School of Public Health Summer Research projects
Perceptions of tobacco regulations among a large international sample of people who use drugs
Project duration, hours of engagement | 6 weeks between 13 January and 21 February in 2025 30-36 |
Location: | Herston: Edith Cavell Building |
Description: | The Global Drug Survey (GDS) is the world’s largest survey of drug use. The 2024 GDS included a module asking for respondents' level of support for various tobacco policies (e.g., banning tobacco sales, raising taxes by 20%, increasing access to nicotine vaping products). This is a very topical and controversial area, with many countries around the world considering implementing these innovative "tobacco endgame" policies to end use of this very harmful product. This project involves analysing these data descriptively, and then using more sophisticated analyses (to be determined) to understand trends in the data. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables: | • Conduct a literature search • Create an endnote library • May include drafting a literature review • Data cleaning and preparation • Descriptive data analysis • May include Big Data analytics |
Suitable for: | • Students with strong quantitative analysis skills (3rd/4th year/Masters level), preferably with experience in Stata • Interest in alcohol and other drug policy/interventions • Highly organised and responsive to emails and calendar invites • Strong academic writing skills |
Primary Supervisor: | Dr Cheneal Puljevic, c.puljevic@uq.edu.au The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
A scoping review of research on public communication about commercial tobacco endgame policies
Project duration, hours of engagement | 6 weeks between 13 January and 21 February in 2025 30-36 |
Location: | Herston: Edith Cavell Building |
Description: | A range of policies and interventions that could rapidly phase out commercial tobacco use have been proposed. These include very large reductions in the number of tobacco retailers, mandatory denicotinisation of tobacco products, smokefree generation policy, restricting tobacco retailing to highly controlled outlets (e.g. restricted access stores) and ending all tobacco sales. However, there are few examples of implementation and hence understanding of these policies, including their benefits, among the public is uncertain. Communicating with the public about tobacco endgame policies is an important aspect of building public support for these new policies. This scoping review will synthesise the scientific literature on communication related to endgame policies. The review will cover surveys, qualitative research, experimental designs and media studies. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables: | The outcomes of this project will be a journal article to be submitted to a high impact international journal. The analysis will also be used in a white paper (policy document) that will outline the range of policy options for achieving a tobacco endgame in Australia. |
Suitable for: | This project is suitable for students from a range of backgrounds including: public health, health sciences, political science, psychology, and communication and arts (as examples). The project will require excellent writing skills and the ability to synthesise information. |
Primary Supervisor: | Dr Kylie Morphett, k.morphett@uq.edu.au The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Literature Review on peer-assisted learning in Public Health Data Analysis course
Project duration, hours of engagement | 6 weeks between 13 January and 21 February in 2025 35 |
Location: | Herston: Edith Cavell Building |
Description: | This research project focused on exploring peer-assisted learning within the context of public health education. Building on previous work that analysed learner experiences, the focus is on conducting a literature review on peer-assisted learning strategies, with a specific emphasis on teaching health data analysis. You will engage in an extensive review of existing literature to explore the effectiveness, challenges, and best practices of peer-assisted learning in public health education. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables: | Participating in the Literature Review project will provide you with valuable research experience and a deeper understanding of educational strategies in public health. Your work will not only enhance your academic skills but also contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve the quality of public health education, shaping the future of education and making a meaningful impact in the field. |
Suitable for: | This project is open to applications from students with a background in health and education. |
Primary Supervisor: | Dr Darsy Darssan, d.darssan@uq.edu.au The supervisor MUST be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Understand 'pain points' in weight-centric approaches to maternity care
Project duration, hours of engagement | 6 weeks between 13 January and 21 February in 2025 Negotiable, within 20-36 hours per week. |
Location: | Herston: Edith Cavell Building |
