Professor James Smith is the Deputy Dean of Rural and Remote Health - NT, and Matthew Flinders Professor (Health and Social Equity) at Flinders University. Prior to commencing at Flinders, he held Professorial roles at both Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University in areas relating to alcohol and other drugs, men's health and Indigenous higer education. He is the Deputy Chair Association for Alcohol and Other Drugs Agencies NT. He holds academic status at Menzies, University of Queensland, Deakin University, University of Michigan and the University of Saskatchewan.

Professor Smith has executive responsbilities to lead the strategic direction of education and research within the Discipline of Rural and Remote Health in the Northern Territory. This will build on the Rural and Remote Health Strategy, Rural and Remote Health NT Research Plan, and the Flinders University Reconciliation Action Plan.

Professor Smith is recognised nationally and globally for his expertise in both health promotion and men's health. He is the immediate past Editor-in-Chief of the Health Promotion Journal of Australia, a Fellow and Life Member of the Australian Health Promotion Association, and a Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management.

Professor Smith serves on multiple national advisory committees including the Scientific Advisory Committee for Australian Prevention and Partnership Centre; Scientific Advisory Group for Ten to Men: the Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health; and Our Watch Men and Masculinities in Primary Prevention Technical Advisory Group. He also holds honorary appointments at various universities in Australia, Canada, and the United States.

With more than 20 years of experience, Professor James Smith is an applied social health researcher. His expertise lies in rural and remote health policy, practice, and research within South Australia (SA) and the Northern Territory (NT), focusing on advancing health and education outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations. Over the past decade, he has led and contributed to research projects totaling over $25 million, specifically dedicated to improving Indigenous health and education.