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Elizabeth-Rose Ahearn is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the School of Social Sciences at the University of Queensland (UQ). Her research centres on measuring and evaluating the impact of charitable not-for-profit organisations, as well as other purpose-driven entities, including those in the public sector, social enterprises, corporate social responsibility efforts, and social impact bonds. She has a particular interest in leveraging digital technologies to enhance impact measurement, improve management processes, and support evidence-based decision-making. Elizabeth-Rose has extensive experience as an evaluator, having collaborated with a diverse range of for-purpose organisations, including a research secondment with the Department of Social Services focused on digital tools for advancing Australia's social impact investing sector. Alongside her role at UQ, she serves as the Co-Chair of the Queensland chapter of the Social Impact Measurement Network of Australia (SIMNA).

My vision for the future of higher education is one where universities are deeply embedded within the communities they serve. Knowledge is created through listening, trust and genuine partnership. Impact comes from being present, responsive and collaborative. My work focuses on improving social license in higher education by developing new ways for universities to work with and alongside communities.

I am a Professor of Community Health and Wellbeing at The University of Queensland, with an international reputation in community health, prevention, health services and policy. Together with my team, I have led research that shapes how communities thrive, with our work recognised through multiple awards for research excellence and real-world impact.

The cornerstone of my work is leading the Springfield Living Lab. Living labs use place, systems thinking and partnership to co-create, test and refine solutions in real-world settings over time. Springfield provides a uniquely rich environment for this approach through its integrated urban design, strong local governance and commitment to innovation across health, education and technology. As Australia’s largest master-planned city, it offers a contained yet complex context for examining how community-led approaches can translate into scalable models for broader application.

As a leader, I bring people together across disciplines, sectors and lived experience to create shared purpose and momentum. I enjoy supporting teams and organisations to imagine what is possible, map pathways forward and turn ambitious ideas into sustained action. My leadership is values-led, collaborative and grounded in practical delivery.

I am always interested in working with people and organisations who share a commitment to community connection, partnership and innovation. Together, we can strengthen trust, build capability and design approaches to teaching, research and engagement that are meaningful for the next generation and broader society.

Please feel free to get in touch to explore opportunities to work together.

I am a health psychologist and researcher with a strong focus on health psychology and mental health, particularly within First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. My research expertise lies in the development and evaluation of health and wellbeing programs, and cultural adaptations to programs and research methods to more effectively measure mental health and wellness. I have extensive clinical and industry experience, including roles in program design, evaluation, and advocacy within First Nations health, chronic disease management and chronic pain.

Currently, my work spans several projects, including evaluating mental health services for First Nations Australians and investigating the needs of First Nations carers for loved ones with mental health concerns. I also have a keen interest in cultural correlates and expressions of mental disorder, in empowering people to make health behaviour changes, and to engage more effectively with healthcare services through individual, group and health promotion interventions.

Carl Francia (Saibai Koedal awgadhalayg) is a physiotherapist and population health researcher based at The University of Queensland, currently seconded as an NHMRC Synergy Fellow at the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health. His research focuses on acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD), with a particular emphasis on Indigenous-led, place-based approaches to prevention, early detection, long-term management, and health system reform.

Carl’s research program examines the burden, natural history, and progression of ARF and RHD using large-scale linked administrative and clinical datasets, with the aim of generating evidence that informs policy, improves service delivery, and supports disease elimination strategies. His doctoral research, recently completed and currently under examination, investigated the epidemiology and progression of ARF and RHD in Queensland over two decades, including population-level incidence and prevalence, progression and regression patterns, and inequities in outcomes.

Through his current role on the NHMRC Synergy project iPreventRHD, Carl is working to translate epidemiological evidence into practice by supporting life-course approaches to RHD prevention and care, strengthening primary and preventive care systems, and partnering with communities, clinicians, and policymakers. His work is underpinned by a commitment to Indigenous data sovereignty, community partnership, and research that is responsive to local context and priorities.

Carl maintains active collaborations across clinical, academic, and community settings and has published across epidemiology, public health, and cardiovascular disease prevention. He is particularly interested in research that bridges evidence and implementation, supports culturally safe care, and contributes to equitable health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Zoe is a Honorary Research Fellow with the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences. She also currently holds an appointment as a Senior Research Officer with the Mental Health Evaluation Research Stream at Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research (QCMHR), where she leads and manages large-scale evaluation projects that seek to enhance mental health services within Queensland. During her time at QCMHR, she has worked on several state-wide evaluations for Queensland Health - including of their Crisis Support Spaces, Adolescent Day Program and Youth and Adult Step-Up-Step-Down Programs.

Zoe's research work largely focuses on the development, implementation and evaluation of interventions that seek to promote positive health behaviours and which improve social and mental health outcomes. Previously, she developed and trialled a behavioural support program (Active Choices) for the Department of Veterans Affairs, with the aim of increasing self-managed physical activity and social connectedness in Australian Defence Force veterans. Zoe has also designed and evaluated a brief motivational intervention for cannabis users (iAx), which is now in routine use at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

In addition to her work as a researcher, Zoe has held roles in health consulting where she assisted State and Federal Government agencies, PHNs and peak bodies to design, implement and review health services, programs and policies.

Zoe's educational background in psychology, having completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science (2013) and Doctor of Philosophy (2020) in this discipline.