Nossal Institute for Global Health
Improving the public health and futures of communities through global health research, education and inclusive development
Established in 2006, the Nossal Institute for Global Health is a highly experienced, multidisciplinary team of applied researchers and practitioners working to improve the health of people in diverse settings globally, with a focus on Asia and the Pacific.
We have expertise in public health approaches, in health social sciences, and in working with governments, institutions and communities to promote development, livelihoods, resilience and equitable access to health. We use a systems lens to understand how strategies, policies and programs have an impact on the health and wellbeing of people.
Our purpose is to strengthen global health systems, equity, and outcomes through research, education, and collaboration.
Our values align with those of the wider Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences – respect, accountability, compassion, collaboration and teamwork, and integrity.
What we do
We are both a key centre within the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health and a subsidiary company of The University of Melbourne.
We conduct long-term academic research, supervise post graduate researchers and deliver teaching for the University, while also having the flexibility and specialised knowledge to be able to deliver and manage collaborative, applied projects and consultancies for a range of funders in the international development sector.
Our research and practice areas
We apply our diverse methodological and disciplinary expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, health economics, social psychology, health sociology, anthropology, co-design, and implementation science across a broad range of health issues. In particular, we work with partners on:
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Equity and Inclusion
We generate evidence and provide technical expertise to ensure those most marginalised equitably participate in, and benefit from, global health and development processes.
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Health Systems Strengthening
We support countries in strengthening the foundations of health systems – their governance, financing, workforce, information systems, service delivery, and access to essential medicines and technologies.
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One Health
We support countries, local and regional organisations, and international agencies to reduce health risks at the human-animal-environment interface and strengthen development outcomes.
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Prevention and Management of Health Conditions
Our work generates evidence about effective, accessible and inclusive approaches to preventing and managing a range of conditions that undermine health globally, and particularly in Asia and the Pacific.
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Risk, Resilience and Climate
We work at the nexus of disaster risk, climate change, and health. We work with partners to understand, reduce and prevent disaster and climate risk, including in complex environments and with displaced populations.
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Women’s Health
We promote maternal health, ensure sexual and reproductive health and rights, strengthen responses to women’s health conditions, and prevent and respond to violence against women.
Our impact
We contribute to change in policies and practice that improves communities’ and individuals’ wellbeing.
Explore more impact case studies aligned to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Our approach
We are systems thinkers. We recognise that health outcomes are reliant on multiple relationships, processes and intersecting systems. Complex interaction between political, social, cultural, economic (including industrial), agricultural and ecological factors influences our health and health systems. We advance health equity, inclusion and sustainability by drawing on and contributing to an evidence-based understanding of how these systems interact. Using a systems lens, the Nossal Institute for Global Health’s multi-disciplinary team of experts work with partners to formulate, explore, monitor and evaluate policies, strategies and programs in different settings for their impact on the health and wellbeing of people.
We support evidence building, capacity strengthening, applied research and evaluations, policy development and work in partnerships.
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We explore different elements of systems to build understanding of how social, political, economic, health, agricultural and cultural systems operate and interact to impact health at the global, national and local levels.
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We work with partners to develop relevant and sustainable skills, structures, and resources across the partnership.
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Our researchers are at the leading edge of discovery to develop, test, and validate approaches to improving global health.
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We use our expertise to work with decision makers to develop and improve policies that promote the health well being of communities and support their implementation.
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Partnership is essential to everything we do. It ensures relevance, quality, sustainability and ownership. We work with governments, academics, philanthropists, multilateral agencies, civil society partners and communities to influence health outcomes for all through evidence building and applied research. We share and translate our research into policy and practice, as well as education, learning and capacity strengthening for current and future leaders.
We share the knowledge generated through our work in a range of ways including technical and community reports, academic publications, policy briefs, using visual methods, and through the media.
Explore our knowledge products Nossal Institute news Publications
The Nossal Institute for Global Health is a leading centre of multidisciplinary research and practice dedicated to improving health outcomes across diverse global settings.
We conduct long-term academic research, supervise post graduate researchers and deliver teaching for the University, while also having the flexibility and specialised knowledge to be able to deliver and manage collaborative, applied projects and consultancies for a range of funders in the international development sector.
