Pregnant women who become involved with child protection services often experience fear, mistrust and stigma, leading some to avoid health and support services altogether, new Griffith University research has found.
There is limited evidence on lived experiences of prenatal child protection amidst growing international concern for the consistently high number of infants being removed from their families.
“Being pregnant can be a vulnerable time for women, and many are experiencing complex challenges including trauma, family violence, poverty, substance abuse, mental health concerns, and housing insecurity,” Ms Wren said.
“They feel a sense of being judged, surveilled, and mistrust, causing many to avoid services for fear their child will be removed.
“Their feelings of mistrust are driven by unclear plans and broken promises as child protection can often focus on deficits and not women’s strengths, recovery and parenting potential.
“Unfortunately, a mother’s experience with trauma and domestic violence frequently goes unaddressed.”
Professor Silke Meyer
The study identified missed opportunities for early intervention and support during pregnancy which could improve outcomes for the mother and her baby.
Co-author Professor Silke Meyer from Griffith’s Centre for Mental Health said: “It is important we see more trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and relationship-based approaches which prioritise both child safety and maternal well-being.”
“We need to break the cycle of disadvantage and reduce the rate of infant removal.”
The paper ‘Women’s experiences of child protection involvement during pregnancy: A scoping review’ has been published in Child and Youth Services Review.
For Griffith University student Yadan Noerdin, participating in the Sustainability Transformation Program (SXIP) was more than an international study experience. It was an opportunity to explore how Japan is addressing sustainability challenges while gaining new perspectives on culture, collaboration and future career opportunities.
Funded by the Japanese Ministry of Education, the Yokohama Sustainability Transformation Program (SXIP) brings together universities from Japan, Australia and other Asian countries to explore sustainability challenges through a multidisciplinary lens spanning business, engineering, science and the social sciences.
As Yokohama National University’s business school partner, Griffith University sends top-performing students to Japan each year to work alongside YNU students, visit industry partners and examine real-world sustainability issues. In return, Griffith hosts YNU students on the Gold Coast, showcasing both sustainability expertise within Griffith Business School and unique local experiences, from Indigenous bush tucker education and tree planting to wildlife conservation activities.
Yadan earned his place in the program after being awarded a Japan study trip prize through Griffith’s 2025 Finance Competition.
“I was interested in learning directly in a Japanese institution regarding sustainability topics and wanted to gain a direct perspective by working with Japanese students and academics. I’ve always been interested in how Japan developed its economy after World War II despite having limited natural resources.”
(L-R) Dr Mirela Malin, Felipe Garcia, Yadan Noerdin and Khoulud Alhoush from Griffith University, and Eri Honda, Ruriko Tanaka, Miyuu Fujoo and Dr Akira Omori from Yokihama National University. (Photo supplied)
Discovering Japan beyond the classroom
While SXIP focuses on sustainability transformation, much of the learning takes place beyond lectures and presentations.
For Yadan, one of the first things that stood out was the organisation and efficiency of everyday life in Japan.
“My first impressions of Japan were how orderly, clean and well-mannered everyone is. Public transport is very organised, punctual and convenient. It was easy to get from place to place, everyone was polite, and the food was great.”
Beyond the classroom, Yadan explored many of Tokyo’s most famous districts and cultural landmarks. He particularly enjoyed visiting Akihabara, known for its electronics, gaming and anime culture, and taking part in a kimono photography session at Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa.
A memorable moment came when the group unexpectedly came across a live idol performance.
“I was excited to finally see one in person, while my teammates were completely confused about what it was. I ended up explaining it to them.”
Experiences like these helped provide a deeper understanding of how modern life, tradition and popular culture coexist in Japan.
Learning about sustainability in practice
SXIP encourages students to view sustainability as more than an environmental issue. The program explores the connections between sustainability, business, economics, technology and society.
One topic that particularly captured Yadan’s attention was Japan’s long-term investment in hydrogen fuel technology.
