About us
Australia's leading research group in the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector.
Our Story
The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre is a world leader in research, policy advice, and interventions across the alcohol and other drugs sector (AOD), based at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
Established in 1986 in response to an emerging crisis of heroin use, NDARC has been Australia’s leading, internationally renowned research centre for over 35 years. We are at the forefront of national and international evidence-based responses to health challenges related to alcohol and other drugs. Our work saves lives and builds the fabric for the health and well-being of the community.
NDARC has shaped national and state policy on social, illicit and prescription drug use, informed the World Health Organisation’s guidelines and scheduling for buprenorphine and cannabis, and provided evidence for clinical interventions for alcohol, opioids, cannabis, smoking and more. Our research has positively affected the lives of thousands of people, their families and communities in Australia and worldwide.
Our research revolves around the lived and living experience of the use of alcohol and other drugs. Coupled with rigorous and innovative research excellence and bolstered by independence of thought, NDARC’s approach has been the compass for insightful and empathetic decision-making. We leave no challenge unanswered to achieve tangible, beneficial health outcomes for people, families and communities.
NDARC has shifted the focus away from disease and addiction to a more holistic view of the complex challenges associated with use and associated harms. By marrying research with real-world problems, NDARC generates the highest-quality evidence across an array of fields that directly influence harm reduction in diverse populations. Our multidisciplinary research activities integrate vertically and horizontally across the entire sector, translating into far-reaching and impactful health approaches.
Focusing on Australia and its growing place in the Asia Pacific region, NDARC is locally motivated to achieve global impact.
Our Mission
A world without alcohol and other drug-related harm.
At NDARC, we are relentlessly pursuing new and innovative responses to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug problems.
Our Values
Our goals and activities are underpinned by a set of core values. Aligned with UNSW behaviours in action, these values continue to elevate NDARC as a nationally and internationally renowned research centre.
Excellence: We have an unwavering commitment to conduct and disseminate locally and globally relevant research.
Integrity: We are committed to uncompromising independence in research, evaluation, and advice to remain the compass for the AOD sector, nationally and internationally.
Innovation: We employ creative thinking to support new and responsive ways of understanding and approaching harms.
Collaboration: We engage with communities and partners across sectors and the globe to ensure excellence, impact, and reach.
Diversity: We actively work to oppose stigma and discrimination in research, policy, and practice by employing a diverse research team and integrating lived experience.
Respect: We centre our work on the well-being of those suffering harm, their families, and their communities.