Our values
Our values guide our ways of working and we are committed to a diverse and inclusive culture. We work to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve. We invest in developing the careers and wellbeing of our students and staff, fostering a culture that supports us all to do our best work. We are guided by our values in our pursuit of excellence. Learn more.
Our history
The Nossal Institute for Global Health was established in 2006 to advocate for the public health of global communities and is housed within the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. Learn more
Our activities
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Custom education and training
We develop custom education services in partnership with communities, governments, and international organisations across the globe.
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Research
We apply our diverse methodological and disciplinary expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, health economics, social psychology, anthropology, and health sociology.
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Graduate research
Our Graduate Researchers produce high-impact research to address inequities, improve health outcomes and strengthen systems.
Our research and practice
We work with partners across the following research and practice areas:
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Equity and Inclusion
We generate evidence and provide technical expertise to ensure those most marginalised equitably participate in, and benefit from, global health and development processes.
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Health Systems Strengthening
We support countries in strengthening the foundations of health systems – their governance, financing, workforce, information systems, service delivery, and access to essential medicines and technologies.
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One Health
We support countries, local and regional organisations, and international agencies to reduce health risks at the human-animal-environment interface and strengthen development outcomes.
Featured content
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Prevention and Management of Health Conditions
Our work generates evidence about effective, accessible and inclusive approaches to preventing and managing a range of conditions that undermine health globally, and particularly in Asia and the Pacific.
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Risk, Resilience and Climate
We work at the nexus of disaster risk, climate change, and health. We work with partners to understand, reduce and prevent disaster and climate risk, including in complex environments and with displaced populations.
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Women’s Health
We promote maternal health, ensure sexual and reproductive health and rights, strengthen responses to women’s health conditions, and prevent and respond to violence against women.
Our leadership team
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Professor Cathy Vaughan
Director
Research Focus: Violence against women, Gender and health, Health equity -
Ankita Anand
Human Resources Manager
Professional Services -
Associate Professor Karen Block
Migration and Health, Head
Research Focus: Migrant & refugee health; Health equity & inclusion; Gender -
Professor Meghan Bohren
Gender and Women’s Health, Head
Research Focus: Maternal health; Women's health; Sexual & reproductive health rights -
Professor Angus Campbell
One Health, Head
Research Focus: One Health; Zoonoses; Animal health & production -
Muthuni Fernando
Manager - Finance
Professional Services -
Professor Sumit Kane
Social & Economic Determinants of Health, Head
Research Focus: Health systems; Health systems responsiveness; Implementation science -
Nesha Nanu
Institute Manager
Professional Services -
Matt Ralston
Chief Operating Officer
Professional Services -
Dr Alex Robinson
Disability Inclusion and Rehabilitation, Head
Research Focus: Disability; Development; Disaster risk -
Clare Strachan
Principal Advisor – Strategic Partnerships
Research Focus: Pandemic prevention, preparedness & response, & health security; Health systems, governance & financing; Communicable & non-communicable disease control -
Dr Daniel Strachan
Equitable Systems for Health, Co-head
Research Focus: Social & behaviour change communication; Health systems; Primary health care -
Dr Brigitte Tenni
Equitable Systems for Health, Co-head
Research Focus: Access to medicines; HIV/Sexual reproductive health & rights; Global health governance
Meet our multi-disciplinary team
Nossal Institute Limited directors
Nossal Institute Limited's Board is responsible for the development and oversight of the long-term strategy and performance of Nossal Institute Limited. Meet the Board.
Governance hub
As a community, Nossal Institute prioritises informed decision-making and ethical conduct. We foster a culture of integrity and are committed to transparency, fairness, and accountability. Visit our Governance hub.
Work with us
Are you interested in playing a part in strengthening the quality, affordability and inclusiveness of health systems in the Asia Pacific region?
If you want to be part of a talented team that enables you to have real world impact, browse our career opportunities.
Annual Report
Download our annual report for an overview of our performance, financial highlights, and future plans. Stay updated and informed with our progress.
The Nossal Institute is home to a highly experienced, multidisciplinary team of applied researchers. We apply our diverse methodological and disciplinary expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, health economics, social psychology, anthropology, and health sociology.
We support the strengthening of health systems towards achieving health equity, inclusion, sustainability, people-centredness, resilience and security. We engage and work with government, business and communities to understand what they need to meet their goals and objectives, and then we produce research that they can use to do this.
