Timothy Piatkowski

I am a globally recognised leader in lived-living experience led research on substance use, particularly image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs). Presently, I am a senior research fellow at The University of Queensland, Centre for Health Services Research, funded through an NHMRC Investigator Grant to examine how both individual behaviours and systemic factors, such as stigma and healthcare barriers, shape the risk profiles of people who use IPEDs. My research program has received >$7.5 million in funding and I have authored >170 outputs.

I have strong national and international partnerships. I am the Peer Research Lead and Vice President of the Queensland Injectors Voice for Advocacy and Action (QuIVAA), Research Lead (QLD) for The Loop Australia, QLD Representative for Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug User League (AIVL), and a technical advisory and athlete safety commission member for The Enhanced Games.

My award-winning research program triangulates insights from IPED consumers and health professionals to address critical policy and service gaps. This has led to pioneering initiatives such as the world’s first steroid checking trial and full program, which was awarded Harm Reduction Program of the Year (AIVL, 2024). I also founded Steroid QNECT, Australia’s only peer-led steroid education program, now informing national and international health enhancement strategies related to IPEDs. I have received the AIVL Peer Researcher Recognition Award (2024) and the APSAD Kyp Kypri Early Career Researcher Award 2024 for exceptional performance relative to opportunity.

I am the Section Editor for Human Enhancement Drugs at the Harm Reduction Journal, and sit the Editorial Boards of Performance Enhancement & Health, Drugs: Education, Prevention, and Policy, and Addiction Research & Theory.