Research within the School


Researchers in the School of Nursing and Midwifery aim to advance research in nursing and midwifery that impacts the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities in Western Sydney and beyond. Our research efforts are focused on high quality, high impact research achieved through productive, engaged research partnerships and the provision of high quality research training for Higher Degree Research students and early career researchers.

SONM researchers work in partnership with State and Federal government, Local Health Districts; private health services; non-government and community organisations and professional bodies, to pursue research activities that accord with local and national health priorities. Our industry-based research centres and groups work closely with service-users, service providers, managers and policy makers at the local, national and international level to transform practice and improve service users’ and staff experiences and outcomes.

There are two main research concentrations in the school: Acute and Complex Care and Women, Families and Children (see diagram). We also link with many other groups of researchers and industry within and outside of Western Sydney University.

Below are several research concentrations that fall under these two main research concentrations and information about finding a Higher Research Degree (HDR) supervisor if you are planning to undertake a Higher Research Degree (Masters, Research, Masters Philosophy, PhD). We also have an Honours program in the school.

Research Themes in the School of Nursing Diagram

Click on the link below to read the 2023 Research and HDR Directorate report and find out more about  more about Research and Higher Degree Research in the school:

Watch the video below to find out more about  more about HDR in the school:

ACUTE AND COMPLEX CARE

Critical Care Research in Collaboration & Evidence Translation (CCRICeT)


Critical care research within the School aims to improve the process and experience of Critical Care for patients and their families including translation of evidence to the bedside and patient centred care.

Aims:

CCRiCET has two main aims:

  1. To improve the process and experience of Critical Care for patients and their families and build collaborations between researchers (academics) and clinicians within and between institutions to facilitate the timely translation of research to the bedside.
  2. To improve the care to patients in critical care areas by translation of evidence to the bedside. A patient centred approach that encompasses the whole of critical care experience (admission until discharge) for patients and their families will be used.

SDG's

Image SDG3 Good Health & WellingImage SDG10 Reduced Inequalities

Research Focus Areas/Streams

  • Critical Care
  • Streams:  Emergency Care, Intensive Care Services, Trauma Care and Peri-operative Care

Staff Theme members

Ageing and Aged Care Research

The Ageing and Aged Care Research Group engages in and and promotes research with older people using inclusive and holistic approaches.

Aims:

The Ageing and Aged Care Research Group aims to advance knowledge, theory, and practice to enhance the health, well-being, social inclusion, and quality of life of older adults, with a focus on those living with dementia and from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. This group is dedicated to building and sustaining ethical, meaningful partnerships between researchers, healthcare professionals, communities, and industry. Through collaborative efforts, the group seeks to develop evidence-based interventions, culturally appropriate practices, and policies that support the diverse needs of aging populations.

Vision:

  • Promote a collaborative research culture focused on the health and inclusion of older adults, especially those with dementia and from CALD communities.
  • Foster a supportive research environment for students, researchers, and academic staff.
  • Strengthen strategic partnerships at local, national, and international levels.
  • Expand the evidence base for aging, dementia, and CALD-focused care.
  • Build a research community dedicated to innovative solutions for diverse aging populations.

SDG's

Image SDG3 Good Health & WellingImage SDG4 Quality EducationImage SDG5 Gender Equality
Image SDG10 Reduced InequalitiesImage SDG11 Sustainable GoalsImage SDG17 Partnerships

Research Focus Areas/Streams

  • Age-friendly and healthy ageing initiatives
  • Ageing and Culture
  • Aged Care and Primary Health Workforce Development
  • Ageing and Aged Care Education
  • Carer Support
  • CALD and Refugee Health
  • Dementia Care
  • Frailty and Functional Changes
  • Gerontology Nursing
  • Nutrition in Older People
  • Oral Health
  • Palliative Care
  • Social Inclusion

Staff Theme members

Disability and Chronic Conditions Research


Advancing our knowledge, theory and practice to enhance the health, social inclusion and economic participation of people living with a disability.

Aims:

The disability and chronic conditions theme is focused on promoting better health and social outcomes for people with disabilities and chronic conditions. This includes children, young people and adults with lifelong or acquired disabilities. The types of research conducted within the theme aims to improve, rather than just describe, outcomes and to promote good practices that lead to rich and self-determined lives.

Vision:

  • Promote an active, collegial research culture in the area of disability and chronic conditions
  • Create a scholarly research culture within the School
  • Enable the development of ideas and partnerships
  • Facilitate collaborations between researchers, industry, individuals and communities
  • Develop and expand the evidence base
  • Foster a focused and sustained research community based on common interests
  • Secure and build on research strengths.

