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Health Nature and Sustainability

Determinants of Health

The Health, Nature and Sustainability research stream acknowledges that health and the natural environment are inextricably linked. The stream looks at this relationship from two angles: using nature to improve health and wellbeing and protecting the environment to ensure sustained health for future generations.

The Health Nature and Sustainability (HNS) research stream comprises an interdisciplinary team united in its commitment to lead research and teaching on the health implications of the links between humans and the natural environment. Our key priorities include:

Strategic partnerships

To sustain existing collaborations and capitalise on the current and emerging opportunities for industry and community partnerships, both in Australia and internationally.

Research

To continue to develop the evidence base on the links between human health and the natural environment and encourage and foster honours and PhD projects.

Education and training

To promote interdisciplinary learning on the links between human health and the natural environment at a range of levels, including undergraduate, postgraduate and the wider community.

Our research stream leaders is A/Prof Claire Henderson-Wilson

  • Our research areas

    Our researchers work across a number of areas, including: animal assisted therapy; eco-psychology; education for sustainability and about the environment; human relationships with nature; health promotion and climate change; climate change, mental health and young people; sustainable healthcare; parks, wilderness and health and environmental volunteering.

  • Education and training

    HNS promotes interdisciplinary learning on the links between human health and the natural environment. The team teaches in a number of undergraduate and postgraduate programs: Bachelor of Health Sciences majors in health, nature and sustainability and environmental health, Master of Health and Human Services Management – sustainability in healthcare specialisation, Promoting Human and Planetary Health – microcredential and Master of Sustainability – health and environment specialisation.

  • Projects

    Our researchers work across a number of areas, including:

    • animal assisted therapy
    • eco-psychology
    • education for sustainability and about the environment
    • human relationships with nature
    • health promotion and climate change
    • parks, wilderness and health
    • human interaction with nature and health, and wilderness therapy
    • environmental volunteering.

    Our research collaborations include high-profile organisations such as Parks Victoria and the Climate and Health Alliance.

    Find out more about our projects on the Deakin website.

  • Our team

    Members of HNS are recognised both nationally and internationally for their expertise in health, nature and sustainability research. Our members include:

    Founding member and Honorary A/Prof Mardie Townsend

    A/Prof Claire Henderson-Wilson 

    Dr Justin Lawson 

    Teresa Capetola

    PhD Candidates:

    Nicole Bruges

    Hasini Gunasiri

    Urvi Thanekar

     

  • Publications

    HNS widely disseminates the results of our research through publications and other media. Please refer to each core team member’s profile for a link to their recent publications.