Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine research profile

Research is an integral part of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine’s success. We pride ourselves on our innovative and entrepreneurial commitment to research excellence by world-class academics in collaboration with regional, national and global industry and government partners..

Our diverse and influential research spans a range of fields including Medical and Health Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Public Health and Health Services, Human Movement and Sports Science, and Nutrition and Dietetics. Our strengths in innovation and connection maximise the impact of our research, while providing valuable opportunities for our staff, students and the healthcare sector. 

The pillars supporting our research profile include niche areas of research excellence, researcher capacity building and a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program providing personalised support.

A message from the Executive Dean

  • “Our vision is empowering people to improve health through collaboration, innovative education and research. This is underpinned by our values of courage, respect and integrity. 

    Research is central to what we do and informs our teaching, practice and partnerships. Though we are a small University, we have outstanding areas of research excellence which are known nationally and internationally. 

    The Faculty continues to develop these with a focus on collaborative, interdisciplinary research activity with the aim of improving health and healthcare services."

    Professor Nick Zwar - Executive Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine
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University Research Centre

Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare

The Institute delivers world-class research, engagement and training that serves as a national and international resource for scholars, clinicians, system leaders, patients and families in the implementation of evidence-based clinical care. The effective integration of research into practice contributes to the health and healthcare of Australians, influences health policy, improves global health outcomes, and enhances Bond University as a leading private and independent University. 

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Faculty Research Centres

Centre for Urology Research

The mission of the Centre for Urology Research is to enhance our knowledge of the lower urinary tract with the aim of developing new treatments or enhancing current treatments for a range of conditions.

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Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine

The Centre supports studies in the broader field of regenerative medicine and stem cell biology, combining stem cell science, biomaterials, tissue engineering, tissue regeneration, intelligent drug delivery, immunity and inflammation, and advanced surgery.

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Tactical Research Unit

The TRU is a network of multidisciplinary international experts who investigate ways to optimise the physical and cognitive capabilities, and safety of tactical personnel – whether military, law enforcement, firefighters, or first responder organisations.

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Translational Simulation Collaborative

Translational simulation is about improving patient care. Carefully designed and delivered simulation activities can help rigorously review healthcare team and system performance, and then help design and test improvements.

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Facilities

The Faculty of Health Science & Medicine is one of the most technologically advanced medical teaching facilities in the southern hemisphere with a suite of laboratories, testing equipment and consultation areas – all of which are also available to our academic and HDR research community.  This includes:

  • Bond Institute of Health and Sport (BIHS)
  • High Performance Training Centre
  • Biomedical and Health Sciences Laboratories
  • Exercise and Sport Science Laboratories
  • Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy Facilities
  • Dr John Kearney Anatomy Laboratory

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Higher degree research (HDR) programs

We foster an inspirational and aspirational learning community for our HDR students. In addition to the Faculty’s state-of-the-art laboratories, clinics and training facilities, our research students also have dedicated office spaces and personalised support from world-class academic supervisors, as well as industry internship opportunities.

We place a strong focus on the student experience including wellbeing, academic support, pastoral support and connections for future research career pathways. 

  • CRICOS Code: 072092F

    Master of Philosophy - BU-70001

    • 2 years (6 semesters)
    • Postgraduate research
    View program

  • CRICOS Code: 063150J

    Doctor of Philosophy - BU-70003

    • 4 years (12 semesters)
    • Postgraduate research
    View program

  • CRICOS Code: 111161D

    Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy - CC-63061

    • Health, Biomedical, and Sport Sciences
    • 4 years (12 semesters)
    • Postgraduate research
    View program
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Hear from our Graduates

Dr Charlotte Phlelps

Dr Charlotte Phlelps

Dr Colin Tomes

Dr Colin Tomes

Dr Carolyn English

Dr Carolyn English

Dr Adam Walker

Dr Adam Walker

Dr Rani West

Dr Rani West

Dr Rebecca Sims

Dr Rebecca Sims

Explore a research career in Health Sciences.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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Research groups

  • The Faculty’s team of Nutrition and Dietetics researchers works with community partners such as OzHarvest, the Queensland Academy of Sport, Arcadia College, aged care services, health services and hospitals in a range of priority areas, including:

