Goal #3 Good Health & Wellbeing | Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

$25.9m

record donation

UNSW received a record $25.9 million donation from the Swire Group, which will allow the Kirby Institute to screen thousands of women in seven Pacific countries for cervical cancer.

1200+

trees on campus

UNSW is the proud caretaker of more than 1200 trees on campus. We welcome visitors to enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of our green spaces on campus throughout the year.

In this video, Dr Kristen Beek and Dr Sophia Lin from the School of Population Health, UNSW, break down some of the key challenges behind SDG #3.

Our work

Record donation to eliminate cervical cancer in the Pacific

UNSW received a record $25.9 million donation from the Swire Group, which will allow the Kirby Institute to screen thousands of women in seven Pacific countries for cervical cancer. Rates of cervical cancer in the Pacific are among the highest in the world, with women there up to 14 times more likely to die from cervical cancer than women in Australia. The largest single philanthropic donation in UNSW’s history, it will enable working with regional partners to support vital cervical screening and treatment services for over 130,000 women.

New institute for health engineering

The new Tyree Foundation Institute of Health Engineering will focus on addressing major 21st century health issues, leveraging UNSW’s partnerships with local healthcare providers and industry. Flagship projects include using telehealth to help people with chronic diseases better manage their medications and targeting innovations for the ageing population.

Addressing water insecurity in Walgett

Research from UNSW’s partnership with the Dharriwaa Elders Group found the bore water that Walgett residents rely on for drinking contains 15 times the recommended level of sodium for people with diabetes and heart issues. With 40% of residents worried about access to safe drinking water and survey results showing that the poor drinking water is having severe negative effects on household expenses and food security, UNSW is backing the DEG’s calls to government for a safe alternative water source.

Research partnerships in Papua New Guinea

Led by the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney and the PNG Institute of Medical Research, researchers are working together to improve HIV viral load testing and detection of drug resistance in Papua New Guinea. PNG has the highest burden of HIV in the Pacific region and a rise in drug resistance in the region has proven particularly problematic for those currently on or about to commence HIV treatment.

Nature prescriptions for health

In partnership with the University of Wollongong, UNSW published research that found spending time in nature – especially with trees – improved physical and mental health in patients, including lowering blood pressure and anxiety scores. The research team are now focusing on how nature prescriptions can be implemented in Australia, with the UK and Canada already trialling programs.

AI helping dementia patients

UNSW created an AI character with dementia called Viv who can talk to patients about dementia or any other interests, such as gardening, which provides companionship and can help calm people experiencing emotional distress. The innovation is being tested in aged care centres where residents have limited social opportunities.

World Mental Health Day 2024

At UNSW, we believe universities have a responsibility to not only support our students and staff, but drive innovations in health and wellbeing that help people around the world. Founded by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, World Mental Health Day is observed annually to raise awareness and promote positive change in mental health.

Green spaces on campus

UNSW has more than 120,000 square metres of landscaped gardens and areas and almost three-quarters of this area in sporting fields, including the Village Green Precinct which recently underwent a $40m redevelopment with installation of a new 16 million-litre below ground stormwater infiltration tank providing a sustainable water source on campus.

We are the proud caretakers of over 1200 trees on the Kensington campus and our trees are managed through a tree database system and an interactive tree plan of the campus.

There is a growing body of evidence that even an outlook on trees and other greenspace can significantly improve mood and has even been shown to accelerate recovery of people in hospitals. UNSW welcomes visitors to enjoy the benefits of the green spaces on campus all year round, free of charge.

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Centres, institutes and partnerships

Ageing Futures Institute

The UNSW Ageing Futures Institute is a global leader in ageing research and research translation. With a network of world-leading researchers and access to collaborators in government, industry and the community, the Institute is uniquely positioned to effectively address the challenges and opportunities of an ageing population.

The Kirby Institute is a leading global research institute dedicated to the

The Kirby Institute

The Kirby Institute is a leading global research institute dedicated to the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Established in 1986 in response to the then emerging HIV epidemic, the Institute now contributes to knowledge on a broad range of diseases, including viral hepatitis and sexually transmissible infections.

Four people standing on top of a building near a plant.

New Health Translation Hub

Major work is underway on the $600 million UNSW Health Translation Hub, one of the marquee developments within the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct. The Health Translation Hub is a key outcome of the collaboration between the NSW Government and UNSW to strengthen the precinct and improve health outcomes for the community.

New medical research building

The new Integrated Acute Services Building (IASB) launched in 2023. The 10-storey IASB will house state-of-the-art research, clinical innovations and UNSW teaching facilities. It is also a space where researchers, clinicians, industry partners and public health experts can collaborate to translate research into clinical practice.

Photo of people resting whilst on a hike

The Centre for Social Research in Health (CSRH)

With over 30 years of experience, the CSRH conducts social and behavioural health research into chronic health conditions, HIV and sexual health and undertakes health promotion and harm reduction. They are leaders in their fields, with a strong reputation in the academic community, lending authority to the work and influence of public debate.

RNA Institute

A first-of-its-kind RNA pilot manufacturing facility to translate mRNA and RNA research into home-grown therapeutics and vaccines. The facility is Australia’s leading RNA research institute, run in partnership with NSW and ACT universities through the NSW RNA Bioscience Alliance and led by UNSW Science Professor Pall Thordarson.

