Healthy communities
The theme of Healthy communities underpins research into human health and functioning across the lifespan. Our researchers work to prevent chronic disease, maximise health and explore human potential in elite sporting performance.
![Healthy communities spans many aspects of health and functioning.](https://s37430.pcdn.co/healthsciences/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2016/08/HockeyDSC_8137.jpg)
![physiotherapist working with a client](https://s37430.pcdn.co/healthsciences/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2016/10/theme-exercise-rehab-720x405-320x180.jpg)
Disability and rehabilitation
We research musculoskeletal and back pain, inpatients and burns, neurological conditions causing disability, cardiovascular systems and rheumatology.
![Speech Pathology](https://s37430.pcdn.co/healthsciences/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2018/02/720x405-DSC_9633-320x180.jpg)
Communication, language, speech sciences and swallowing
We are committed to understanding theories of typical and disordered communication and swallowing across the lifespan.
![person holding a mobile phone with LiveLighter App with running shoes in the background](https://s37430.pcdn.co/healthsciences/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2017/02/pubhealth-live-lighter-720x405-320x180.jpg)
Healthy lifestyle interventions
Our research focuses on the use of use of digital technology and mobile health to support health decisions and diet and physical activity interventions.
![group of people outside in sunshine, one in a wheelchair](https://s37430.pcdn.co/healthsciences/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2016/10/theme-exercise-disability-720x405-320x180.jpg)
Lifespan health, disability and wellbeing
Our research is in the areas of prevention and intervention, and optimising activities to improve the health and wellbeing of children, women and older people.
![Full CG images made by my self, showing a colored human brain. Point of interest are the different brain regions](https://s37430.pcdn.co/healthsciences/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2018/02/720x405-iStock-184849805-320x180.jpg)
Brain, behaviour and mental health
We aim to understand the interplay between basic structures of the brain, cognitive processes, emotional functioning and behaviour.
![close up of runner's shoes](https://s37430.pcdn.co/healthsciences/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2016/10/theme-exercise-activity-720x405-320x180.jpg)
Physical activity and occupational health
We research the effects of physical activity, sedentary lifestyles and ergonomics on the health and wellbeing of all Australians.
![Person running - legs and feet](https://s37430.pcdn.co/healthsciences/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2018/02/theme-exercise-activity-720x405-320x180.jpg)
Health psychology and behavioural medicine
We examine the psychological factors associated with health-related behaviour and develop interventions that promote health.
![physiotherapist working in a gym with his client](https://s37430.pcdn.co/healthsciences/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2016/10/theme-exercise-performance-720x405-320x180.jpg)
Sports and human performance
We research performance in high intensity settings, including sports, military and industrial environments.
![A mother and her twin girl babies enjoy a day at the beach while being sun-smart.](https://s37430.pcdn.co/healthsciences/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2018/02/720x405-iStock-98395666-320x180.jpg)
Cancer prevention
We build the evidence base relating to cancer prevention through improvements in lifestyle behaviours that are known to be associated with cancer risk.
![Powerplants in a large industrial harbor](https://s37430.pcdn.co/healthsciences/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2018/06/720x405-iStock-455619887-320x180.jpg)
Environmental health and safety
Our research focuses on environmental quality, exposure science and toxicology, safety science and technology and the impacts of climate change.