SDG's

Image SDG1 PovertyImage SDG3 Good Health & WellingImage SDG4 Quality Education
Image SDG5 Gender EqualityImage SDG8 Decent Work and Economic Growth 

Research Focus Areas/Streams

  • Intellectual and developmental disability:  Social inclusion and participation, nursing and disability workforce, oral health
  • Chronic conditions such as Diabetes
  • Rehabilitation Nursing

Staff Theme members

WOMEN, FAMILIES AND CHILDREN

Mother, Infant & Family Network (MIFam) Network

MIFam works with women, families and health and community groups to research and facilitate positive health outcomes for women in pregnancy, birth, the postnatal and early parenting.

MIFam is a collaboration of researchers in the School of Nursing and Midwifery whose work focuses on pregnancy, birth, neonatal and postnatal care and the transition to parenting. MIFam members work with women and families, health practitioners and community groups, and relevant stakeholders, to facilitate positive health outcomes during the first 2000 days. The MIFam group has a committed and sustained presence in Western Sydney, having worked with community and industry on collaborative research projects over the last 10 years. MIFam hosts events such as conferences and webinars and encourages engagement in all aspects of the theme activities. MIFam celebrates the importance of research that is grounded in the lived experiences of participants and recognises the importance of cultural safety and humility.

Aims:

The MIFam network aims to:

  1. Improve health outcomes for individuals and families during the first 2000 days from conception to age 5, through valuing community engagement and co-design. Our work is focused on optimising outcomes during pregnancy, birth, and postnatal periods, and for neonates, and young children.
  2. Inform policy and system change, through novel models of maternity and neonatal care and supporting parents social and emotional health and wellbeing.

SDG's

Image SDG2 Zero HungerImage SDG3 Good Health & WellingImage SDG4 Quality Education
Image SDG5 Gender EqualityImage SDG10 Reduced Inequalities 

Research focus Areas/Streams

MiFam has 4 program areas. These are:

  • Supporting models of care and optimal pregnancy and birth outcomes
  • Supporting parents sociocultural and psychological health and wellbeing
  • Supporting breastfeeding and infant and young child feeding practices
  • Optimising outcomes for neonates, infants and their families

Staff Theme members

Women's Health Network


Women's Health Researchers within the School of Nursing and Midwifery are committed to improving the health and well-being of women.

Aims:

Our research is committed to improving the health of women and is aligned with the United Nations sustainable development goals of good health and well-being and gender equality. Our work spans the broad topic areas of Women’s health screening and Assessment, Health Promotion, Domestic and Family Violence, Underserved and marginalised groups and Gender equality and empowerment. We believe that nurses and midwives are well positioned to advocate for women and drive cultural change that seeks to improve sustainable health outcomes for women across the lifespan.

SDG's

Image SDG3 Good Health & WellingImage SDG5 Gender Equality

Research Focus Areas/Streams

  • Women’s Health Screening and Assessment
  • Health Promotion
  • Domestic and Family Violence
  • Underserved and Marginalised Groups
  • Gender Equality and Empowerment

Staff Theme members

CROSS ARCHING RESEARCH STRENGTHS

Innovation and Discovery in Education and Technology Enhanced Learning and Caring Research (IDEATE)


The Innovation and Discovery in Education and Technology Enhanced Learning and Caring Research (IDEATE) Group conducts collaborative educational and workplace research projects, including those focussing on academic literacy, student retention, preparedness for the workforce, optimising clinical placement and student engagement.

Aims:

Innovation and Discovery in Education and technology enhanced learning and caring – IDEATE aims to encourage research that promotes discovery and innovations in undergraduate and postgraduate education of healthcare professionals and translates into positive change across all healthcare settings.

Mental Health Research


 Research into mental health is a priority in the School and is evidenced through projects that  address mental health across the lifespan and within the community and mental health facilities.

Aims:

The Mental Health research stream brings together researchers in the school, along with external partners, to work on research and inform education in the area of mental health.

The aims of the Mental Health Theme are to:

  • Design and lead research studies which consider the lived experiences of people with mental health concerns / mental illness and their families.
  • Creates research opportunities which promote social inclusivity for people experiencing mental health concerns and mental illness.
  • Increase lived experience co-design research opportunities.
  • Engage with industry to positively influence practice development.
  • Create development opportunities for School of Nursing and Midwifery mental health researchers.
  • Strengthen links between mental health research and teaching and learning.