“The greatest takeaway for me was Japan’s push for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Yokohama National University took us for a ride in one of their hydrogen cars, and we learned how it formed part of a national strategy to improve energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.”
The exchange of ideas between Australian and Japanese students is a defining feature of SXIP, encouraging participants to consider sustainability challenges from different cultural and economic perspectives.
For Griffith, the program is also helping build long-term links with Japanese universities. Beyond student exchanges, Griffith and YNU academics collaborate on research projects, grant applications and conference presentations, strengthening academic cooperation between the two institutions while fostering cultural understanding and friendship among students.
As part of the Australian leg of the program, Griffith University’s Associate Professor Alexandr Akimov accompanies participants on a field trip. (Photo supplied)
Building skills for the future
Beyond sustainability themes, SXIP helps students develop confidence, cross-cultural communication skills and a broader understanding of Asia’s growing importance to business and society.
For Griffith students, participation in the program is a highly sought-after opportunity. Each year, two or three top-performing students are selected to represent the university in Japan, with the 2026 cohort set to travel to Yokohama in August.
As SXIP enters its final year of Japanese Government funding, the program continues to strengthen ties between Australia and Japan. Through exchanges, research collaboration and academic conferences, it is helping develop globally minded graduates equipped to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.
For Yadan, the experience reinforced the value of looking beyond national borders when addressing global challenges.
“The lesson for Australia is that technology has the power to reshape entire economies. Countries need to be ready to innovate, adapt and pivot when technologies evolve.”
A new study underlines the annual AU$7 trillion (US$5 trillion) value of nature in mental health benefits, and is calling for urgent government action to expand access to nature as a frontline response to the worsening global mental health crisis.
The paper, published in Communications Health, highlights while nature has been proven to be beneficial for mental health, clinical healthcare does not provide it, and lifestyle medicine is not available to all.
“People need nature to counteract burnout,” said co-author Professor Paula Brough, Director of the Centre for Work, Organisation and Wellbeing at Australia’s Griffith University.
The study also highlighted the strong economic case for investment, citing protected areas of national parks and greenspaces already contributed an estimated AU$7 trillion (US$5 trillion) annually through mental health benefits, with further gains expected through reduced healthcare costs and improved productivity.
“Visiting national parks boosts mental health and work productivity,” said Professor Emeritus Ralf Buckley, who is also a co-lead author from Griffith University.
“Those benefits accrue to employers and health insurers, not to individuals.
“People visit nature for their own happiness, spending their own time and money to get to parks and nature.
“Worldwide, those time and transport costs total US$1 trillion a year.
“Once people get to parks, entry fees are small if not free in most countries, and nature itself is free.”
Some people, however, do not visit parks: about a third of populations in countries such as Australia or the United States did not partake in experiences in nature, with that figure doubling in countries such as China.
“People don’t have time or transport, or they are unfamiliar with the outdoors,” said co-author Diane Westaway, founder of Australian nature hiking company Coastrek.
“We give them a nudge and some social support.”
The research team, led by Griffith University, highlighted the reported global 63 per cent increase in anxiety and 26 per cent increase in depression during the past 15 years.
In response, they proposed a public health approach involving education, transport, and public parks and greenspaces, stating existing systems (such as antidepressants and counselling) were a key intervention but not always sufficient to meet the increased demand support.
Professor Emeritus Buckey and the team suggested “nature-based mental healthcare” (NBMHC) – regular, intentional exposure to natural environments – as a proven yet underused solution to improving mental health and alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression.
The authors called for a shift to a public health model that treated access to nature as essential infrastructure for mental wellbeing, involving coordinated action across government portfolios, including health, parks, education and transport.
“Schools should include nature areas, public transport should connect commuters to greenspace, council reserves should have walking trails, and national parks should have infrastructure for independent visitors,” Professor Emeritus Buckley said.
“And public investments are paid for by reduced healthcare costs and increased workplace productivity.