Description: | Weight stigma is pervasive in maternity care, leading to shame and discrimination contributing to poor pregnancy outcomes, poorer long-term maternal and child health and intergenerational perpetuation of stigma. Tackling weight stigma is prioritised in the National Obesity Strategy (2022-32). Efforts to improve the perinatal outcomes of larger bodied women have mostly focussed on lifestyle interventions, yielding only modest short term improvements. This may be due to the adoption of weight-centric approaches, emphasising weight and weight loss as key measures of health and wellbeing. Emerging evidence challenges weight-centric approaches, with broader socioecological determinants known to contribute to perinatal outcomes of larger bodied women. Weight inclusive approaches offer an alternative, by focussing health promoting behaviours that can be made more accessible to people by eliminating weight stigma. Although weight-inclusive approaches have delivered improved health outcomes in other contexts, they have not been evaluated in maternity care. There is little understanding of what principles might guide safe, high quality, non-stigmatising maternity care for larger bodied women. The RADIANT study aims to address this by developing new knowledge of the lived experience of maternity care for larger bodied women and the approaches of maternity care providers who practice in weight-inclusive ways. We have conducted an online photovoice study with 65 women, and interviews with 24 maternity care providers. We are now at the data analysis stage, and preparing for a national consensus building process with stakeholders to cocreate Best Practice Principles for Weight Inclusive Maternity Care. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables: | The Summer Scholar will be involved in all aspects of the RADIANT study, with a special focus on data analysis. The scholar will also be supported to undertake a targeted sub-analysis of the collected data (photovoice, interviews) to explore participants experiences of either: gestational diabetes screening and diagnosis, ultrasound, making choices about model of care/place of birth; accessing/providing preconception care/fertility care, or involvement shared decision making. Within these options, the Summer Scholar will have the option to negotiate and define the focus of their analysis according to their interests. In conducting this analysis, the Scholar will develop skills in practical thematic analysis, give presentations on their work in progress to the study team, and have the opportunity to contribute to a paper for publication. The RADIANT study is a consumer-led program of research, with a strong multidisciplinary team including people with lived experience working alongside leading researchers with expertise in obstetrics, midwifery, weight stigma and consumer involvement. The scholar will have the opportunity to collaborate with the team, and develop skills in this participatory approach. The scholar will also gain skills in research administration, including organising meetings, preparing agendas and taking minutes. |
Suitable for: | This project is most suitable to a Summer Scholar with a keen interest in social determinants of health and qualitative research methods. Working on the topic of weight stigma often challenges our own strongly held biases and assumptions, so the scholar will need to be open minded and willing to engage in deep personal reflection. Students who are interested in progressing to a Research Higher Degree would be especially welcome. This project can accommodate two summer scholars, so applications from students interested in working collaboratively on parallel subanalyses would also be welcome. |
Primary Supervisor: | Associate Professor Lauren Kearney; Dr Bec Jenkinson, r.jenkinson@uq.edu.au The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Leveraging Machine Learning to Investigate the Impact of Combined Environmental Toxin Exposures on Kidney Function
Project duration, hours of engagement | 6 weeks between 13 January and 21 February in 2025 20 hours per week for 6 weeks. The student will be able to choose between hybrid (Herston campus) or remote delivery. |
Location: | Herston: School of Public Health Building |
Description: | Background: Based on current research within the Osborne lab, we suspect certain organophosphate pesticides may interact synergistically with other environmental toxins to induce renal injury. Aims: |
Expected outcomes and deliverables: | Scholars may gain skills in analysing large population-level data through a public health lens. The student will be given the opportunity to develop proficiency using R programming language for handling large data. Scholars will have the opportunity to be named as co-author on publications generated from their research provided sufficient contribution is made by the student. Students may also be asked to produce a report |
Suitable for: | • This project is open to applications from students with a background relevant to biostatistics • The applicant must have completed previous studies in a statistics course offered at UQ (STAT1201 or equivalent) or be able to demonstrate appropriate evidence of previous work-experience as a statistician • Although not mandatory, students familiar with/have previous experience using Rstudio (R programming language) are desirable |
Primary Supervisor: | Max Tyler, m.tyler@uq.edu.au The supervisor MUST be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Hysterectomy, oophorectomy and long-term chronic disease
Project duration, hours of engagement | 6 weeks between 13 January and 21 February in 2025 25-30 |
Location: | Herston: Edith Cavell Building |
