Dr Matthew Tieu

Matthew's formal qualifications span multiple discplines across the biological sciences, humantities and social sciences (molecular and cell biology, philosophy, cognitive science, moral psychology, social psychology, and applied ethics). He has taught topics in the philosophy of mind, cognitive science, philosophy of religion, epistemology, moral philosophy, applied ethics, and political theory here at Flinders University and previously at the University of Adelaide. He has also worked in various project and advocacy roles outside of academia, primarily in the area of bioethics, aged care and public policy.

He completed his PhD here at Flinders University in 2019, which focused on human selfhood and identity and what it means to promote or maintain its continuity in dementia care. His thesis was recently adapted into a book titled Self and Identity, published by Routledge. It explores how our selfhood and sense of identity emerges during early childhood, develops and matures across the life course, and declines due to conditions such as dementia and depression. It is available here and in all good bookstores!

Given such an eclectic background, he is uniquely equipped to apply a transdisciplinary and biopsychosocial lens to understanding and investigating care provision in various contexts across the life course. Thus far it has led to multiple research collaborations and partnerships across several areas of focus, in particular, fundamental care, aged care, dementia care, cancer survivorship, knowledge translation, health economics, and digital health technology. It has also yielded publications in high ranking journals spanning multiple fields.

His previous and ongoing research forms an important foundation for exploring more deeply the intersections of identity, society, technology, aging, care needs, and a meaningful life.