Matt Cooper
Manager, Biostatistics
BCA Marketing, BSc Statistics and Applied Statistics, PhD
matt.cooper@thekids.org.au
+61 8 6319 1723
Dr Cooper has been active as a biostatistician in health research for 10 years. He is Manager of Biostatistics at The Kids Research Institute Australia in Western Australia, an independent Medical Research Institute.
Dr Cooper oversees the institutes biostatistics and data services functions that provide support to over 400 researchers across a child health research campus.
Having published over 50 peer-reviewed research articles, predominantly in the area of clinical epidemiology, Dr Cooper’s own research has focused on complications arising from Type 1 Diabetes. He recently (2017) completed his PhD at the University of Western Australia, titled “A contemporary assessment of risk factors for the complications of childhood-onset Type 1 diabetes”.
Dr Cooper is actively involved in numerous Scientific Review Committees and is engaged in Western Australia’s extensive Data Linkage system. A key area of research focus for Dr Cooper is utilising longitudinal data to provide individualised risk predictions for complication development.
These models are built by combining different data sources, including population-based clinical registries with routinely collected administrative health records (utilising the International Classification of Diseases coding system).
Projects
WA Food Atlas
The WA Food Atlas is an interactive tool to assess the food environment across local government areas and how it changes over time.
September 2024
WA Aboriginal Child Health Survey (WAACHS) Data Linkage Study
This study is a partnership between researchers, the Aboriginal community and government to provide evidence for policy and practice addressing high priority health and wellbeing issues for Aboriginal children and families.
Amped Out: An Energy Drink Study
The Kids Research Institute Australia is conducting a research study to evaluate a 4-month trial ban on the sale of energy drinks to children in all retail stores in Bridgetown.
February 2023
Developing a ‘Food Atlas’ for Western Australia to map, measure and monitor food access
This unique interdisciplinary project, funded by Healthway, aims to develop a Food Atlas tool for mapping, measuring, and monitoring food access across Western Australia.
DETECT Schools
The DETECT-Schools Study was launched in May 2020 as a partnership between the WA Government Departments of Education and Health with The Kids Research Institute Australia.
July 2021
Improving lung health of Aboriginal children hospitalised with chest infections – Aboriginal Children’s Excellent (ACE) Lung Health Study
The ACE project is led by A/Prof André Schultz and aims to improve post-hospitalisation follow-up of Indigenous children hospitalised with acute lower respiratory tract infections.
A randomised-controlled trial of a behavioural intervention for optimising social and communication development in newborns at increased likelihood of autism spectrum disorders
How healthy (or unhealthy) is the food environment around Perth schools?
This unique and innovative project will be the first to quantify the local food environment around all government and non-government Perth metropolitan primary and secondary schools.
UVB phototherapy for participants with an early form of multiple sclerosis
Water Quality and the Microbiome Study (TUMS): The effects of chlorinated drinking water on the assembly of the infant gut microbiome
Impact for DCD
July 2020
Published research
Psychomotor Vigilance Testing on Neonatal Transport: A Western Australian Experience
This study aimed to assess whether undertaking retrieval was associated with fatigue independent of sleep and circadian disruption. It also aimed to assess the feasibility of routinely measuring the psychomotor vigilance test on neonatal transport. Fatigue is associated with impaired clinician performance and safety.
Widespread haemorrhages in infants post-shunting (WHIPS): clinical features, risk factors and neuroimaging characteristics of a rare and under-recognised phenomenon
Infants undergoing CSF shunting procedures face a rare complication which we propose to rename "Widespread Haemorrhages in Infants Post-Shunting" (WHIPS) to better capture this unique phenomenon specific to infants undergoing CSF diversion. Our objective is to analyse the risk factors for WHIPS development and provide a detailed neuroradiological description of these haemorrhages.
Tonsils at Telethon: developing a standardised collection of tonsil photographs for group A streptococcal (GAS) research
Group A streptococcus (GAS) infections, such as pharyngitis and impetigo, can lead to rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations experience high rates of RHD and GAS skin infection, yet rates of GAS pharyngitis are unclear.
Metagenomic Characterisation of the Gut Microbiome and Effect of Complementary Feeding on Bifidobacterium spp. in Australian Infants
Complementary feeding induces dramatic ecological shifts in the infant gut microbiota toward more diverse compositions and functional metabolic capacities, with potential implications for immune and metabolic health. The aim of this study was to examine whether the age at which solid foods are introduced differentially affects the microbiota in predominantly breastfed infants compared with predominantly formula-fed infants.