Description: | This project will provide the opportunity for a student to be involved in the Hysterectomy, Oophorectomy and Long-term chronic Disease (HOLD) study. The Summer Research project will involve an extensive literature review of hysterectomy/oophorectomy and long-term chronic disease outcomes, with consideration of the quality of prior research and consideration of the inclusion of factors such as age at surgery, use of menopausal hormone therapy and the indication for the procedure. The literature review will focus on a specific outcome, such as cancer or cardiovascular disease. The student will have the opportunity to improve their research skills by working with epidemiologists and they will receive mentoring on critically appraising studies, understanding and summarising results, and academic writing. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables: | The outcomes of the project will include a comprehensive literature review document with a critical appraisal of the existing literature. The student will then develop an analysis plan for using the large HOLD study dataset to address the identified gaps in current knowledge. |
Suitable for: | This project would be suitable for a Master of Epidemiology student or students considering a PhD. |
Primary Supervisor: | Dr Karen Tuesley, k.tuesley@uq.edu.au The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Women’s health challenges and opportunities in remote Australia: a case study from Western Cape York
Project duration, hours of engagement | 6 weeks between 13 January and 21 February in 2025 25 |
Location: | Herston: School of Public Health Building |
Description: | Living remotely as a woman can raise a range of health challenges not experienced by their urban counterparts. Distance to specialist healthcare services, healthcare provision that is not culturally safe, and exposure to health risks from climate change and occupations can all impact the ability to maintain ideal health levels for many remote-living women. This research project is led by Indigenous woman, community member and local businesswoman, Minnie King, to identify the health issues of greatest concern and need for women residents in the remote towns and communities of Western Cape York, including Weipa, Mapoon and Napranum. Together with Nina Lansbury at UQ, this collaboration is a locally- and Indigenous-led initiative seeking to identify then address health challenges in a culturally-appropriate way intends to provide a lived experience voice to action-focused research. This project shifts this situation to ensure an Indigenous-led and remote-led initiative to document the health and wellbeing of remote-living women and their identified health priority actions and options. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables: | The immediate outputs of this research will be a co-authored publication by community and research project members about the status of remote women's health, with a case study focus on Western Cape York, Queensland. This output will contribute to a Women's Health Forum to be held on Country in early 2025. These outputs are anticipated to increase the focus on remote Indigenous women's health and provide an evidence base of priorities and requests to respond and strengthen health literacy, services and funding in this and other remote regions in Queensland- and beyond in Australia. The role of the Summer scholar on this project will be to work under the direction of Nina Lansbury and Minnie King to: |
Suitable for: | This project is open to applications from students in a later year of their undergraduate degree or a postgraduate degree with skills in qualitative research methods and writing. |
Primary Supervisor: | Associate Professor Nina Lansbury, n.lansbury@uq.edu.au The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
HABITAT: A study of how areas in Brisbane influence health and activity
Project duration, hours of engagement | 6 weeks between 13 January and 21 February in 2025 30-36 |
Location: | Herston: School of Public Health Building |
Description: | The HABITAT study is a population-based cohort of adults living in Brisbane. Its primary aim is to examine patterns of change in health, wellbeing, and related behaviours (e.g., physical activity, sedentary behaviour). The study assesses the relative contributions of environmental, social, psychological, and sociodemographic factors to these changes. It focuses on the built and social environments of 200 Brisbane neighbourhoods and the perceptions and behaviours of 11,000 residents aged 40-65 years, surveyed on five occasions over nearly 10 years (2007-2016). Currently, the research team is planning a new wave of data collection to start in 2025. Students will have the opportunity to be involved in various research projects aligned with HABITAT. The work will fall within themes related to physical activity: measurement of physical activity, inequalities and determinants, and chronic disease prevention and management. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables: | This large project will offer students experience in quantitative methods. They will engage in activities such as setting up online questionnaires, data management, literature searches, scientific writing, and communication skills. At the start of the program, students will collaborate with the project coordinator to establish specific outcomes. The project’s breadth allows it to be tailored to each student’s experience and interests. |
Suitable for: | Students with a background in Health Sciences and related areas are encouraged to apply. Students with an interest in physical activity/exercise are strongly encouraged to apply. |
