Research

The School of Behavioural and Health Sciences conducts focused research in psychology, sports science, injury prevention, physical activity and participation, elite athlete preparation, and the clinical applications of exercise in health, chronic disease and rehabilitation.

Research focus

Our research interests

Our staff are involved in various, cross-disciplinary research projects that are tackling enduring health issues in society, Australia and the world.

Research areas include examining post-trauma outcomes for emergency service worker; how early life experiences for children influence later outcomes; Identifying biomechanical and neuromuscular predictors of balance, mobility and quality of life for neurologically-impaired populations; and, studying movement patterns associated with injury in elite AFL players.

Read about our staff research interests

Student research

We have opportunities for students who have already completed a relevant bachelor degree to conduct research as part of an Honours degree. Potential research projects include:

• Establishing the validity of GPS during short duration running based activities
• Using Virtual Reality to prevent falls
• Investigating the effects of fasting and meal timing on metabolic health
• Play, exploration and physical activity

Explore the Honours research projects in Biomedical Science

Explore the Honours research projects in Exercise Science 

Explore the Honours research projects in Nutrition Science

Explore the Honours research projects in Psychology

Explore the Honours research projects in Public Health

Institutes and centres

The School of Behavioural and Health Sciences is linked to the university’s leading health and psychology research centres and institutes.

Mary Mackillop Institute for Health Research

The Mary Mackillop Institute for Health Research (MMIHR) undertakes research that addresses critical public health issues. Their research and innovative programs deliver better health outcomes that change lives.

Visit MMIHR

Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre 

The Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre (HBMRC) aims to advance knowledge critical to improving mental health, participation and well-being. The HBMRC brings together three programs of research excellence in mental health, addiction neuroscience, and disability and development.

Visit HBMRC

Sports Performance, Recovery, Injury and New Technologies Research Centre

The Sports Performance, Recovery, Injury and New Technologies (SPRINT) Research Centre aims to advance knowledge in sports performance, recovery, and injury by developing new, and using established, research techniques.

Visit SPRINT

Other research groups 

The School of Behavioural and Health Sciences have a number of staff led research labs and groups that support students to pursue research projects and interests.    

Clinical Psychology Research Lab 

The Clinical Psychology Research (CPR) lab is situated at the ACU Strathfield campus and investigates the causes and treatment of psychological disorders. In particular, they aim to advance our understanding of transdiagnostic processes to inform and improve clinical assessment and intervention. 

Visit the lab

The GrandSchools Project

This National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funded project brings together a consortium of universities and industry partners to research integrating senior living with secondary school environments.

Visit the research project