Home Funding Share Share Share Copy Link Copy Link Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Email VicHealth's latest research partnerships Real change starts with research Scroll down Body The biggest, boldest moves in health promotion rely on cutting-edge research. We need leading scientists and experts to identify gaps, highlight emerging issues, and illuminate the real drivers of change. The VicHealth Fellowship Program For over 30 years, we’ve been investing in academics who are at the forefront of health promotion and prevention. Their research has helped Victoria – and the world - lead the way in this space. And our alumni go on to make a positive impact on Indigenous health, mental wellbeing, physical activity, health inequity, public health policy, food and nutrition, and more. A VicHealth fellowship provides a unique opportunity to be part of VicHealth’s team, joining our connected network and linking research to policy and practice Our current fellows Our current fellows are tackling harmful industries in Australia, examining harmful marketing aimed at children, developing effective youth engagement frameworks for local government. encouraging longer-term engagement with organised sport, and analysing the effects of extreme heat and bushfire smoke on local communities. Meet our early-career research fellows who will find new insights and fuel fresh research to improve health outcomes for all Victorians. Ready to meet them? Dr Alexandra Chung, Monash University Dr Chung’s work analyses front-of-pack marketing on food and drinks for infants, toddlers and children. By speaking to parents about their experiences, she’ll create a report to help challenge and change the guidelines and policies that regulate this marketing. Dr Jenn Lacy-Nichols, The University of Melbourne Alcohol, gambling and ultra-processed food industries are known for influencing policies for their own benefit. Dr Lacy-Nichols is investigating this. By analysing their political activities, resources and relationships, her work will make sure our polices protect the health and wellbeing of people across Victoria. Dr Florentine Martino, Deakin University Harmful industries create more barriers to good health and wellbeing, especially for our children. Dr Martino’s work focuses on reducing these by monitoring ultra-processed food, alcohol, and gambling brands. By analysing their corporate social responsibility, online ads, influencers and elite sport sponsorships, her research will help regulate their marketing activities to protect our children. Dr. Hannah Pitt, Deakin University Very few local government youth engagement and pathway plans specifically consider how young people may be effectively engaged in public health advocacy strategies to convince decision makers of the need for policy change. Dr. Pitt’s research aims to understand how local governments can effectively engage young people in public health advocacy strategies aimed at responding to the health threats posed by harmful industries, specifically tobacco, alcohol, gambling, and industries contributing to climate change. Her research will provide a practical toolkit for Victorian local governments to mobilise youth engagement in public health advocacy initiatives. Dr. Christina Zorbas, Deakin University The voices and values of those experiencing social and economic exclusion are underrepresented in food policy decisions, research and advocacy efforts – with significant implications for the efficacy and equity impacts of such policies. Dr Zorbas’ research aims to address this critical gap by identifying food policy options that reflect the voices and values of those experiencing health inequities. By conducting in-depth participatory research and drawing upon partnerships and expertise, her research will increase political attention and commitment to equitable food policy actions.
