Our research and its impact

La Trobe has a proud history of undertaking research to address pressing societal needs, never shying away from progressive and at times controversial topics. Our strong drive, combined with our breadth of expertise, means that La Trobe researchers are sought after for the understanding and impact that they bring to pressing questions.

For two years in a row, La Trobe University has placed fourth in the world for its global impact in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. Our progress towards to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) includes being first in Australia for economic growth and gender equality, and first globally for life on land.

An Impact Minute

At La Trobe, our researchers are making a real difference in the community, for the nation, and around the world. Got a minute to spare? Check out An Impact Minute in the playlist below (click the playlist icon on the top right to navigate all of them).

Engagement and Impact Awards

Winning team

Dr Timothy Jones (School of Humanities and Social Sciences) and team, including Dr Jennifer Power, Prof. Tiffany Jones, Nathan Despott, Dr Joel Anderson, Dr Maria Pallotta-Chiarolli and Percy Gurtler  
This team has been recognised for their high impact work on the harm caused by LGBTQA+ conversion practices and the human rights of communities affected by these approaches.
Their work is recognised both in Australia and internationally. It has pioneered new ground in the field by initiating much needed difficult conversations and resulting in tangible and visible societal change. Their multi-disciplinary approach and clear focus has seen them secure Category 1 funding to progress their research and further maximise its impact. The team has been invited to present their research to the UN Human Rights Council, as well as international NGOs and jurisdictions investigating law reform in this space.

Highly Commended

Prof. Jodi Oakman (School of Psychology and Public Health) for her development of a risk management toolkit to prevent musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace. The toolkit is now used by over 200 organisations across a range of different sectors.

Winning team

Dr Andrea WalingAssociate Professor Adam BourneAssociate Professor Anthony Lyons and Gene Lim

This team has been recognised for their impactful work from their research project Understanding LGBTIQ+ Lives in Crisis. The project sought to examine experiences and barriers to accessing acute mental health support services for LGBTIQA+ communities, a population known to face disproportionately high levels of mental ill-health and suicidality. The outputs of the project continue to contribute significant impact occurring at local, state, and national levels regarding mental health and LGBTIQA+ people in Australia.

Highly Commended

  • Dr Anne-Marie Laslett for her work in reducing harm from others’ drinking. Anne-Marie’s work has generated change policy that is international in scope.
  • Dr Rebecca Chisholm and Dr Joel Miller for their work on COVID-19 modelling, which was rapidly adopted in practice with immediate local, state and national impacts.

You can read more about our 2021 Research Awards and our winners here.

Winner
Dr Dana WongDr Wong’s impactful research leads to better access to evidence-based, cost-effective interventions to improve the lives of survivors of acquired brain injury and their families. Dr Wong’s strategic engagement with various stakeholders at all levels and the dissemination of her work has influenced practice, change clinical skills and knowledge which will lead to lasting impact for clinicians and their patients.

Highly Commended
Dr Tim Jones & Dr Jennifer Power — Dr Jones and Dr Power’s research focuses on improving the health and wellbeing outcomes for LGBT people of faith, through partnership and engagement with stakeholder advocacy groups and policy makers.

Winner
Dr Anita Smith — Dr Smith's research has been the basis of three successful World Heritage nominations in the Pacific region and, working alongside Indigenous communities, she has had significant impact on the protection and management of current and potential World Heritage sites to ensure Australia meets its obligations under the World Heritage Convention.

Our Research Impact Strategy

At La Trobe we’re committed to maximising the contribution our research makes to the economy, society, environment and culture, beyond the contribution to academic research. The Research Impact Strategy sets out the actions we will take to support our researchers to achieve this.

Our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

La Trobe is a university known for making a positive difference in the lives of our students, partners and communities. We are committed to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which underpin both our 2030 Strategic Plan and Research 2030 plan.

To read about how we have aligned our priorities to the SDGs and how we are making an impact, click on the SDGs through Impact Report button below.