Suzanne Lazaroo
21 March 2024: The University of Canberra’s Health Research Institute (HRI) celebrates a remarkable decade of positive impact this year.
In this period, the Institute – part of the Faculty of Health – made its mark with a myriad life-changing projects, including contributing to the development of the ACT Wellbeing Framework which measures quality of life, wellbeing and economic growth; a pilot program that embedded pharmacists in residential aged care in the ACT – resulting in better health outcomes for residents; and research into the fatalities caused annually by smoke from wood heaters – with an estimated annual number of deaths between 11 and 63, similar numbers to those attributed to the extreme smoke of the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires.
The Institute marked its decadal anniversary with a small internal celebration on Wednesday 19 March – a larger celebration has been planned for after the federal election.
“The HRI epitomises the University of Canberra’s commitment to applied mission-oriented research that addresses local, national and global challenges, aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals of good health and wellbeing, climate action and reduced inequalities,” said University of Canberra Chancellor Lisa Paul AO PSM.
“The Institute’s research is guided by the University’s mission statement, Galambany, and the University’s values, as we work together every day to empower, connect, and share knowledge.”
Established on 19 March 2015, the Institute was envisioned as a flagship for public health research.
“We knew that to achieve that status, building strong partnerships with government, industry, non-government organisations and the community sector would be crucial,” said Professor Rachel Davey, the HRI’s Foundation Director.
The HRI achieved those original goals and has established itself as a leader in public health, undertaking research that supports better health practices and policy, and system-wide changes for improved wellbeing for all.
And in that time, the Institute has grown to include over 65 research staff and attract significant research income.
“In 2024, we received over $25 million of new funding,” Professor Davey said.
“In the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, UC was ranked in the top 10 per cent of universities globally for the Sustainable Development Goal ‘Good Health and Wellbeing’.
“We currently partner with global research projects in over 50 countries, and nationally, with more than 100 local communities and our research informs regional and national policy.”
The Institute has played a key role in informing policy in the ACT in areas including wellbeing, community resilience to climate change, and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Nationally and internationally, the Institute is renowned for its research in mental health service provision, health and climate change and the prevention of chronic disease.
“While our research is inspired by local issues, needs and challenges, our researchers are not constrained by geography and their work has global reach. What is particularly inspiring is the quest to improve equity of access to good healthcare for all,” said The Honourable Bill Shorten, University Vice-Chancellor and President.
“We would like to acknowledge and thank all of the Health Research Institute staff, alumni, graduates, current students and the broader UC community for their support and commitment to making a real difference to public health outcomes, and better health and care for all.”