Dr David Smith

I am an applied statistician with extensive experience in health and social research, with a particular focus on mental and behavioural health. I hold a Master of Applied Statistics and a PhD, and work as a Senior Research Fellow in the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders University, within the Discipline of Psychiatry.

My research sits at the intersection of applied statistics and clinical and population mental health. I have broad methodological expertise spanning observational studies, randomised controlled trials—particularly behavioural and self-management interventions—and psychometrics. Across these areas, my work is centred on understanding the measurement, determinants, and trajectories of mental health and wellbeing, including the evaluation of interventions in real-world health service settings.

Much of my work at Flinders University is highly collaborative, involving multidisciplinary teams of clinicians and researchers affiliated with both Flinders University and Southern Adelaide Mental Health Services within the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network. I also supervise PhD students on projects that reflect the close integration between the health system and the University. I have a strong track record in designing and analysing complex datasets to generate robust, policy-relevant insights.

In addition to my academic role, I am a Principal Research Statistician at the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA), where I apply advanced time series methods, including univariate and multivariate modelling, forecasting, and the development of financial condition indices. This work focuses on identifying emerging patterns of financial stress and risk in the community, in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams including economists, legal scholars, and academic partners.

Across both roles, my work is characterised by a strong emphasis on rigorous applied statistical methods, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the translation of complex data into meaningful evidence to inform policy and practice—particularly in areas relating to mental health, behavioural outcomes, and broader dimensions of community wellbeing.