Our vision
Our vision is Optimal health for all women.
Our mission
Our mission is to drive better health policy and practice with high quality evidence to improve women’s health.
Who we are
The Centre for Women’s Health Research is a Research Centre of The University of Newcastle. We bring together academics, consumers, policymakers and clinicians working in women’s health research to examine the factors that affect the health and wellbeing of women across the life course.
The Centre is based at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and administers the HMRI Women’s Health Research Program. The Centre is also the NSW Regional Health Partners hub of the national Women’s Health Research, Translation and Impact Network (WHRTN).
What we do
Our research
The Centre has a critical mass of expertise and significant data assets it uses to study the complex biological, socio-economic, environmental, and interpersonal challenges that prevent women from reaching their best possible health. These data assets provide research for the development of health and social policy and service delivery programs within Australia.
Our researchers range from early career researchers to international leaders in women’s health research across diverse disciplines, including medicine, public health, gerontology, nutrition, epidemiology, social work, sociology, linguistics, and psychology.
Our current research priorities include, but are not limited to:
- Maternal health
- Sexual and reproductive health
- Healthy ageing
- Chronic conditions and preventive health
- Mental health
- Violence against women
Our main study
The Centre houses the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH), the largest and longest running study of its type in Australia.
In partnership with The University of Queensland, ALSWH has been collecting and analysing data on the physical and emotional health of 57,000 Australian women for over 26 years. This national data asset has been supported by continuous Federal Government funding. The study provides information that assists governments to plan for the future and develop policies for women of all ages.
Our services
We offer the following consultancy services:
- Study design
- Survey design & rollout
- Statistical expertise
- Qualitative analysis
- Longitudinal datasets
- Linked datasets
- Policy influence
- Program evaluation
Our stakeholders
Our stakeholders are divided into three main categories:
Financial stakeholders
including:
The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, and other Government Departments, Agencies and Funding Bodies.
Non-financial stakeholders
including:
Australian Women’s Health Network, Family Planning NSW, Women’s Health NSW, Australian Association of Gerontology, International Longevity Centre (Australia and Global Alliance), and International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics.
Health professionals
including:
Researchers, clinicians and service providers across Hunter New England, NSW Local Health Districts and in the health and aged care industries.