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We work with partners across the following research and practice areas:
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Equity and Inclusion
We generate evidence and provide technical expertise to ensure those most marginalised equitably participate in, and benefit from, global health and development processes.
-
Health systems strengthening
We support countries in strengthening the foundations of health systems – their governance, financing, workforce, information systems, service delivery, and access to essential medicines and technologies.
-
One Health
We support countries, local and regional organisations, and international agencies to reduce health risks at the human-animal-environment interface and strengthen development outcomes.
Featured content
-
Prevention and management of Health Conditions
Our work generates evidence about effective, accessible and inclusive approaches to preventing and managing a range of conditions that undermine health globally.
-
Risk, resilience and climate
We work with partners to understand, reduce and prevent disaster and climate risk, including in complex environments and with displaced populations.
-
Women's Health
We are working with partners to generate evidence, co-design solutions, and to advocate for women’s health globally.
Explore our impact
Explore more of Nossal Institute's impact
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Publications
The Nossal Institute's staff are active researchers, publishing their findings in books and leading Australian and international journals.
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Meet our Graduate Researchers
Graduate Researchers produce high-impact research to address inequities, improve health outcomes and strengthen systems.
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Knowledge Products
Our knowledge products are translational outputs stemming from our global health research, practice, and education activities.
Research in the School
The Melbourne School of Population and Global Health has a wide array of research projects that fall under our specialist school research priorities.
View research projects listed by centre or institute:
Graduate Research resources
A resource for students and supervisors seeking up to date information about policies and procedures.
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Master of Public Health
The Master of Public Health offers students the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge required for a career in global public health practice.
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Population and global health courses
We offer studies in a wide variety of disciplines including, gender and women’s health, global health, health economics and economic evaluation, health program evaluation, health social sciences, Indigenous health, primary care and sexual health.
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Professional Development Opportunities
Keep up to date with the latest research and information.
Our University of Melbourne subjects available through the Community Access Program.
We also offer free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
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Custom Education Services
Our learning and curriculum designers work closely with global health experts and advocates to develop learner-centred education, integrating the latest innovations in health practice.
Graduate Research resources
A resource for students and supervisors seeking up to date information about policies and procedures.
Connect with us
For general enquiries about the Nossal Institute for Global Health, please call us on +61 3 8344 9299 or email ni-info@unimelb.edu.au
Stay in Touch
Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter
General enquiries
I have a question about:
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Partnering with Nossal Institute’s expertise can advance and enhance your initiatives. Contact our team today to discuss your project's needs.
Email: ni-programs@unimelb.edu.au
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Our learning and curriculum designers work closely with global health experts and advocates to develop learner-centred education, integrating the latest innovations in health practice.
Contact us ni-info@unimelb.edu.au
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We are grateful for the many ways in which our alumni and donors support the work of the Institute.
To make a donation, or to discuss other ways in which you can support our program please contact:
Nesha Nanu
Institute Manager
Ph: +61 3 834 47138
Email: nesha.nanu@unimelb.edu.auAll donations above $2 are tax deductible.
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For general enquiries, you can get in contact with our communications team via email: ni-info@unimelb.edu.au
Matt Ralston (he/him) | Chief Operating Officer | Nossal Institute
T: +61 3 9035 4488
E: Matthew.Ralston@unimelb.edu.auMDHS Media Enquiries
Danielle Galvin | Media Advisor
M: +61 439 301 953
E: danielle.galvin@unimelb.edu.au -
The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and health Sciences is proud to support our growing network of Alumni. We encourage all Alumni to visit our Faculty Alumni website. Alternatively, you can get in contact by emailing the MDHS Alumni team:
Alumni also form part of a bigger network that is the University of Melbourne Alumni, reachable at the University Alumni website. You can also make contact with the Alumni Office via email:
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For general enquiries about the Nossal Institute for Global Health, please call us on +61 3 8344 9299 or email ni-info@unimelb.edu.au
For enquiries about the University of Melbourne, including future and current study, please get in touch with 13MELB. Alternatively, you can visit ask.unimelb for further information and frequently asked questions.
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Nossal Institute Newsletter
Our quarterly newsletter will keep you updated on our projects, research activities and publications.
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Support Us
Help us as we work to improve the health of disadvantaged and vulnerable people in Africa, Asia and the Pacific.
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Our Partners
We recognise partnerships and collaborations are an integral facet of work.