John Fitzgerald

Associate Professor John Fitzgerald serves as Associate Professor in Criminology within the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Melbourne's Faculty of Arts. He possesses dual PhDs: one in pharmacology examining the effects of MDMA (ecstasy), and another in cultural studies focused on the language and discourse surrounding experiences with psychoactive drugs. His expertise spans drug and alcohol policy, where he investigates the cultural significance and lived experiences of substance use. Fitzgerald emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, bridging humanities and scientific perspectives on drug-related phenomena. His research highlights the absence of simple solutions in drug policy, evolving from historical 'just say no' campaigns to contemporary recognition that comprehensive strategies are essential.

Fitzgerald's career includes significant practical contributions to public health and policy. He spent three years at VicHealth, initially on the executive team and later as acting CEO, fostering collaborations between researchers and practitioners. In 2017, he provided academic oversight to Victoria Police, contributing to the development of their Illicit Drug Strategy 2020-2025, which prioritizes targeted harm reduction measures. He co-leads the RAPID early warning system, monitoring illicit drug use through overdose data, syringe residues, and wastewater analysis at public events and during the COVID-19 pandemic, partnering with public health services, event organizers, and the Victorian Poisons Information Centre. Key publications include the book Framing Drug Use: Bodies, Space, Economy and Crime (2009), Life in Pain: Affective Economy and the Demand for Pain Relief (2019), and articles such as 'Supervised injecting facilities: A case study of contrasting narratives in a contested health policy arena' (2013), 'Early Warning System for Illicit Drug Use at Large Public Events' (2021), and numerous others on topics like public injecting, drug markets, and policy governance. His work has influenced strategies for governments, police, industry, and sporting bodies, enhancing proactive responses to drug-related harms.

Professional Email: jlfitz@unimelb.edu.au