Study Protocol for a Stepped-Wedge Cluster (Nested) Randomized Controlled Trial of Antenatal Colostrum Expression (ACE) Instruction in First-Time Mothers: The ACE Study
Although many mothers initiate breastfeeding, supplementation with human-milk substitutes (formula) during the birth hospitalization is common and has been associated with early breastfeeding cessation. Colostrum hand expressed in the last few weeks before birth, known as antenatal colostrum expression (ACE), can be used instead of human-milk substitutes. However, evidence is lacking on the efficacy of ACE on breastfeeding outcomes and in non-diabetic mothers.
Health service utilisation for acute respiratory infections in infants graduating from the neonatal intensive care unit: a population-based cohort study
Despite advances in neonatal intensive care, babies admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) suffer from adverse outcomes. We aim to describe the longer-term respiratory infectious morbidity of infants discharged from NICU using state-wide population-based linked data in Western Australia.
Evaluation of the implementation and clinical effects of an intervention to improve medical follow-up and health outcomes for Aboriginal children hospitalised with chest infections
Aboriginal children hospitalised with acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) are at-risk of developing bronchiectasis, which can progress from untreated protracted bacterial bronchitis, often evidenced by a chronic (>4 weeks) wet cough following discharge. We aimed to facilitate follow-up for Aboriginal children hospitalised with ALRIs to provide optimal management and improve their respiratory health outcomes.
The effect of CFTR modulators on structural lung disease in cystic fibrosis
Newly developed quantitative chest computed tomography (CT) outcomes designed specifically to assess structural abnormalities related to cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease are now available. CFTR modulators potentially can reduce some structural lung abnormalities. We aimed to investigate the effect of CFTR modulators on structural lung disease progression using different quantitative CT analysis methods specific for people with CF (PwCF).
Estimated Therapy Costs and Downstream Cost Consequences of iBASIS-Video Interaction to Promote Positive Parenting Intervention vs Usual Care Among Children Displaying Early Behavioral Signs of Autism in Australia
The growing global prevalence of autism spectrum disorder is associated with increasing costs for support services. Ascertaining the effects of a successful preemptive intervention for infants showing early behavioral signs of autism on human services budgets is highly policy relevant.
Individual-Level Risk and Resilience Factors Associated with Mental Health in Siblings of Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Conditions: A Network Analysis
Siblings of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) are exposed to unique family environments and experience a range of psychosocial risk and resilience factors.
Retinopathy of prematurity and placental histopathology findings: A retrospective cohort study
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a biphasic vaso-proliferative disease that has the potential to cause blindness. In addition to prematurity and hyperoxia, perinatal infection and inflammation have been reported to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of ROP. The aim of this study was to assess the association between placental inflammation and the severity of ROP.
Monogenic early-onset lymphoproliferation and autoimmunity: Natural history of STAT3 gain-of-function syndrome
In 2014, germline signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 gain-of-function (GOF) mutations were first described to cause a novel multisystem disease of early-onset lymphoproliferation and autoimmunity.
Change in health outcomes for First Nations children with chronic wet cough: rationale and study protocol for a multi-centre implementation science study
In children, chronic wet cough may be a sign of underlying lung disease, including protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) and bronchiectasis. Chronic (> 4 weeks in duration) wet cough (without indicators pointing to alternative causes) that responds to antibiotic treatment is diagnostic of PBB. Timely recognition and management of PBB can prevent disease progression to irreversible bronchiectasis with lifelong consequences. However, detection and management require timely health-seeking by carers and effective management by clinicians.
A comparison of parent-reported and self-reported psychosocial function scores of the PedsQL for children with non-severe burn
Quality of life of paediatric patients after burn injury is often assessed through parents who may score differently to their child. Non-severe burns are the most common type of burn injury in Western Australia, however, despite low severity and high survival rates, they can cause long term physical and psychosocial problems which need to be detected early in order to provide patients with optimal holistic care.
Prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases in Aboriginal children: A whole population study
The burden of bronchiectasis is disproportionately high in Aboriginal adults, with early mortality. Bronchiectasis precursors, that is, protracted bacterial bronchitis and chronic suppurative lung disease, often commence in early childhood.
A pilot study of disease related education and psychotherapeutic support for unresolved grief in parents of children with CF
Diagnosis of chronic disease in a child can result in unresolved grief (UG) in parents. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of psychological insight-oriented therapy (IOT) as a treatment for UG compared to disease related education in parents of children with cystic fibrosis. Sequence of delivery, first IOT then disease related education (or vice versa) was also examined, to let all participants experience both interventions.
