Our Research

Pursuing solutions to some of the most complex social challenges drives our research.

Our work aims to transform communities and empower people. Across education, psychology, social work, sport and humanities, we equip the next generation of educators, practitioners, researchers and leaders with the skills and knowledge to support individuals and communities to reach their full potential.

Collaborating across disciplines, we are addressing major challenges such as improving mental health and wellbeing, strengthening child protection, advancing inclusive education, harnessing technology to enhance teaching practice, improving decision-making, and increasing access to services in rural and remote communities.

We are leading research to help build strong, inclusive communities where everyone can participate.

Our research sections

Research Institutes and Centres

PhD opportunities

Our research sections

The College of Human Sciences and Culture brings together researchers across three interdisciplinary research sections that address important challenges facing individuals and communities through collaborative, impactful research.

Mind, Body and Cognition
We explore the connections between psychological and biological processes, physical wellbeing, and human behaviour. Our research examines how social, cognitive, biological, and physical factors shape learning, health, performance, and everyday life to improve wellbeing and inform evidence-based practice.

Teaching and Learning
Our research focuses on improving education through inclusive and innovative teaching practices. We investigate pedagogy, curriculum, assessment, professional learning, and the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence to enhance learning outcomes across diverse educational settings.

Culture and Society
We examine the beliefs, histories, identities, and social forces that shape people and communities. Through interdisciplinary research, we explore culture, language, and society to deepen understanding, promote inclusion, and contribute to more resilient and socially just communities.

Capacity Building and Impact

Associate Professor Sarah Cohen-Woods - Capacity Building and Impact Lead

Dr Alhassan Abdullah - Capacity Building and Impact Deputy Lead

Dr Loretta Bowshall - Capacity Building and Deputy Impact Lead

Industry and Enterprise

Professor Shane Pill - Industry and Enterprise Lead

Professor Emma Thomas - Industry and Enterprise Deputy Lead

Dr Carmela Bastian - Industry and Enterprise Deputy Lead

HDR Coordinator and Training

Associate Professor Daniel King - HDR Coordinator and Training Lead

Dr Ben Lohmeyer - HDR Coordinator and Training Deputy Lead

Indigenous Partnerships

Associate Professor Tim Windsor - Indigenous Partnerships Lead

Professor Damien Riggs - Indigenous Partnerships Deputy Lead

Research institutes and centres

Flinders University Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing

The Flinders University Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing is a multi-disciplinary research institute, with a focus on research and discovery related to brain and mind and their relationship to the body.

Find out more