    • Sport and performance
    • Chronic disease prevention and management
    • Clinical nutrition
    • Adolescent and youth nutrition
    • Food and nutrition sustainability
    • Reducing stigma around food and nutrition
    • Dietetics workforce preparation

    Current research focuses on:

    • Continuous glucose monitors as a novel tool for RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) 
    • Nutrition repletion in bariatric surgery (NURTURE Study)  
    • Dietary patterns and inflammatory markers in cardiovascular disease 
    • Neurodivergent feeding and eating experience
    • Weight-inclusive dietetics practice 
    • Food literacy skills development with secondary school students 
    • Environmental sustainability in food service 
    • Decolonising and Indigenising the health curriculum
    • Establishing benchmarks for diverse, person-centred simulated participant programs
       

  • The Exercise and Sports Science Research Group has integrated its emerging research strength in exercise and sports science with collaborative partners in nutrition, clinical health and injury management to product research outcomes of national and international significance.

    Current research focuses on:

    • Athlete performance
    • Biomechanics
    • Exercise physiology
    • Genomics
    • Metabolism
    • Motor control and learning
    • Sports nutrition
    • Strength and conditioning

  • The Physiotherapy Research Group aims to develop practical strategies and solutions in physiotherapy and health-related disciplines such as cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, paediatric physiotherapy, health education, clinical education, and musculoskeletal and health services.

    The team works in partnership with a number of major health delivery and research services, such as the Queensland Children’s Hospital and the Queensland Brain Institute. 

    Current projects include:

    • Extended reality in paediatric sleep medicine
    • Airway clearance techniques during an acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis
    • Establishing benchmarks for diverse, person-centred and culturally sensitive simulated participant programs
    • An Australian Government funded LEGO-based therapeutic intervention to build connection, community, social skills and resilience for young people who have or are experiencing anxiety, stress, depression or trauma.

  • The Water-based Research Unit focusses on investigating the health benefits and improving the sporting performance of all aquatic recreational and sporting activities. They collaborate with agencies such as the World Surf League and Surfing Medicine International. 

    Current projects include:

    • Evaluating first aid methods and controlling blood flow in beachgoers
    • Health profiling and physical assessment of recreational and competitive surfers
    • Investigating paddling symmetry in surfers
    • Examining the effect of hydration on recreational and competitive surfers

  • The Health Professions Education Research Group aims to foster a community of practice for academics and students interested in the scholarship of learning and teaching in the various health disciplines. This priority includes supporting collaboration and connections through educational research, as well as upskilling researchers.

    Current research includes:

    • Interprofessional education for undergraduate students
    • Programmatic evaluation
    • Decolonising health professions curricula
    • Planetary health and environmentally sustainable healthcare
    • Professional identity development
    • Optimising online learning and learning via social media
    • Optimising virtual and augmented learning
    • Student placement experiences
    • Ethics and law
    • Simulation

  • This group aims to improve the provision of care and health outcomes for individuals and groups experiencing stigma. Their evidence-based research focuses on reducing stigma and discrimination through education, prevention, care and treatment, with current projects including:

    • Supporting sexuality in ageing and dementia
    • Understanding eating disorders and weight inclusive practices
    • Enhancing mental health and reducing mental health stigma
    • Deterring sexual harassment and assault
    • Professional education on stigma-related health areas

    Crush has held a number of research-informed community events aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and team members have contributed to various policy documents.

The Faculty’s team of Nutrition and Dietetics researchers works with community partners such as OzHarvest, the Queensland Academy of Sport, Arcadia College, aged care services, health services and hospitals in a range of priority areas, including:

  • Sport and performance
  • Chronic disease prevention and management
  • Clinical nutrition
  • Adolescent and youth nutrition
  • Food and nutrition sustainability
  • Reducing stigma around food and nutrition
  • Dietetics workforce preparation

Current research focuses on:

  • Continuous glucose monitors as a novel tool for RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) 
  • Nutrition repletion in bariatric surgery (NURTURE Study)  
  • Dietary patterns and inflammatory markers in cardiovascular disease 
  • Neurodivergent feeding and eating experience
  • Weight-inclusive dietetics practice 
  • Food literacy skills development with secondary school students 
  • Environmental sustainability in food service 
  • Decolonising and Indigenising the health curriculum
  • Establishing benchmarks for diverse, person-centred simulated participant programs
     

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Health Sciences & Medicine researchers

Staff by association

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