Quality of life in paediatric burn patients with non-severe burns
Burns are common worldwide, and the vast majority are non-severe burns of less than 20% of the total body surface area (TBSA). In Australia, paediatric burns account for a third of all burn admissions, thus understanding the quality-of-life outcomes after a non-severe burn in children is important.
Implementation of a strategy to facilitate effective medical follow-up for Australian First Nations children hospitalised with lower respiratory tract infections: study protocol
First Nations children hospitalised with acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) are at increased risk of future bronchiectasis (up to 15-19%) within 24-months post-hospitalisation. An identified predictive factor is persistent wet cough a month after hospitalisation and this is likely related to protracted bacterial bronchitis which can progress to bronchiectasis, if untreated.
Maternal immune-related conditions during pregnancy may be a risk factor for neuropsychiatric problems in offspring throughout childhood and adolescence
Emerging research suggests that maternal immune activation (MIA) may be associated with an increased risk of adverse neurodevelopmental and mental health outcomes in offspring. Using data from the Raine Study, we investigated whether MIA during pregnancy was associated with increased behavioral and emotional problems in offspring longitudinally across development.
Investigating associations between birth order and autism diagnostic phenotypes
Birth order effects have been linked to variability in intelligence, educational attainment and sexual orientation. First- and later-born children have been linked to an increased likelihood of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis, with a smaller body of evidence implicating decreases in cognitive functioning with increased birth order.
Examining Effectiveness and Predictors of Treatment Response of Pivotal Response Treatment in Autism: An Umbrella Review and a Meta-Analysis
The current study aimed to provide a comprehensive appraisal of the current evidence on the effectiveness of Pivotal Response Training (PRT) for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to explore predictors of treatment response.
Acceptability of OP/Na swabbing for SARS-CoV-2: a prospective observational cohort surveillance study in Western Australian schools
When the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, Governments responded with lockdown and isolation measures to combat viral spread, including the closure of many schools. More than a year later, widespread screening for SARS-CoV-2 is critical to allow schools and other institutions to remain open.
Reporting Both Unadjusted and Adjusted Estimates Is Essential to the Interpretation of Randomized Clinical Trial Results - Reply
Risk Factors for Gut Dysbiosis in Early Life
Dysbiosis refers to a reduction in microbial diversity, combined with a loss of beneficial taxa, and an increase in pathogenic microorganisms. Dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota can have a substantial effect on the nervous and immune systems, contributing to the onset of several inflammatory diseases.
Effect of Preemptive Intervention on Developmental Outcomes Among Infants Showing Early Signs of Autism: A Randomized Clinical Trial of Outcomes to Diagnosis
Intervention for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) typically commences after diagnosis. No trial of an intervention administered to infants before diagnosis has shown an effect on diagnostic outcomes to date.
Relationship Between Social Motivation in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Parents
Impairment in social motivation (SM) has been suggested as a key mechanism underlying social communication deficits observed in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the factors accounting for variability in SM remain poorly described and understood. The current study aimed to characterize the relationship between parental and proband SM. Data from 2,759 children with ASD and their parents from the Simons Simplex Collection (SSC) project was included in this study.
The course and prognostic capability of motor difficulties in infants showing early signs of autism
Delays within the motor domain are often overlooked as an early surveillance marker for autism. The present study evaluated motor difficulties and its potential as an early predictive marker for later autism likelihood in a cohort of infants showing early behavioral signs of autism aged 9-14 months. The motor domain was evaluated using the motor subscales of the Mullen Scales of Early Learning at baseline, and at a 6-month follow-up.
Retinal differential light sensitivity variation across the macula in healthy subjects: Importance of cone separation and loci eccentricity
Microperimetry measures differential light sensitivity (DLS) at specific retinal locations. The aim of this study is to examine the variation in DLS across the macula and the contribution to this variation of cone distribution metrics and retinal eccentricity.
DETECT Schools Study Protocol: A Prospective Observational Cohort Surveillance Study Investigating the Impact of COVID-19 in Western Australian Schools
Amidst the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the transmission dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is key to providing peace of mind for the community and informing policy-making decisions. While available data suggest that school-aged children are not significant spreaders of SARS-CoV-2, the possibility of transmission in schools remains an ongoing concern, especially among an aging teaching workforce. Even in low-prevalence settings, communities must balance the potential risk of transmission with the need for students' ongoing education.
