About us

Established in 1990 as the National Centre in HIV Social Research, we have over 30 years of experience in social and behavioural health research. Our work makes a crucial contribution to the Australian response to blood borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections, opens in a new window by examining the social aspects of:

• HIV
• viral hepatitis and injecting drug use
• sexual health
• sexuality and education
• substance use and mental health
• the health of Aboriginal Australians.

Our researchers

Are leaders in their fields, with a strong reputation in the academic community, lending authority to our work and influence to public debate. We are committed to contributing to effective policy and practice by working in partnership with the community, government and our research partners.   

We work closely with a wide range of national and international research, community and health partners, and receive funding from a range of sources, including:

• the Australian Government Department of Health
• state and territory government departments/ministries of health
• competitive funding bodies
• partner organisations
• international sources.

In 2019 our research program expanded to include digital health and translational research through the work of SHARP Professor Deborah Lupton, opens in a new window and the Vitalities Lab, opens in a new window.

Our mission

To undertake and promote exemplary social and behavioural science research in health that informs and strengthens knowledge, policy and practice.

Our values

Our work is guided by our commitment to:

• integrity and excellence in academic research
• adopting a multidisciplinary approach to research and education
• actively ensuring our unique and critical perspectives are heard
• collaborating and engaging with affected communities
• valuing diversity and promote equity.