South Australian Branch February meeting: Analysing adverse health outcomes attributable to high temperatures

The South Australian Branch of the Statistical Society invites you to an in-person and online presentation by Dr Matthew Borg, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, College of Health, Adelaide University; Senior Biostatistician, Avance.

Date: Tuesday 17th February 2026

Time: 5:30 – 7:00 pm

Venue: In-person and online

• In-person: SAHMRI North Terrace, Level 8 08.209.  Please arrive before 6pm as a staff member is required to provide SAHMRI access.
• Online by Zoom: https://adelaide.zoom.us/j/86073696403?pwd=872HYXxOPb0ba23Cx5GsY9NfaxTbpi.1. Password: 806532

Dinner: For those interested there will be a dinner after the presentation at West Oak Hotel, 208 Hindley St, Adelaide.  Please RSVP for dinner (andrew.vincent@adelaide.edu.au) by Monday 16th February (we are usually unable to change the booking numbers at the last minute).

Timetable

5:30 pm Refreshments and networking

6:00 pm Presentation

7:30 pm Dinner 

Presentation Title: Analysing adverse health outcomes attributable to high temperatures and heatwaves

Abstract

Global warming has been associated with increasing frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves worldwide. There is growing evidence of the adverse impacts of extreme temperatures on human mortality and morbidity. Large routinely collected health datasets provide an opportunity to quantify the acute effects of high temperatures and heatwaves on population health outcomes. The statistical approaches to model the relationship between heat and adverse health outcomes whilst factoring in known and unknown confounders over time, however, are complex. This presentation provides an overview of contemporary epidemiological approaches used to model and estimate heat-related health risks using daily data.

Presenter Bio: Dr Matthew Borg

Dr Matthew Borg is a senior biostatistician, a research epidemiologist and a former clinical doctor. His journey began at the University of Adelaide, where he earned his medical degree and later transitioned to specialise in biostatistics and epidemiology. His research interests encompass clinical trials, environmental epidemiology with a focus on the adverse health impacts of heat, public health, occupational health, climate change, nephrology and oncology. Matthew primarily works in early phase clinical trials, where he co-manages all statistical aspects of clinical trials, from reviewing protocols to conducting complex statistical analyses. With a strong analytical mindset and a collaborative spirit, he advances clinical trials and public health, leverages his biostatistical expertise to address pressing health challenges and improve medical outcomes.