SDG's

Image SDG3 Good Health & WellingImage SDG4 Quality EducationImage SDG10 Reduced Inequalities

Research Focus Areas/Streams

  • Experts by Experience / Lived Experiences of Mental Illness
  • Mental Health Teaching and Learning
  • Mental Health Professional Development
  • Streams include:  Experts by Experience in the University Context; Mental Health Education, Assessment and Feedback; Suicide Bereavement; Parents' Experiences of Autism; Chronic Pain; Spirituality and Suicidality.

Staff Theme members

Oral Health (Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health - ACIOH)


The Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health (ACIOH) is the first research centre of its kind in Australia and focuses on interdisciplinary oral health and capacity building and training non-oral health professionals and undergraduate students in providing oral health education, screening and referrals to their patients.

Aims:

Oral health is an integral part of general health and is known to impact various systematic conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and pregnancy. However, this remains under-recognised, with the population lacking awareness of the importance of oral health, and a lack of emphasis on oral care in general clinical practice and patient care.

The focus of ACIOH is on capacity building and training the health workforce, students and unpaid caregivers in providing integrated oral health care, including education, screening and referrals. We also focus on priority populations across the lifespan, and ensure their integrated oral health needs are met.

SDG's

Image SDG3 Good Health & WellingImage SDG10 Reduced Inequalities

Research Focus Areas/Streams

  • Oral Health

Staff Theme members

Translational Research and Social Innovation (TReSI)


 TReSI conducts translational research that develops and supports implementation of social and system innovations.

Translational Research and Social Innovation (TReSI) is an Implementation Science hub of expertise that supports the translation of evidence into sustainable practice for relationship-based health and social services.

TReSI is situated within the School of Nursing and Midwifery in Western Sydney University and is accountable to the Dean of the School through the Director of TReSI.

A dedicated team of researchers, analysts, clinicians and field workers generate evidence to promote child, youth and family health and wellbeing, supporting our partners to successfully apply this evidence to their programs of work.

Aims:

Our vision is to be known for our expertise in implementation science that is shared through teaching, mentoring, and consultation; with our staff recognised as research specialists in the generation of evidence to promote child, youth, and family health and wellbeing.

Our purpose is: To generate knowledge of effective interventions to improve the health and wellbeing of children, youth and families

and

To improve knowledge and understanding of implementation science in order to increase the capability of researchers, policy makers and practitioners to rapidly and sustainably translate their evidence into practice.

SDG's

Image SDG.1Image SDG3 Good Health & WellingImage SDG10 Reduced Inequalities

Research Focus Areas/Streams

  • Child, youth, and family health and wellbeing
  • Translational research and implementation science

Staff Theme members

  • The Centre Director:  Distinguished Professor Lynn Kemp
  • Fiona Byrne (Research Officer)
  • Emma Elcombe (Senior Research Officer – Statistical Analyst)
  • Dr Kathy Donohoe (Senior Research Officer – Statistical Analyst)
  • Tracey Bruce (MECSH Implementation Consultant – Australia)
  • Lorna Corbett (MECSH Implementation Consultant – USA)
  • Beulah Hook (MECSH Implementation Consultant – UK)
  • Wendy Sumpton (MECSH Implementation Consultant – UK)
  • Dr Sharin Baldwin (Research Fellow – UK)

Our School of Nursing and Midwifery Research Collaborations are:

The South Western Sydney Health Nursing and Midwifery Alliance (SWS NMRA)

The South Western Sydney Health Nursing and Midwifery Alliance (SWS NMRA) collaborates with the health sector (NBMLHD; NSW Health; ATSI Health organisations), relevant industry, and the University’s Research Institutes (e.g. THRI), Centres and Groups; and seeks opportunities for Research Fellowships.

The South Western Sydney Health Alliance (SWS NMRA) is jointly supported by Western Sydney University (WSU) and the South Western Sydney Local Health District. (SWSLHD).

Aims:

The aim of the alliance is to develop and strengthen the LHD’s reputation as a leader in Health Research, resulting in translational practice change. Implement translational research to integrate evidence into person-centred practice, transform clinical service delivery through research and data analytics, promote multidisciplinary research activity and ccollaborate with clinicans to generate empowering Nursing and Midwifery Research in SWS.  Current areas of research include renal, critical care, paediatrics and disaster research. Since the inception of the SWS NMRA, currently there are 7 SWSLHD nurses and midwives enrolling in the Higher Degree in Research program in Western Sydney University.

