Global Change Program
Our world is changing. Humans are driving climate change, pollution, food shortages, and the spread of infectious diseases. This threatens our health and wellbeing.
Monash BDI researchers are world leaders in addressing global health challenges. We investigate how global change affects health and disease. To do so, we apply our deep knowledge of the human body, microorganisms, and nutrition, and recognise the inseparable connections between humans, animals, and the environment.
Our research is informing treatments, interventions, and policies to lessen the burden of global change on human health. We work with diverse researchers and stakeholders, including across eight Monash University faculties, to translate research into practice both nationally and internationally.
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Monash BDI Global Change Program focus areas
Reducing air pollution
Air pollution affects most people and kills seven million annually. We’re investigating how airborne particulates and gases affect organs, drive carcinogenesis, and sustain pathogens. These findings are informing air quality policies.
Benefiting from biodiversity
Biodiversity forms our ecosystems, regulates pollutants, and provides products spanning foods to antibiotics. Yet it is being lost at alarming rates. Our researchers are working to safeguard biodiversity, including as a source of next-generation therapies.
Mitigating and adapting to climate change
Climate change is a reality. Urgent action is needed to reduce emissions across sectors and protect communities from their effects. Our researchers ally with major industry for climate mitigation and healthcare providers for climate adaptation.
Improving food security
Global food systems are inequitable. Two billion people are overweight or obese, yet one billion are starving. We investigate the health impacts of food quantity and quality, as well as take strategies to increase security of our food systems.
Providing clean water and sanitation
Two billion people lack access to sanitation and/or clean water, leading to chronic gut infections, compromised nutrition, and impaired development. Through a ‘one health’ approach, we are assessing and informing interventions to reduce these exposures.
Contact us
Get in touch with our team if you'd like to engage with us.
A/Professor Chris Greening
E: chris.greening@monash.edu
Dr Stephanie Simonds
E: stephanie.simonds@monash.edu
Expertise related to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, United Nation member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Monash BDI's Global Challenges Program contributes to the following SDGs.
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