About us
The Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) is a leading research and knowledge translation centre housed in the School of Psychology and Public Health at La Trobe University.
Who we are
ARCSHS was founded in 1993, and have expertise in the areas of sex and sexual health, gender and sexuality, family violence, and alcohol and other drug consumption, as well as numerous other aligned topics.
We also have extensive experience developing the capability of health and human services to integrate evidence into practice.
Located on the La Trobe University Bundoora campus in Melbourne, ARCSHS is a community of nearly 50 academic, knowledge translation and professional support staff from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
We have a longstanding and successful higher degree research program. With more than 20 students, where we support future generations of researchers to build their skills to work in areas relevant to our purpose.
Why we are here
Our purpose is to create and translate knowledge that enables inclusion, equity, health and wellbeing, particularly as they relate to sex, gender, sexuality and relationships.
Through our research and knowledge translation work, we support better understandings of, and solutions for, social problems facing communities in Australia and the world today.
What we do
- Research: we conduct innovative research in diverse disciplines. We use a range of methodologies and approaches to generate critical new knowledge that shapes thought, practice, policy and law.
- Knowledge translation: we bring research to practice by translating evidence into actionable insights for policymakers, legislators, practitioners and communities. This helps them to identify and implement strategies to promote inclusion, equity, health and wellbeing.
Our strategic plans and annual reports
Read the previous annual reports and strategic plans.
Our leadership team
Professor Adam Bourne (he/him) has served as Director of ARCSHS since the start of 2023. A globally renowned scholar in LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing research, he also holds considerable expertise in HIV, sexual health and AOD use research. Adam holds senior appointments on numerous state and commonwealth government advisory bodies and works to ensure impact across the breath of work at the Centre.
Professor Jennifer Power (she/her) is the Deputy Director of ARCSHS and leads the Sexual Health and Wellbeing research theme at ARSCHS. She holds extensive experience in research related to sexuality, sexual health and LGBTQA+ health and wellbeing. Jennifer currently runs the Australian Secondary Students and Sexual Health survey and other projects related to sexual health and wellbeing, and digital sexual literacy.
Professor Ashleigh Lin (she/her) joined ARCSHS in late 2025 as a Professor in Diversity and Mental Health. Ashleigh is a research leader in the mental health of LGBTQIA+ youth, particularly trans and gender diverse young people. Since 2023, Ashleigh has been the President of the Australian Professional Association for Trans Health (AusPATH).
Professor Graham Brown (he/him) has been working in and researching community-led health promotion, social change, and evaluation for more than thirty years. He leads research teams focused on strengthening the role of peer-led and lived/living experience-led organisations, and investigating clinical, community, and peer service partnerships to improve the quality of life of people living with HIV.
Associate Professor Joel Anderson (he/him) is Graduate Research Coordinator at ARCSHS, where he oversees the PhD program and supports the development of future LGBTQIA+ health and wellbeing researchers. A social psychologist, his work spans prejudice, minority stress, identity, and service access. Joel plays a key leadership role in shaping ARCSHS’ research training environment and fostering collaborations across themes, ensuring HDR students thrive in a supportive and intellectually vibrant community.
Lizzy Sampson (she/her) is the Senior Operations Coordinator at ARCSHS and leads the Administration and Operations team. She has a background as an independent multidisciplinary artist and arts professional, and has contributed to several book chapters on parenting and class in the arts. Prior to working at ARCSHS, Lizzy worked in local government, not-for-profit and the tertiary sector in administration, mentoring and project management roles.
Jami Jones (she/her) is the Program Lead of Rainbow Health Australia. In her role as Program Lead, Jami leads initiatives spanning LGBTIQA+ youth, ageing, health, mental health, and family violence. Her work integrates cutting-edge research with community and sector expertise to shape inclusive services and policies that affirm and support LGBTIQA+ people. An experienced leader and strategist, Jami has spearheaded the development of numerous capability-building programs, helping a wide range of health services embed meaningful and sustainable inclusion practices.
Steven Angelides (he/him) is the Grants and Resources manager at ARCSHS. He has worked at the Centre for 14 years in a range of research and grant support roles and prior to working at ARCSHS spent 15 years in postdoctoral sexuality research across a number of Australian universities.