23 Mar, 2022 Last updated: 23 Mar, 2022

Our research is all about seeing the bigger picture in health.

We’re here to understand what drives preventable disease and the interventions needed to take action and make change. It’s at the heart of what we do, and for more than 30 years we've been investing in cutting-edge research and leading scientists, experts and thinkers to help.  

We're excited to announce VicHealth's 3 new Harmful Industries Fellows. Harmful industries are brands, companies or organisations who profit from products that are harmful to health and wellbeing including alcohol, gambling, unhealthy food and sugary drinks. Together, the fellows will gather insights on harmful industry activity in Australia, focusing on the alcohol, gambling, unhealthy food and sugary drinks industries. All to bring about positive, healthy change for the people of Victoria.   

We’re committed to informing and shaping solutions through bold and innovative research. That’s why we’re making this initial investment of $1.1 million over the next 3 years to our fellowship program.  

This is a unique opportunity for early-career researchers to be part of VicHealth’s work and relevant communities. Successful fellows will join the VicHealth team as well as our stakeholder networks. All to support the health and wellbeing of the Victorian community.  

 

Meet VicHealth's newest research fellows

Alexandra Chung, Monash University 

Dr. Alexandra Chung, Monash University 

Dr Chung will monitor and report on marketing by the food and drink industry targeted towards parents and young children. She’ll develop a standardised approach to analyse front-of-pack marketing on food and drinks designed for consumption by infants, toddlers and children. By engaging with parents to hear their lived experiences of food marketing, Alexandra will help find opportunities for parents to come together to influence change. She'll also review international guidelines and policies regulating front-of-pack marketing to help create positive change.
Jenn Lacey-Nichols, The University of Melbourne 

Dr. Jenn Lacy-Nichols, The University of Melbourne 

Dr Lacy-Nichols will investigate the political influence of alcohol, gambling and ultra-processed food industries. These harmful industries shape policy and regulations to serve their own interests. Dr Lacy-Nichols will investigate the political activities of harmful industries through the resources, relationships and activities of different stakeholders. This work will help ensure decisions prioritise the health and wellbeing of Victorians.
Florentine Martino, Deakin University 

Dr. Florentine Martino, Deakin University 

Dr Martino will focus on reducing health inequities caused by harmful industries to improve children’s wellbeing. She will monitor corporate social responsibility and marketing practices of ultra-processed food, alcohol, and gambling brands across digital media, including influencers. In addition, Dr Martino will look at harmful industries in elite sport sponsorship. Florentine is passionate about supporting health advocates and governments to regulate marketing by these industries.