Primary Supervisor: | Dr Gregore Iven Mielke, g.ivenmielke@uq.edu.au The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Understanding how audience segmentation is used in public health inititaves
Project duration, hours of engagement | 6 weeks between 13 January and 21 February in 2025 25 |
Location: | Herston: School of Public Health Building |
Description: | Gaining support for public health policy is crucial for public health advocates. One way of doing this is to ensure your messaging resonates with the audience. As the general public are diverse, audience segmentation is a strategy used for tailoring messages that resonate with diverse groups. By dividing a broad audience into smaller, more homogenous segments, you can craft targeted communications that address the unique needs, values, and preferences of each group. This increases the likelihood that your message will be understood, embraced, and acted upon. From initial searches it seems public health only has limited use of audience segmentation and when it is used it is mostly informed by participant surveys. This project will systematically examine: - Which areas of public health are using audience segmentation and for what purpose? - What methods are they using for developing audience segmentation? - What typologies have been built in public health the last five years? |
Expected outcomes and deliverables: | Scholars will gain skills in database searching, data extraction, data screening and produce a report. There may be an opportunity to contribute to a peer-reviewed paper. |
Suitable for: | This project is suitable for anyone who is very organised and has good attention to detail. Knowledge of Excel, Covidence, and databases such as Scopus, PsycInfo would be an advantage. |
Primary Supervisor: | Dr Katherine Cullerton, k.cullerton@uq.edu.au The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Assessing the tobacco tax and industry profit contributions of different population groups
Project duration, hours of engagement | 6 weeks between 13 January and 21 February in 2025 36 hours per week |
Location: | Herston: Edith Cavell Building |
Description: | The cost of smoking in Australia is among the highest in the world, largely due to significant tobacco tax increases. These include a one-off large tax hike in 2010, followed by a series of 12.5% annual tax increases from 2013 to 2020, and an additional series of 5% annual increases from 2023 to 2025. Tobacco tax increases are a cost-effective strategy for reducing smoking prevalence, particularly among lower socioeconomic groups. However, for people living on a low income who do not quit smoking in response to the tax increase, the high cost of tobacco can impose a large financial burden. Understanding the relative contributions of different population groups to government revenue via tobacco taxation could assist advocacy efforts for greater government investment in services and programs to assist these populations to quit smoking and to offset the financial impact of tobacco taxation. This project will use estimates of the number of people who smoke by different population group and other data to estimate the number of cigarette packs or roll-your-own tobacco purchased and amount paid to estimate the amount of tobacco tax paid. Estimates of the proportion of industry profit derived from different population groups will also be examined. Examples of populations that this project could focus on include people with a lived experience of mental illness, people on very low incomes or other populations with higher than average smoking prevalence. The outcomes of this research can be used to advocate for greater government investment in smoking cessation services and also policies that will support these populations to avoid smoking. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables: | Participants in this project can expect to gain valuable skills in data collection and analysis, particularly in the context of tobacco control and health policy research. They will have the opportunity to explore government reports, national statistics, and other relevant data sources, honing their ability to extract and interpret key information. Throughout the project, participants may contribute to the development of academic publications, working closely with experienced researchers to draft and revise manuscripts. Participants will also have the chance to present their research outcomes through an oral presentation, further developing their communication and presentation skills. By the end of the project, participants will have enhanced their research capabilities, gained experience in health policy analysis, and contributed to efforts that support smoking cessation among high-risk populations. These experiences will be invaluable for those pursuing further academic research or careers in public health and policy. |
Suitable for: | This project is open to students in their 2nd and 3rd year and above, with backgrounds in public health, epidemiology, economics, psychology, medical sciences, or those considering a PhD, particularly those interested in tobacco control and health policy research. Ideal candidates will have good analytical skills, an interest in data-driven research, and a passion for addressing health disparities. |
Primary Supervisor: | Dr Ara Cho, ara.cho@uq.edu.au The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Understanding inequalities and determinants relating to changes in physical activity over time.
