Behavioural and Social Epidemiology

We conduct ground-breaking research in behavioural and social epidemiology to understand how social, cultural, and behavioural factors influence health.

Our work aims to develop evidence-based interventions that address health inequities and improve population health and well-being across Australia and around the world.

Our focus areas

Research units

Behavioural and Social Epidemiology

We’re a diverse group of researchers with an interest in behavioural epidemiological studies, with an emphasis on exploring nutrition, physical activity, chronic disease, and social isolation to improve physical and mental health.

Head of Research Group

Professor Danijela Gasevic

Epidemiological Modelling

Using cutting-edge approaches, we project the burden and spread of diseases across communities, and predict the effectiveness of prevention and control measures across time, location, and demographic groups.

Head of Unit

Associate Professor James Trauer

Global and Women’s Health

Our research takes us throughout the Indo-Pacific region to explore cultural, social and economic determinants of mental, cognitive and physical health, with an emphasis on women, families and young children around the world.

Head of Unit

Professor Jane Fisher AO

Health and Social Care

Our multidisciplinary team works at the intersection of public health, psychology, social sciences, clinical care, and communications, to support evidence-based policies and programs that improve community health and wellbeing.

Head of Unit

Professor Helen Skouteris

Healthy Active Cities

Australia’s leading active transport research group conducting interdisciplinary research in partnership with government, industry, not-for-profit organisations and the community to advance the sustainability, equity and safety of various modes of mobility.

Head of Unit

Associate Professor Ben Beck

Centres and major initiatives

NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence: Health in preconception and pregnancy (CRE HiPP)

We work with researchers, clinicians and consumers to refine and implement health promotion and lifestyle improvement for women before and during pregnancy, with an emphasis on enabling them to be the healthiest version of themselves.

HEALing Matters – the Healthy Eating Active Living Matters Program

We use a trauma informed philosophy to guide carers’ understanding of the link between healthy lifestyle behaviours of young people and improved physical, cognitive, social (interpersonal) and emotional outcomes.

Health and Social Care Policy and Practice Packs

A suite of policy and practice packs designed to help community leaders and healthcare practitioners get thinking, reflecting and planning around a range of topical challenges in social care.

Pedalling Towards Active Living (PETAL): A co-designed approach to promote bike riding in young women

In Australia, twice as many men ride bikes as women – we’re working to change that. This participatory program works with women to co-design, implement and evaluate interventions that overcome the unique barriers they experience to riding a bike.