Our research

Pursuing solutions to some of the most difficult social challenges drives us.

Our research aims to transform communities and empower people. We are equipping the next generation of educators, psychologists, social workers and leaders with the skills and knowledge to assist all members of society reach their full potential.

Collaborating across disciplines, we are breaking ground on major social challenges such as eating disorders, improving protection for children, harnessing technology for the best teaching practices now and into the future, enhancing decision making and improving access to services in rural and remote locations.

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

Our research sections

Research Institutes and Centres

PhD opportunities

Our research sections

Professor Raj Shekhawat, Dean of Research at the College of EPSW, has strategically executed the Research Excellence Framework in 2023 by employing a collaborative co-design approach and engaging in extensive consultation with key stakeholders. This has culminated in the establishment of four pivotal research leadership domains:

Capacity Building and Impact
Industry and Enterprise
HDR Coordinator and Training
Indigenous Partnerships

These domains are championed by a lead and deputies, made up of senior accomplished researchers and dynamic early/mid-career researchers, working towards achieving impactful research outcomes and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within the College of EPSW.

Professor Raj Shekhawat, Dean (Research), College of Education Psychology and Social Work

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.

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Social Work Innovation Research Living Space (SWIRLS)

The Social Work Innovation Research Living Space (SWIRLS) is a unique and innovative concept using the 'living lab' approach. We are bringing together practitioners with policy makers to conduct research in life, not in the lab.

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