Docherty, Anna and Veeneman, Rada (2024). Exploring Mental Health Stigma In The Context Of Psychiatric Genetics: Insights From The ISPG Stigma Reduction SIG Survey. World Congress of Psychiatric Genetics WCPG 2024, Singapore, 15-19 October 2024. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2024.08.061

Exploring Mental Health Stigma In The Context Of Psychiatric Genetics: Insights From The ISPG Stigma Reduction SIG Survey

2024

Conference Publication

Genotyping CYP2D6 Using Whole Genome Genotyping Array Data

Painter, Jodie, Grasby, Katrina, Lind, Penelope A. and Medland, Sarah E. (2024). Genotyping CYP2D6 Using Whole Genome Genotyping Array Data. World Congress of Psychiatric Genetics WCPG 2024, Singapore, 15-19 October 2024. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2024.08.235

Genotyping CYP2D6 Using Whole Genome Genotyping Array Data

2024

Conference Publication

Genetic and environmental predictors of treatment resistant depression

Mitchell, Brittany, Martin, Nick and Medland, Sarah E. (2024). Genetic and environmental predictors of treatment resistant depression. World Congress of Psychiatric Genetics WCPG 2024, Singapore, 15-19 October 2024. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2024.08.067

Genetic and environmental predictors of treatment resistant depression

2024

Journal Article

Genome-wide meta-analysis of ascertainment and symptom structures of major depression in case-enriched and community cohorts

Adams, Mark J., Thorp, Jackson G., Jermy, Bradley S., Kwong, Alex S. F., Kõiv, Kadri, Grotzinger, Andrew D., Nivard, Michel G., Marshall, Sally, Milaneschi, Yuri, Baune, Bernhard T., Müller-Myhsok, Bertram, Penninx, Brenda W. J. H., Boomsma, Dorret I., Levinson, Douglas F., Breen, Gerome, Pistis, Giorgio, Grabe, Hans J., Tiemeier, Henning, Berger, Klaus, Rietschel, Marcella, Magnusson, Patrik K., Uher, Rudolf, Hamilton, Steven P., Lucae, Susanne, Lehto, Kelli, Li, Qingqin S., Byrne, Enda M., Hickie, Ian B., Martin, Nicholas G. ... Derks, Eske M. (2024). Genome-wide meta-analysis of ascertainment and symptom structures of major depression in case-enriched and community cohorts. Psychological Medicine, 54 (12), 3459-3468. doi: 10.1017/s0033291724001880

Genome-wide meta-analysis of ascertainment and symptom structures of major depression in case-enriched and community cohorts

2024

Journal Article

Recent breakthroughs in genetic and brain structural correlates of suicidal behaviours: A short review

Ceja, Zuriel, Van Velzen, Laura S., Campos, Adrian I., Jahanshad, Neda, Medland, Sarah E., Edwards, Alexis C., Schmaal, Lianne and Rentería, Miguel E. (2024). Recent breakthroughs in genetic and brain structural correlates of suicidal behaviours: A short review. Biological Psychiatry. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.09.010

Recent breakthroughs in genetic and brain structural correlates of suicidal behaviours: A short review

2024

Journal Article

Patterns of stressful life events and polygenic scores for five mental disorders and neuroticism among adults with depression

Crouse, Jacob J., Park, Shin Ho, Byrne, Enda M., Mitchell, Brittany L., Scott, Jan, Medland, Sarah E., Lin, Tian, Wray, Naomi R., Martin, Nicholas G. and Hickie, Ian B. (2024). Patterns of stressful life events and polygenic scores for five mental disorders and neuroticism among adults with depression. Molecular Psychiatry, 29 (9), 2765-2773. doi: 10.1038/s41380-024-02492-x

Patterns of stressful life events and polygenic scores for five mental disorders and neuroticism among adults with depression

2024

Journal Article

Markers of positive affect and brain state synchrony discriminate melancholic from non-melancholic depression using naturalistic stimuli

Mosley, Philip E., van der Meer, Johan N., Hamilton, Lachlan H. W., Fripp, Jurgen, Parker, Stephen, Jeganathan, Jayson, Breakspear, Michael, Parker, Richard, Holland, Rebecca, Mitchell, Brittany L., Byrne, Enda, Hickie, Ian B., Medland, Sarah E., Martin, Nicholas G. and Cocchi, Luca (2024). Markers of positive affect and brain state synchrony discriminate melancholic from non-melancholic depression using naturalistic stimuli. Molecular Psychiatry. doi: 10.1038/s41380-024-02699-y

Markers of positive affect and brain state synchrony discriminate melancholic from non-melancholic depression using naturalistic stimuli

2024

Journal Article

Large‐scale analysis of structural brain asymmetries during neurodevelopment: Associations with age and sex in 4265 children and adolescents

Kurth, F., Schijven, D., van den Heuvel, O. A., Hoogman, M., van Rooij, D., Stein, D. J., Buitelaar, J. K., Bölte, S., Auzias, G., Kushki, A., Venkatasubramanian, G., Rubia, K., Bollmann, S., Isaksson, J., Jaspers‐Fayer, F., Marsh, R., Batistuzzo, M. C., Arnold, P. D., Bressan, R. A., Stewart, S. E., Gruner, P., Sorensen, L., Pan, P. M., Silk, T. J., Gur, R. C., Cubillo, A. I., Haavik, J., O'Gorman Tuura, R. L., Hartman, C. A. ... Luders, E. (2024). Large‐scale analysis of structural brain asymmetries during neurodevelopment: Associations with age and sex in 4265 children and adolescents. Human Brain Mapping, 45 (11) e26754, e26754. doi: 10.1002/hbm.26754

Large‐scale analysis of structural brain asymmetries during neurodevelopment: Associations with age and sex in 4265 children and adolescents

Supervision

Availability

Honorary Professor Sarah Medland is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Unveiling the Complexities of Psychotic Disorders: Enhancing Treatment Safety and Understanding Heterogeneity Through Biomarkers, Genetic Analysis, and Multimodal Data Integration

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Dan Siskind

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Genetic architecture of differences in symptomatology and treatment response in major depressive disorder

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Nick Martin, Associate Professor Miguel Rentería

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Genetic and environmental risk factors influencing mood disorders

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Genetic and environmental risk factors influencing mood disorders

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Statistical Genetic Analyses of Major Depressive Disorder

    Associate Advisor

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

For media enquiries about Honorary Professor Sarah Medland's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au