Shaping and delivering new, more effective forms of healthcare
The School of Health Sciences and Social Work is home to more than 150 academic and research-only staff, as well as approximately 200 higher degree by research (HDR) candidates. Our research is focused through seven disciplines (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, exercise science, nutrition and dietetics, social work, and human services and rehabilitation counselling) and is supported by multiple University research centres and institutes. It also closely aligns with several major areas of strategic University investment.
We have a strong focus on innovation, interdisciplinarity, translation and impact, and we contribute to a wide range of partnerships and engagements with clinical, government, NGO, industry and community stakeholders.
The School has significant research expertise in the areas of disability and rehabilitation (including cognitive, neurological, musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory health) and family and community health and wellbeing (including domestic violence and mental health).
Research Centres and Institutes
Our research aligns closely with a number of centres and institutes within the University. These include:
Our research has impact
We are committed to research translation and impact. To play our part in advancing human knowledge, creating solutions, and driving societal, economic, cultural, technological and environmental impact.
Associate Professor Chris Carty and Doctor Martina Barzan have been involved in research that is innovating the way surgeons can get better surgery results.
Griffith Beacon and Spotlights
Beacons and spotlights draw together diverse, agile and interdisciplinary teams from across the University to undertake outcome-focused research initiatives. They represent major areas of strategic investment and are structured as time-bound programs to deliver maximum impact.
The Inclusive Futures Beacon, led by Professor Elizabeth Kendall, is an alliance between people with disability and key research, education, industry, health and social organisations that aims to solve the most pressing challenges in the areas of disability and rehabilitation. The Disrupting Violence Beacon, co-led by Professor Patrick O’Leary, is helping to build institutions and systems that improve people’s security and access to justice. The Integrated Microelectronic Platform for Advanced Health Care and Therapy (IMPACT) Spotlight, led by Dr Claudio Pizzolato, is developing miniaturised wearable sensors that can be embedded in clothing to measure key biosignals generated by the human body during movement. Staff from the school are also contributing to the Griffith Climate Action Beacon.
Joint appointments
The following researchers hold joint research-only appointments between the School and Queensland Government departments or Hospital and Health Services.
- Professor Silke Meyer, Leneen Forde Chair in Child and Family Research, Queensland Department of Children, Justice and Multicultural Affairs
- Professor Norm Morris, The Prince Charles Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service
- Dr Shelley Roberts, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service
- Dr Samantha Bunzli, Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service
- Associate Professor Chris Carty, Queensland Children’s Hospital, Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service
Higher Degrees within the school
The higher degrees by research that may be undertaken within the School include:
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Master of Medical Research
- Master of Philosophy
- Graduate Diploma of Health Research
Useful information for those considering a Research Higher Degree at Griffith University
- Research study at Griffith
- Higher degree by research scholarships
- Find a supervisor using Griffith Experts
Please direct any enquiries about research in the School of Health Sciences and Social Work to the Deputy Head of School (Research), Professor Rod Barrett.
HDR enquiries
Higher Degree Research opportunities and scholarship enquiries should be sent to the relevant Higher Degree Research Convenor:
Dr Chris Irwin (Exercise and Sport, Nutrition and Dietetics)
Associate Professor Jennifer Cartmel (Human Services and Social Work)
Our researchers
Our world-class researchers work with industry, community and government partners to better understand our world and improve people’s lives