Project duration, hours of engagement | 6 weeks between 13 January and 21 February in 2025 36 |
Location: | Herston: School of Public Health Building |
Description: | The HABITAT study is a population-based cohort of adults living in Brisbane. Its primary aim is to examine patterns of change in health, wellbeing, and related behaviours (e.g., physical activity, sedentary behaviour). The study assesses the relative contributions of environmental, social, psychological, and sociodemographic factors to these changes. It focuses on the built and social environments of 200 Brisbane neighbourhoods and the perceptions and behaviours of 11,000 residents aged 40-65 years, surveyed on five occasions over nearly 10 years (2007-2016). Students will have the opportunity to be involved in various research projects aligned with HABITAT. The work will fall within themes related to physical activity, such as changes in physical activity over time and inequalities and determinants related to physical activity. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables: | Students will gain experience in quantitative methods and will engage in activities such as literature searches, data analysis, scientific writing, and communication skills. At the start of the program, students will collaborate with the project coordinator to establish specific outcomes. The project’s breadth allows it to be tailored to each student’s experience and interests. |
Suitable for: | Students with a background in Health Sciences, Public Health, Epidemiology, or related areas. This does not have to be exclusively in physical activity/exercise, but an interest in this is important. |
Primary Supervisor: | Dr Stephanie Duncombe, s.duncombe@uq.ed.au The supervisor MUST be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Community-led solutions to controlling illicit sales of alcohol, tobacco or vaping products in rural, remote and First Nations communities: A scoping review of Australian and international experiences
Project duration, hours of engagement | 6 weeks between 13 January and 21 February in 2025 30-36 |
Location: | Herston: Edith Cavell Building |
Description: | Rural, remote and First Nations communities differ to larger cities in several factors, such as their size, governance structures and greater connectedness between community members that may support development of innovative local solutions for complex problems. Illegal sale of alcohol in dry communities (or supply to underage persons), or illegal tobacco or vaping product sales (such as untaxed tobacco, single cigarette sales, or sales to underage persons) are examples of complex problems that can impact the health and well-being of these communities. Understanding approaches taken in different communities may generate ideas that can be adapted to other local contexts. This scoping review will synthesise the peer-reviewed and grey literature on community-led interventions and approaches to reducing illicit sales of alcohol, tobacco or vaping products in rural, remote and First Nations communities in Australia, Aotearoa/New Zealand, Canada and the United States. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables: | Contribution to the manuscript for submission to an academic journal |
Suitable for: | This project is suitable for students from a range of courses (undergraduate or postgraduate) and disciplinary areas including: Public Health, Health Sciences, Policy studies, criminology and justice studies, Nursing, and Social Work. |
Primary Supervisor: | Professor Coral Gartner, c.gartner@uq.edu.au The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
An ethical analysis of a proposed policy of mandatory denicotinisation of tobacco products to make them non-addictive
Project duration, hours of engagement | 6 weeks between 13 January and 21 February in 2025 30-36 |
Location: | Herston: Edith Cavell Building |
Description: | Tobacco products are addictive primarily because of their high nicotine content. Most adults who smoke tobacco do so because they are addicted to nicotine and find that stopping smoking can lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. One option to reduce the public health impact of tobacco would be to make them non-addictive, which would make it easier for people to stop smoking when they want to do so. This policy was proposed by public health researchers 30 years ago. The policy has been under consideration by the United States Food and Drug Administration for several years and was nearly implemented in Aotearoa/New Zealand in 2024. Policy-making concerning new public health interventions needs to consider a complex range of issues including evidence of effectiveness, but also pragmatic implementation considerations, legal issues and ethical factors. This project will provide an analysis of the ethical considerations of a very low nicotine content (VLNC) standard for tobacco products as a commercial tobacco endgame strategy. Considerations will include benefits to health, public acceptance of the intervention, harm minimisation, maintaining autonomy, efficiency of resource use and equity. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables: | Contribution to the manuscript for submission to an academic journal |
Suitable for: | This project is suitable for students from a range of courses (undergraduate or postgraduate) and disciplinary areas including: Public Health, Health Sciences, Policy studies, Philosophy, Law, Nursing, Social Work |
Primary Supervisor: | Professor Coral Gartner, c.gartner@uq.edu.au The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Global progress in generating evidence on commercial tobacco endgame interventions
Project duration, hours of engagement | 6 weeks between 13 January and 21 February in 2025 30-36 |
Location: | Herston: Edith Cavell Building |
Description: | Commercial tobacco endgame interventions aim to rapidly and permanently reduce smoking to minimal levels. They generally involve much more intensive policies, such as large reductions in the number of tobacco retail outlets or implementing standards that would make tobacco products non-addicting. This project will update a scoping review completed in March 2021 (https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/31/2/365) and also summarise what progress has occurred since this review. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables: | Contribution to the manuscript for submission to an academic journal |
Suitable for: | This project is suitable for students from a range of courses (undergraduate or postgraduate) and disciplinary areas including: Public Health, Health Sciences, Policy studies, Nursing, Social Work |
Primary Supervisor: | Professor Coral Gartner, c.gartner@uq.edu.au The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Depictions of older adults in Australian media
