Diversity & wellbeing

Diversity

We specialise in research on diversity and wellbeing that empowers individuals and communities to meet the challenges associated with social, cultural and economic inequality. Our research focuses on knowledge sharing and informs government policy and community development in Australia and overseas.

community health and wellbeing - wellbeing and sexual violence, diversity, creativity, sleep, and social inclusion.
cultural diversity - multiculturalism, racism, interfaith relationships, refugee settlement needs, diaspora communities, participation in higher education and training, links with homeland, and language and communication within and across diverse communities.
health and wellbeing - reviewing health services plans, and the use of technology in health education and the management of serious diseases in culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Indigenous research - indigenous inclusion, culture, education and rights.
International development - international research and networks that strengthen education, culture and leadership in community organisations and government in developing countries.
languages - transnational languages and communications.
social inclusion and exclusion - safety and wellbeing of international students, the links between ethnic diversity and economic performance, and the impact of various laws on different groups in society.
workplace wellbeing - diversity and the labour force.
young people - community safety and wellbeing, and social and educational inclusion.
cultural diversity and the arts - the role of arts and creativity at a community level, forms of creativity and the relationship between creativity, resilience and improved cultural relations.

Our multidisciplinary approach incorporates expertise from the following institute and schools:

Research projects

We undertake research projects in a variety of areas and continually develop new knowledge that can be applied in Australia and overseas.

Recent project highlights include:

Use of information and communication technologies for self-management of chronic disease
International students' safety in metropolitan Melbourne
Promoting multifaith harmony
Don’t Go There: Young People’s Perspectives on Community Safety and Policing in Melbourne’s West
The Song Room – Refugee Youth in Their Settlement Phase
Australian Diasporas & Brain Gain: Exploring Current & Potential Transnational Linkages

Research partnerships

Research on diversity and well-being is undertaken in partnership with government, not-for-profit organisations and other universities. Our research collaborations include:

Lifeline Australia
Victoria Police
VicHealth
JobWatch
Visy Cares Youth Hub
Melbourne Citymission
Victorian Multicultural Commission
Victoria Department of Human Services
Victorian Department of Transport and Regional Services
Victorian Department of Planning and Community
Victoria Foundation for Survivors of Torture
South East Centre Against Sexual Assault
Maribyrnong City Council
Victorian Department for State and Regional Development, State Ethnic Enterprise Advisory Council
Australian Department of Health and Ageing
Regional Women's Advisory Committee
National Europe Centre, Australian National University
East Timor Ministry of Community Development Department
National University of Timor
Loro Sa'e Ministry of Youth Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Timor Ministry of Labour and Community Reinsertion
Fiji Ministry of Health
Pacific Islands Network

If you would like to collaborate on research with real benefits to individuals, communities and your organisation, please contact us.

Postgraduate research opportunities

We welcome applications from prospective research students wanting to undertake a PhD or Masters by Research in the area of diversity and wellbeing, including projects in the following areas:

community diversity, including refugee and newly arrived communities
migration and settlement
racial and gender discrimination
socially inclusive policies
languages and communication
cultural diversity, creativity and the arts
community and health psychology – including mental health, violence, youth
social and cultural diversity in the workplace

Research can include research projects that lead to the production of a creative work with an accompanying exegesis as thesis submission.

For further information about becoming a research student or guidance about possible project areas and supervisors, please contact Associate Professor Michele Grossman.