CPC Nepean

Life-changing outcomes for the residents of greater western Sydney

Our aim is to be the catalyst for life-changing health improvements for the people of greater western Sydney and beyond.

Our mission

As part of the Charles Perkins Centre Network, CPC Nepean shares the same mission: to ease the burden of diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and related conditions by enabling collaborative interdisciplinary research and education that translates into real-world solutions. Situated at the coalface of this 21st century epidemic, CPC Nepean is uniquely positioned to carry out world-class research and implement solutions right where it is needed the most.

Our vision

  • Linking researchers to resources through the clinical network, infrastructure and patient cohorts available at Nepean.
  • Fostering partnerships with local primary health care providers, Local Health Districts, councils, communities and businesses to facilitate the translation of research to 'real life’.
  • Connecting researchers with policy-makers at the local and state levels to facilitate the translation of research findings into practical solutions.
  • Bridging the communication gap between researchers and the community, providing education, and giving people a voice in the future of their own health.

What impact will this research have?

Our research indicates there is a possibility that dietary modifications in pregnancy can prevent conditions such as allergies or other immune diseases later in life. If proven right, this will have a huge socio-economic impact, especially on the wellbeing of our future generations.

Featured research projects

Research at Charles Perkins Centre Nepean contributes to an evidence base  and leverages clinical pathways, transforming the prevention and management of chronic cardiometabolic disease. 

1. Family-focused obesity clinic

The Nepean Blue Mountains Family Metabolic Health Service, led by Dr Kathryn Williams, treats families affected by obesity and its related conditions. Our whole-of-family approach addresses behaviours learned in the home, encouraging families to learn, change and support each other as a family unit in pursuit of better health. This service is at the heart of clinic-research interface. With funding from the Charles Perkins Centre's Jennie Mackenzie Research Fund, the service is collecting data from the clinic to inform research in complex obesity management.

2. Developmental origins of health and disease

Led by Professor Ralph Nanan, this program of work focuseson unravelling the biology of fetal immune programming, finding epidemiological evidence on a local and global scale, immunology and metabolism including nutritional immunology and the gut microbiome. 

3. Cardiometabolic health 

CPC Nepean has established programs of work in cardiometabolic health and imaging led by Dr Faraz Pathan. 

4. Gestational diabetes

Professional Emily Hibbert leads a program of educational interventions for managing gestational diabetes.


Contact us

CPC Nepean

Professor Ralph Nanan

Professor Ralph Nanan
Research group leader
"I am a Paediatrician and Immunologist interested in basic science and its translation into clinical practice. The vibrant ecosystem the Centre provides for generating novel ideas and concepts is a great attraction to me."
Visit Ralph Nanan's profile