Project duration, hours of engagement | 6 weeks between 13 January and 21 February in 2025 25 |
Location: | Herston: School of Public Health Building |
Description: | Ageism affects people across the adult lifespan, making it the most pervasive form of prejudice, yet it remains the least researched and the most socially acceptable. While ageism impacts all life stages, older adults (65 years +) are one group in which ageism is becoming more prevalent. A recent report by the Human Rights Commission highlighted that older people are viewed as ‘Nice (if frail) onlookers to life.’ Older people are regarded as having declining skills, agency, vitality and lack competence in areas such as technology. Rather than being viewed as active participants in life, older people are regarded as onlookers to society. The type of language, and imagery used in media, plays an important role in influencing public perception and the discourse surrounding older people. For older adults, ageist stereotypes impact their ability to access to health services and engage with the community to maintain a life that is purposeful and meaningful. This project aims to use content analysis to understand how older adults are portrayed in the Australian media, exploring both positive and positive views of ageing and how we can use a strengths-based approach to challenge some of the dominant prejudices. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables: | Scholars will gain skills in conducting systematic searches in grey literature, completing content analysis and contribute to a publication. Scholars will be expected to complete searches and produce a report of their findings at the conclusion of the project. |
Suitable for: | This project is suitable for applicants of any background who poses the following skills. Critical thinking - Ability to think critically and reflexively to challenge assumptions, evaluate evidence, and develop conclusions. Communication and Collaboration skills - Strong writing skills to clearly present findings in a report, with attention to detail. As well as the ability to work effectively with a research team by contributing to discussions, integrating feedback and meeting project milestones. |
Primary Supervisor: | Dr Mikaela Wheeler, m.wheeler@uq.edu.au The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Survey Tools for Assessing University Food Environments
Project duration, hours of engagement | 6 weeks between 13 January and 21 February in 2025 35 hours per week |
Location: | Herston: School of Public Health Building |
Description: | Understanding of the food environments within university settings at UQ. Specifically, this project will combine and refine existing survey tools designed to assess food establishments on campus. The goal is to create a comprehensive toolset that can be used by future students studying public health nutrition to collect valuable data on the nutritional quality and accessibility of food options available at our university. It will be available for use in future data collection efforts by students studying public health nutrition. This includes preparing the tool in a format that is easy to administer digitally and ensuring that it is ready for deployment in upcoming research projects. This will include a user guide on how to administer the survey. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables: | Participating in this project will provide you with practical experience in public health nutrition research. Your work will contribute to creating healthier campus food environments, and the tools you integrate to digital administration will be instrumental in guiding future data collection efforts in teaching and learning in public health nutrition. |
Suitable for: | This project is open to applications from students with a background in public health, nutrition, and education. |
Primary Supervisor: | Dr Preetha Thomas, preetha.thomas@uq.edu.au The supervisor MUST be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |
Navigating a healthier future for Māori and Pasifika people in Australia from where we are now: A systematic review
Project duration, hours of engagement | 6 weeks between 13 January and 21 February in 2025 Minimum of 20 hours per week over 6 weeks in the Summer research program. Exact times will be negotiated with the student within the agreed specification. |
Location: | Herston: School of Public Health Building |
Description: | Background: Māori and Pacific Island (Pasifika) people continue to experience poorer health outcomes than non-Māori or non-Pacific islander Australians, alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. There are very few projects that aim to improve the health and wellbeing for Māori and Pasifika people living in Australia. There is a paucity of synthesised evidence and recommendations from which to guide Māori and Pasifika health research in Australia. Aim & Methodology(s): This research is an exploration of Māori and Pasifika people’s health and wellbeing who are living in Australia. This project aims to conduct a systematic literature review, that explores the current research, interventions, and recommendations for the future of Māori and Pasifika health interventions and research throughout Australia. This unique literature review is being undertaken through a culturally centred approach by Māori and Pasifika researchers. This project takes a community, insider, full lifespan (childhood, midlife, ageing and end of life), approach to health and wellbeing. The full text screening and review methodology combines Kaupapa Māori and Pasifika research methodologies, with an iterative approach to finding themes, and recommendations. The review will inform the preparation of a journal manuscript for publication. It will also inform future research project development. |
Expected outcomes and deliverables: | The students will have opportunity to gain skills in research skills, especially data extraction using scoping review protocols and using Pacific Indigenous approaches - that is extraction of data from publications using a charting form developed a priori, summarising findings in tabular and narrative form; and contribute to a publication. The students will also be supervised and mentored by Pacific academics and researchers. This literature search has commenced and at the time of the scholarship the student will be required for the following activities: |
Suitable for: | Honours & postgraduate students can apply. The applicant may have experience with undertaking literature or scoping reviews and have an understanding of research methods |
Primary Supervisor: | Dr Heena Akbar, h.akbar@uq.edu.au The supervisor CAN be contacted by students prior to submission of an application. |