Research with impact

We are committed to high-impact social-justice and translational research. Our research strength and reputation has been built over two decades and provides a strong foundation for life-changing and world-changing research outcomes.

In 2020, VU extended this tradition to include a commitment to planetary health and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through research that addresses the health and wellbeing of people, place and planet.

$1 million

In 2020, we have invested a million dollars in new research related to planetary health.

25 projects

Across several research areas, 25 new projects tackle the big issues facing the community and our planet.

42 partners

We are collaborating with industry, community and government to anchor our research in real-world scenarios.

Research projects

A deep history of working with communities to address local challenges provides a strong foundation for our research to advance place-based planetary health.

Twenty-five new research projects contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These are captured in four broad categories: Country, Cities and Regions, Community, and Changing Environments.

Read about our latest projects in place-based planetary health.

Country

For Aboriginal communities, ‘Country’ refers to that place or environment that welcomes, nurtures, and recreates community based on a relationship to land, culture, law and Elders. Our research projects are contributing to Indigenous knowledge and connection to Country.

Cities & regions

Our cities and regions have a significant impact on the health of our planet. Our researchers are tackling some of the problems associated with how we are living in these places.

Community health & wellbeing

Human health and wellbeing depends on the health and wellbeing of the planet. Our research teams are tackling public health challenges at an individual and community level with our local communities.

Changing environments

Our environmental footprint is causing significant change to our natural systems and contributing to displacement, loss and conflict for communities. We are examining some of the challenges in our environments including ways that we can reduce our impact.

Our planetary health researchers are funded by Victoria University, plus the Australian Research Council, NHMRC, federal and state governments, industry, philanthropic donations and community grants.

Research institutes & centres

Our research institutes and centres are leading the way in pioneering responses to planetary health challenges.

Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities

The Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities (ISILC) aims to create resilient built environments, globally competitive industries and socially inclusive communities.

Institute for Health & Sport

The Institute for Health and Sport focuses on the health and wellbeing of people and communities. It encompasses research in exercise science, active living, chronic disease, biomedical sciences, technology, nursing, community health, psychology, public health, sport performance and sport in society.

Centre for International Research on Education Systems (CIRES)

Education is the primary social determinant of healthier communities and improved life outcomes. The Centre for International Research on Education Systems (CIRES) conducts strategic research that identifies how well education systems work, for whom, and how they can be improved to work well for all.

Centre of Policy Studies (CoPS)

CoPS undertakes policy-modelling research for government agencies around the world. CoPS models and modelling software are used to study diverse planetary health topics, including: greenhouse gas abatement; water supply and use; climate change impacts and mitigation; education and health; gender impacts of policy; poverty and income distribution; food security; agriculture, forestry and fishing policy; sustainable building and urban policy; resources and energy policy; integrated economic-environment modelling; economic development; transport and infrastructure; and droughts, fires, pandemics and other disasters.

Mitchell Institute

Education and health policy are powerful drivers in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The Mitchell Institute for Education and Health Policy is one of the country's leading education and health policy think tanks.

Moondani Balluk

Our Indigenous communities have demonstrated a commitment to planetary health for more than 50,000 years – long recognising the interdependence between the land and its people and our deep responsibilities as custodians of the land for future generations. Moondani Balluk is committed to an Indigenous research agenda of pursuing social justice outcomes through research within a framework of decolonisation.

Sir Zelman Cowen Centre

Justice and social equity lie at the heart of planetary health. The Sir Zelman Cowen Centre (SZCC) provides legal education, training and research, with a particular focus on law and cultural diversity.

Projects & programs