Matthew Stevens
Senior Research Fellow
College of Education, Psychology and Social Work
Dr Matthew Stevens is a Post-doctoral Research Fellow at Flinders University's College of Education, Psychology & Social Work, where he contributes to internationally recognized research on behavioral addictions, particularly gaming disorder. He concurrently holds a Grant-Funded Research Fellow position at The University of Adelaide's School of Biomedicine, focusing on public health approaches to substance use disorder prevention and treatment.
At Flinders University, Matthew collaborates closely with Professor Daniel King on cutting-edge gaming disorder research, including leading data analysis for innovative measurement approaches and contributing to World Health Organization technical reports on gaming disorder. He is currently leading the development of a Nature Reviews Disease Primers article on gaming disorder, helping to position Flinders University at the forefront of this emerging field. His work bridges behavioral and substance-based addictions, bringing unique cross-disciplinary expertise to both institutions.
Matthew completed his PhD in Medicine at The University of Adelaide in 2021 under Professor King's supervision, receiving the prestigious Doctoral Research Medal (awarded to the top 3% of doctoral theses across the university) and the Frank Dalziel Prize for best doctoral thesis in Psychology. His doctoral research on gaming disorder has generated over 1,300 citations and established him as an international expert in behavioral addictions, with systematic reviews that have become foundational references in the field.
Since 2021, Matthew has expanded his research portfolio to encompass substance use disorders, developing extensive national and international collaborations spanning primary health, mental health, antenatal care, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sectors. He is particularly committed to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, leading the translation and validation of the WHO's Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) into Pitjantjatjara language.
Matthew's unique position across two institutions enables him to integrate insights from behavioral and substance addictions research, contributing to both theoretical understanding and practical clinical applications. He supervises HDR students at both universities and has delivered professionally accredited training to over 400 healthcare professionals across all Australian states and territories.
PhD in Medicine (2021)
School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide
Thesis: Behavioral addictions with focus on gaming disorder prevalence, treatment, and prevention
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours, First Class) (2016)
School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide
Bachelor of Psychological Science (2015)
School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide
Doctoral Research Medal (2022)
The University of Adelaide
Awarded to the top 15 doctoral theses (top 3%) across all Higher Degree by Research students university-wide
Frank Dalziel Prize (2022)
The University of Adelaide
Awarded for best doctoral thesis in the School of Psychology | $3,000
Dean's Commendation for Doctoral Research Excellence (2021)
The University of Adelaide
HDR Graduation Ceremony Mace-Bearer (2022)
The University of Adelaide
Invited to serve as mace-bearer at the Higher Degree by Research graduation ceremony
Research Leadership at Flinders University
- Lead author for Nature Reviews Disease Primers on gaming disorder, a prestigious commissioned article positioning Flinders as a leader in behavioral addiction research
- Lead data analyst and first author for the Red Box, Green Box psychometric validation study (manuscript published in Addiction)
- Contributing author to three World Health Organization technical report chapters on gaming disorder: Natural History, Prevention, and Treatment (co-authored with Professor Daniel King)
- Co-supervise research higher degree students conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses on gaming disorder treatment outcomes, impulsivity correlates, and reporting quality standards
- Maintain active research collaboration on longitudinal studies examining social risk factors for problem gaming
- Contribute to development of novel assessment methodologies for behavioral addictions research
Research Leadership at University of Adelaide
- Lead Chief Investigator on national research projects validating the ASSIST in Pitjantjatjara for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations
- Principal investigator on international projects validating screening tools against ICD-11 and DSM-5 criteria in collaboration with King's College London, UCLA, and University of Queensland
- Lead systems-level reform research on antenatal screening and early intervention for substance use disorders
- Principal supervisor for PhD candidates in substance use disorder research
Cross-Institutional Supervision and Mentorship
- Principal supervisor for PhD candidates across both institutions
- Co-supervisor for multiple HDR students conducting systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and empirical research
- Supervised students across psychology, health sciences, addiction studies, and clinical psychology programs
- Completed Fast Track to Principal Supervisor program (University of Adelaide, 2024)
Grant Management and Funding Development
- Co-investigator on $1.72 million Department of Health and Aged Care grant (2022-2026)
- Secured $50,000 in Category 3 funding from South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network
- Grant performance reporting, budget management, and Commonwealth Government liaison
- Developing DECRA and MRFF grant applications for 2026-2027 to support expanded HDR supervision
Workforce Development and Training
- Design and deliver RACGP-accredited training programs for healthcare professionals nationally
- Provide specialized training on Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)
- Coordinate training initiatives across mental health, primary care, antenatal care, and Aboriginal health sectors
- Developed instructional training manuals for specialist mental health, nursing, and midwifery professionals
Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement
- Maintain strategic partnerships with 15+ Primary Health Networks across Australia
- Liaise with State and Territory Health Departments, Local Health Networks, and Aboriginal health organizations
- Lead collaborative research partnerships with international institutions across Spain, UK, and USA
- Member of School of Biomedicine Discipline Research Committee, University of Adelaide (2023-present)
Behavioral Addictions Research (Flinders Focus)
At Flinders University, Matthew advances understanding of gaming disorder through collaboration with internationally recognized experts. His work encompasses epidemiological research, measurement development, treatment evaluation, and prevention approaches. He is leading development of a commissioned Nature Reviews Disease Primers article on gaming disorder and has contributed to WHO technical reports that will shape global clinical guidelines. His systematic reviews on gaming disorder prevalence and cognitive-behavioral therapy effectiveness remain among the most highly cited works in the field, influencing diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches internationally.