Small-molecule screen reveals synergy of cell cycle checkpoint kinase inhibitors with DNA-damaging chemotherapies in medulloblastoma
Medulloblastoma (MB) consists of four core molecular subgroups with distinct clinical features and prognoses. Treatment consists of surgery, followed by radiotherapy and cytotoxic chemotherapy. Despite this intensive approach, outcome remains dismal for patients with certain subtypes of MB, namely, MYC-amplified Group 3 and TP53-mutated SHH. Using high-throughput assays, six human MB cell lines were screened against a library of 3208 unique compounds. We identified 45 effective compounds from the screen and found that cell cycle checkpoint kinase (CHK1/2) inhibition synergistically enhanced the cytotoxic activity of clinically used chemotherapeutics cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, and gemcitabine.
Electrostatic Filters to Reduce COVID-19 Spread in Bubble CPAP: An in vitro Study of Safety and Efficacy
Bubble CPAP may be used in infants with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Electrostatic filters may reduce cross infection. This study aims to determine if including a filter in the bubble CPAP circuit impacts stability of pressure delivery. A new electrostatic filter was placed before (pre) or after (post) the bubble CPAP generator, or with no filter (control) in an in vitro study. Pressure was recorded at the nasal interface for 18 h (6 L/min; 7 cm H2O) on 3 occasions for each configuration. Filter failure was defined as pressure >9 cm H2O for 60 continuous minutes. The filter was weighed before and after each experiment.
Investigating associations between birth order and autism diagnostic phenotypes
Birth order effects have been linked to variability in intelligence, educational attainment and sexual orientation. First- and later-born children have been linked to an increased likelihood of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis, with a smaller body of evidence implicating decreases in cognitive functioning with increased birth order. The present study investigated the potential association between birth order and ASD diagnostic phenotypes in a large and representative population sample.
Racial discrimination and allostatic load among First Nations Australians: a nationally representative cross-sectional study
Increased allostatic load is linked with racial discrimination exposure, providing a mechanism for the biological embedding of racism as a psychosocial stressor. We undertook an examination of how racial discrimination interacts with socioecological, environmental, and health conditions to affect multisystem dysregulation in a First Nations population.
Consumption of energy drinks is associated with depression, anxiety, and stress in young adult males: Evidence from a longitudinal cohort study
Energy drinks (EDs) claim to boost mental performance, however, few studies have examined the prospective effects of EDs on mental health. This study examined longitudinal associations between ED use and mental health symptoms in young adults aged 20 years over a 2-year period.
Narrowband UVB phototherapy reduces TNF production by B-cell subsets stimulated via TLR7 from individuals with early multiple sclerosis
At the end of a 60-day course of narrowband UVB phototherapy, administered to individuals with early multiple sclerosis, there were changes in the relative proportions of circulating B-cell subsets. This study investigated phototherapy-associated changes to cytokine responses of B cells when exposed to a TLR7 ligand.
Racial discrimination and child and adolescent health in longitudinal studies: A systematic review
This review emphasises the need to gain evidence for the mechanisms linking early racism exposure to adverse health outcomes in later life
Caregiver-perceived racial discrimination is associated with diverse mental health outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 7-12 years
Exposure to racial discrimination in Aboriginal children increased the risk for a spectrum of interrelated factors linked to negative mental health
Pre-emptive intervention versus treatment as usual for infants showing early behavioural risk signs of autism spectrum disorder
A pre-emptive intervention for the autism spectrum disorder prodrome had no immediate treatment effect on early autism spectrum disorder symptoms
Prednisolone Versus Dexamethasone for Croup: a Randomized Controlled Trial
The type of oral steroid seems to have no clinically significant impact on efficacy, both acutely and during the week after treatment
Real-world outcomes of insulin pump compared to injection therapy in a population-based sample of children with type 1 diabetes
Patients using insulin pump therapy had a better long-term glycemic control relative to the matched injection therapy cohort
Prevalence of Racial Discrimination in a Cohort of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children
This study looked at the frequency of racism experiences over time in a population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Oral prednisolone in preschool children with virus-associated wheeze: A prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Preschool children often have episodes of virus-associated wheeze and assessing efficacy of corticosteroids for paediatric wheeze exacerbations is inconcludsive
Psychiatric disorders during early adulthood in those with childhood onset type 1 diabetes: Rates and clinical risk factors from population-based follow-up
To determine the incidence of and risk factors for psychiatric disorders in early adulthood in patients with childhood onset type 1 diabetes (T1D)
A randomised controlled trial of an iPad-based application to complement early behavioural intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Technology-based interventions may provide a relatively low-cost addition to existing therapist-delivered interventions for children with ASD
The impact of racial discrimination on the health of Australian Indigenous children aged 5–10 years: analysis of national longitudinal data
Direct and persistent vicarious racial discrimination are detrimental to the physical and mental health of Indigenous children in Australia
Incidence of and risk factors for hospitalisations due to vascular complications: A population-based type 1 diabetes cohort (n=1316) followed into early adulthood
Determining the incidence of hospitalisations and risk factors for vascular complications experienced during early adulthood in patients with childhood T1D
Evidence of a reduction over time in the behavioral severity of autistic disorder diagnoses
We examined whether there were changes over time in the qualitative and quantitative phenotype of individuals who received the diagnosis of Autistic Disorder.