SDG's

Image SDG3 Good Health & WellingImage SDG.4 Quality EducationImage SDG.8 Decent Work Economic Growth
Image SDG.9Image SDG.11Image SDG.17

Staff Theme members

The Centre Directors:    Professor Josephine Chow and Professor Ally Hutton

Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Research (CNMR)


 The Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Research (CNMR) collaborates with the health sector (NBMLHD; NSW Health; ATSI Health organisations), relevant industry, and the University’s Research Institutes (e.g. THRI), Centres and Groups; and seeks opportunities for Research Fellowships.

The Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Research, a conjoint research Centre (, is jointly supported by the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University and Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District. The academics at the CNMR engage in translational nursing and midwifery research, supporting clinicians to undertake research that leads to an evidence-based change in practice, enhances person and woman-centred outcomes and wellbeing and supports a positive workplace culture. In our clinical leadership capacity, we build teams and involve clinicians as well as academic researchers that focus on novel and contemporary research projects to improve the outcomes for patients, consumers, women and babies.

Aims:

  • Build research capacity in the NBMLHD and at Western Sydney University through nursing and midwifery research in NBMLHD
  • Affect practice change in nursing and midwifery through translational research strategies
  • Diversify research income through collaborative partnerships
  • Improve ERA performance and quality
  • Develop engagement and impact strategies
  • Develop theme areas in research

In addition, the Centre aims to develop a strong narrative that promotes CNMR's capabilities and articulates their niche in the regional, national and international research landscape.

SDG's

Image SDG.5 Gender EqualityImage SDG.16

Staff Theme members

The Centre Director:  Associate Professor Lauretta Luck
Kamil Abdallah (Research Officer)

Find out more about the Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Research (CNMR).

Australian Centre for Integrated Oral Health (ACIOH)


 ACIOH is the first research centre of its kind in Australia and focuses on interdisciplinary oral health and capacity building and training non-oral health professionals and undergraduate students in providing oral health education, screening and referrals to their patients.

It is recommended that non-oral health professionals such as nurses, midwives and doctors play a more active role in promoting oral health among their patients. To facilitate this, South Western Sydney Local Health District Oral Health Service and the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Western Sydney University have formed the Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health (ACIOH); a new and innovative research centre affiliated with, and located within, the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research.

The ACIOH research programs include oral health in pregnancy; paediatric oral health; oral health of Aboriginal people; oral health and cardiovascular health and stroke; oral health and cancer; oral health and diabetes; oral health, ageing and palliative care; oral health and disability.

Find out about the ACIOH Research Projects within the School of Nursing and Midwifery.

The New South Wales Centre for Evidence Based Health Care (NSWCEBHC): A JBI Centre of Excellence


 Generating systematic review evidence and training to improve healthcare outcomes globally.

JBI Logo

Aims:

Our vision is to be known for our expertise in implementation science that is shared through teaching, mentoring, and consultation; with our staff recognised as research specialists in the generation of evidence to promote child, youth, and family health and wellbeing.

Our purpose is: To generate knowledge of effective interventions to improve the health and wellbeing of children, youth and families

and

To improve knowledge and understanding of implementation science in order to increase the capability of researchers, policy makers and practitioners to rapidly and sustainably translate their evidence into practice.

SDG's

Image SDG3 Good Health & WellingImage SDG.5 Gender Equality

Research Focus Areas/Streams

  • JBI and its collaborating entities promote and support the synthesis, transfer, and utilisation of evidence through identifying feasible, appropriate, meaningful, and effective healthcare practices to assist in the improvement of healthcare outcomes globally.
  • The NSWCEBHC provides leadership and collaborative opportunities in systematic review evidence generation and mentorship for health students and professionals. NSWCEBHC conducts regular JBI Comprehensive Systematic Review Training Program and provide continuing mentoring support in undertaking the systematic review

Staff Theme members

Western Sydney Midwifery Research Centre (WSMRC)


 To lead, empower and support nurses and midwives to conduct high-quality research to improve the health outcomes for individuals and the Greater Western Sydney region.

The research centre is a collaboration between Western Sydney Local Health District and Western Sydney University.

Aims:

The aims of the WSMRC are to promote critical enquiry and engage in midwifery research to strengthen excellence, innovation, integration and dissemination of evidence in practice. The research has a strategic focus on keeping the people of Western Sydney healthy while showcasing the impact of midwifery on patient and family outcome and experience.

Find out about Higher Degree Research Opportunities

Contact an Academic within the School