Shaping the future of rural health: Hosted by UNSW Medicine & Health

Medical Outreachers Australia

Medical Outreachers Australia (MOA) is a UNSW-based student-run health outreach organisation. Key initiatives include health-related conferences and educational campaigns, volunteering with health testing on campus with UNSW Health & Wellbeing, and highly popular annual outreaches to Dubbo, NSW and a range of overseas destinations.

Community Exercise Clinic class with students

The Lifestyle Clinic

The Lifestyle Clinic provides physical activity, lifestyle and health programs for the prevention and management of chronic disease, injury and disability. Run by the School of Health Sciences, the clinic is linked with UNSW researchers and clinicians and delivered by Accredited Exercise Physiologists and Exercise Physiology students.

Students learning in the Medicine & Health facilities at the UNSW Kensington campus

UNSW School of Population Health partnerships

The School of Population Health partners with leaders in public health, general practice and peak bodies to conduct impact-focused research and deliver teaching programs that equip the future health workforce with the skills to tackle the biggest population health challenges, today and in the future.

Visitors & the community

At UNSW, we are committed to the health of students, staff and the wider community and offer a range of free and affordable services including optometry and psychology.

Mental health support for students & staff

The UNSW Health Service provides mental health support to students and staff. Students have access to confidential counselling services through Mental Health Connect the Mind Hub provides a central place to access resources, and UNSW's Employee Assistance Program is available to all staff and their immediate family members.

Good Food Charter

The Good Food Charter supports the UNSW community of students, staff, retailers and catering services to improve access to nutritious and affordable on campus. It was developed by the UNSW Health Promotions Unit, UNSW Wellbeing, The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW Estate Management and Arc Student Life.

Michael Kidd | UNSW and the Future of Australian Health Care

What would a future with better more equitable healthcare look like? Professor Michael Kidd AO explores the pivotal role of UNSW in shaping the future of Australian health care - looking at the University's innovative research, cutting-edge technologies, and commitment to addressing the nation's most pressing health challenges.

Through real-world examples and forward-thinking strategies, Professor Kidd paints a vision of a future where Australian health care is more accessible, efficient, and equitable, driven by the pioneering efforts of institutions like UNSW.

Adam Bayes on Mind-Altering Mental Health

Adam Bayes is a leader in the mental health field, working as a clinical academic psychologist at UNSW and a senior research fellow at the Black Dog Institute specialising in mood disorders including depressive and bipolar disorders.

In this Sydney Writers' Festival podcast, Adam shares his cutting-edge research and clinical experience such as using ketamine to treat severe and treatment-resistant depression, a new development with promising results.

Listen to the podcast

SDGs x Stress Less Week 2023

UNSW students were treated to some well deserved fun and relaxation at Stress Less Week in 2023, all while learning more about the SDGs.

Stress Less Week encourages students to prioritise mental health and wellbeing, and is a week of activities, workshops and freebies each term.

SEXtember 2024

UNSW’s annual sexual health and relationships festival, SEXtember, is an opportunity to break down taboos around sex and sexuality, promote healthy relationships and encourage sex-positive conversations in the University community. The festival is run by UNSW's Health Promotions Unit and Safer Communities.

The 2024 program included a webinar with Matt Brown, TEDx speaker and author of She Is Not Your Rehab, on tackling gendered-based violence through a mental health lens, a workshop on how to be an active bystander, an online Q&A with relationship and sex ed expert Georgia Grace, and free STI testing for the UNSW community.

David Cooper Lecture | Julia Gillard in conversation with Tegan Taylor

COVID-19 has posed particular challenges for women, and had significant impacts on mental health. Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard joined journalist Tegan Taylor for an evening of conversation exploring how to leverage science and make advances in health available to everyone.

RNA Institute

Following a $96 million investment from the state government, the first-of-its-kind RNA pilot manufacturing facility is strengthening Australia's RNA capability.

Population ageing

Population ageing is one of humanity’s most pressing challenges. The UNSW Ageing Futures Institute will conduct research and translate it into policy and practical outcomes, to enable optimal ageing for individuals and society.

Cellular Genomics

Cellular Genomics is the next great revolution in medicine. The UNSW Cellular Genomics Futures Institute will invent technologies to decode individual cell DNA, chromatin, RNA, and protein outputs that will be used for precise diagnosis and precision treatment of human disease.

COVID-19 modelling to assist future pandemic responses

Over 70 people from the School of Population Health, including staff & at least 30 students contributed their time and skills to the COVID response in Sydney, across NSW, nationally & internationally. Responses have included data modelling for both State and Federal Governments in addition to regional modelling for the World Health Organization Office of the Western Pacific. School experts have contributed to multiple COVID response committees and in the media.

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Supporting health systems and policies in the Asia Pacific

UNSW Sydney is the lead academic institute to the Asia Pacific Observatory (APO) on Health Systems and Policies, and the UNSW School of Population Health is one of five universities across the Asia-Pacific region that provides policy research inputs to the APO. The School has provided evidence-based policy advice to Pacific leaders to address pertinent policy challenges including the ageing Pacific population, the use of digital health for universal health coverage goals, and health system governance and financing reform.

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UNSW 2025 Strategy Update

The 2025 Strategy commits the University to solving this century's biggest health challenges and moving health care into the future. This will be achieved by developing globally relevant approaches to health services research, to ensure effective translation of health care models and delivery. This document celebrates the key achievements of the first phase of the 2025 Strategy, highlighting where we have come from and where we are now.

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