Innovation in Assessment Methodology
Matthew led data analysis for novel measurement approaches in behavioral addictions research, including the Red Box, Green Box frequency measurement tool. This work contributes to advancing psychometric methodologies for assessing behavioral addictions, addressing longstanding challenges in the field around accurate frequency and severity measurement.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
Matthew is deeply committed to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians through meaningful collaboration with Aboriginal communities and organizations including the Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council (ADAC) and Nunkuwarrin Yunti. He has led the translation and cultural adaptation of the ASSIST screening tool into Pitjantjatjara, working extensively with Aboriginal health workers to deliver training programs in urban, regional, and remote communities across South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Public Health and Health Equity
Matthew's professional interests center on reducing health inequities through accessible, evidence-based screening and early intervention approaches. He translates research into practical clinical tools and builds workforce capacity to address substance use disorders across diverse healthcare settings, including emergency departments, antenatal care, primary care, and mental health services.
Digital Health Innovation
Matthew actively explores digital health solutions to improve accessibility of screening and intervention services. He has led development of smartphone applications for consumers (ASSIST Checkup) and clinicians, and maintains comprehensive online resource hubs providing evidence-based information, clinical tools, and harm reduction resources.
Professional Development and Mentorship
Matthew is committed to developing the next generation of addiction researchers through active HDR supervision at both Flinders University and University of Adelaide, mentorship of early career researchers, and contributions to professional education programs. He regularly provides peer review for leading journals including Addiction, Drug and Alcohol Review, and Australian Journal of Primary Health.
- Addiction
- Behaviour
Research Impact and Recognition
Matthew's research has generated significant academic and clinical impact, with over 1,300 citations and an h-index of 5 within six years of completing his PhD. His systematic reviews on gaming disorder prevalence and cognitive-behavioral therapy for gaming disorder have become foundational references in the field, collectively cited hundreds of times annually and influencing WHO diagnostic guidelines. He was invited to present at the prestigious National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) webinar series in 2024, reaching 100-200 clinicians and researchers nationally.
International Collaborations
Matthew maintains active research partnerships spanning multiple countries:
- United Kingdom: King's College London (ASSIST validation studies)
- United States: University of California Los Angeles (diagnostic criteria validation)
- Spain: University of Catalonia (ASSIST-Y validation for adolescent populations)
- Switzerland: University of Lausanne (behavioral addiction research collaborations with Dr. Joël Billieux)
- Belgium: Université catholique de Louvain (gaming disorder research)
Current Projects at Flinders University
- Leading development of Nature Reviews Disease Primers article on gaming disorder
- Data analysis and manuscript preparation for Red Box, Green Box psychometric study
- Co-supervising systematic reviews and meta-analyses on gaming disorder
- Contributing to longitudinal studies examining risk and protective factors for gaming disorder
- Developing grant applications for expanded behavioral addiction research program
Current Projects at University of Adelaide
- Psychometric validation of ASSIST in Pitjantjatjara language across Aboriginal communities
- International validation of ASSIST against ICD-11 and DSM-5 diagnostic criteria
- Systems-level reform of antenatal screening practices in South Australian hospitals
- Training needs analyses for healthcare professionals addressing substance use
Media and Public Engagement
Matthew actively engages with media to communicate research findings to broader audiences, including radio interviews (The Wire News), podcast episodes (GPs in a Pod), and university press releases. His work on both gaming disorder and substance use screening has been featured across multiple platforms, raising public awareness of evidence-based approaches to addiction prevention and treatment.
Resource Development
Beyond peer-reviewed publications, Matthew has developed extensive clinical resources including:
- Comprehensive online resource hubs for clinicians and consumers (assistportal.com.au, assistplus.com.au)
- Condensed clinical forms integrated into Best Practice software used by GPs nationally
- Drug information cards on emerging substances of concern
- MBS item guides for healthcare professionals providing SBIRT services
- Smartphone applications for self-screening and harm reduction
Professional Memberships
- Australasian Professional Society for Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD)
- International Society of Biomedical Research on Alcoholism (ISBRA)
- Drug and Alcohol Nurses of Australasia (DANA) - Associate Member
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
Global | Online
Follow Flinders