Education and Qualifications
Bachelor of Communications and Administration (in Marketing) 2002-2006
Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
Bachelor of Science (in Statistics and Applied Statistics) 2002-2006
Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
PhD Thesis titled “A contemporary assessment of risk factors for the complications of childhood-onset Type 1 diabetes” 2012-2017 University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.
Awards/Honours
Travel Bursary: Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Awarded to fund attendance at the International Diabetes Epidemiology Group Training Day 2017 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Travel Award: The Children’s Diabetes Centre Travel Award (2017). Awarded to fund attendance at the 2017 World Diabetes Congress in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Travel Bursary: Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Awarded to fund attendance at the International Diabetes Epidemiology Group Meeting 2015 in Vancouver, Canada.
Best Oral Presentation (with results): The Kids Research Institute Australia – Postgraduate Student Circle Symposium 2014. Cooper M., McNamara K. De Klerk N., Davis E., Jones T., Educational performance in a population-based contemporary cohort of children with type 1 diabetes. The Kids Research Institute Australia – Postgraduate Student Circle Symposium August 25, 2014
Excellence Award: The 2014 Stan and Jean Perron Award for Excellence through The Kids Research Institute Australia for outstanding research performance during 2013.
Travel Award: The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Travel Award (Round 1 – 2014). Awarded to fund the attendance of the 74th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association 2014 in San Francisco, United States
Travel Award: The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Travel Award (Round 3 – 2013). Awarded to fund the attendance of the 13th Symposium of the International Diabetes Epidemiology Group and the 2013 World Diabetes Congress in Melbourne, Australia
Best Oral Presentation: University of Western Australia School of Population Health Postgraduate Research Symposium on ‘Innovation in Health’ 2012. Cooper M., O’Connell S., Davis E., Jones T., Assessing risk factors for poor glycaemic control in children and adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes. University of Western Australia School of Population Health Postgraduate Research Symposium on ‘Innovation in Health’. November 7, 2012.
Best Oral Presentation: International Data Linkage Conference 2012. Cooper M., Jacoby P., Williams S., Leonard H., Blair E., Association of proportion of optimal birth weight with childhood onset epilepsy in a population based cohort. International Data Linkage Conference. May 2-4, 2012.
Active collaborations
- 2018 Australasian Epidemiology Association Meeting - Organising Committee (Sponsorship) [Perth]
- 2017 IDEG Training Day Sub Committee [Abu Dhabi]
- 2015 IDEG Training Day Sub Committee [Vancouver]
- 2015 International Diabetes Epidemiology Group (IDEG) Meeting - Organising Committee [Vancouver]
- Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation Grant Review: 2016 – 2017
- Diabetes Research Western Australia Grant Review: 2015 – 2016
- Review Committee (The Kids Research Institute Australia Animal Ethics Committee): 2011 – Current
- Child and Adolescent Health Service Scientific Advisory Sub-Committee (Human Research Ethics Committee): 2016 – Current
Publication Recognition
Paper entitled: A randomised controlled trial of an iPad-based application to complement early behavioural intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- A Randomised Controlled Trial paper published in a journal that ranks within the top 10% of journals in both the Psychology and Psychiatry categories
Paper entitled: A population-based study of risk factors for severe hypoglycaemia in a contemporary cohort of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes.
- Cited in the American Diabetes Association “Standards of Medical Care 2014”
- Cited in the Advanced Technologies and Therapeutics for Diabetes 2013 Yearbook
- Cited in the Pediatric Endocrinology 2014 Yearbook (European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology) Paper entitled: Long-term outcome of insulin pump therapy in children with type 1 diabetes assessed in a large population-based case-control study.
- Dedicated commentary of this paper published in Nature Reviews
- Manuscript selected to appear in Diabetologia’s ‘Up Front’ section