“More than 50 per cent of all doctor visits are now for mental health, not physical health, but mental health gets only half a per cent of public health funds; it’s nature that makes up that deficiency.
“If taxpayers had to fund that missing mental healthcare, it would double our healthcare spending, an extra 10 per cent of gross domestic product in developed nations such as Australia.
“National parks and nature give us that for free, so we should make it easy and cheap for people to visit, not exclusive and expensive.”
A tiny opera for tiny people offers a magical theatre experience for young audiences and a response to the sleep struggles almost half of Australian children experience.
(L to R) Actor/singer Mia Lierich, Violinist Claire Litvinowicz and co-creator/flautist Tim Munro
Ellis and the Night Orchestra blends live music, gentle storytelling and playful imagination to create an intimate performance, inviting children to explore sound, emotion and creativity at The Corner, the State Library of Queensland’s playful learning space.
“We started by bringing together 15 young people, gathering thoughts about bedtime: their struggles, delights and fears,” Associate Professor Munro said.
“Then we worked alongside our three amazing performers and started to turn those thoughts into music.”
Featuring four musicians (violin, flute, percussion and an actor/singer), including Griffith acting alum, Mia Lierich, the story followed Ellis, who was too scared to sleep.
Every time he closed his eyes, he heard strange sounds, some of them scary.
But as the night unfolded, Ellis began to befriend the sounds, becoming the conductor of his very own night orchestra and transforming his fears into beautiful music.
“Sleep problems affect 38 per cent of Australian children, and 14 per cent have moderate to severe sleep problems,” Professor Donovan said.
“When children do not get enough sleep, it affects every aspect of their life – their physical health, their mental health, their ability to interact with other children, their ability to function at school – everything.
“Furthermore, when kids don’t sleep, parents don’t sleep, and that can effect parent mental health and ability to function.”
Associate Professor Munro said he hoped audiences would discover that music could express far more than they previously thought.
“We hope the children who come to the show feel seen and heard, and that grown-ups can laugh at familiar situations but can also understand better the thoughts and feelings of their children.”
The free show will tour libraries across Queensland during school holidays in 2026/7, including in Toowoomba, Warwick, Townsville, Cairns and Mackay.
Dr Kiran Thapaliya
The brain’s waste clearance system is impaired in people living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) which can lead to various symptoms including brain fog, Griffith University researchers have discovered.
The research demonstrates, for the first time, the impact ME/CFS has on glymphatic function which is responsible for clearing the brain of metabolic waste products and is mostly active during sleep and disengaged while a person is awake.
Lead author Dr Kiran Thapaliya from Griffith’s National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED) said when the brain’s waste clearance system did not work properly, harmful waste could build up causing neuroinflammation.
“This study is the first to demonstrate impaired glymphatic function in ME/CFS using MRI, providing a mechanistic explanation for the inflammatory changes reported by other Australian and international teams,” he said.
“This suggests that dysfunction in the brain’s natural cleaning system may be a key driver of this condition.”
Professor Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik
Professor Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik, NCNED Director, said not only did reduced glymphatic function cause brain fog, but also caused sleep disturbance.
“The study found worse sleep is associated with poor brain waste clearance, reinforcing the notion that sleep plays a critical role in maintaining brain health,” she said.
“We hope the results can pave the way for better diagnosis through the use of non-invasive procedures, and importantly, future treatment for patients.”
The paper ‘Disrupted glymphatic function and its relationship with sleep and cognitive impairment in ME/CFS assessed via DTI-ALPS’ has been published in Frontiers in Neuroscience.
In a world first, Griffith University researchers have identified a key immune cell dysfunction in people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), offering new clues on the condition.
The study addressed a critical question: Are the mitochondrial deficits reported by other researchers a downstream consequence of the ion‑channel and calcium abnormalities previously identified?
PhD Candidate Chandi Magawa
Lead author, PhD Candidate Chandi Magawa, and the research team from Griffith’s National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED), used advanced live‑cell imaging to observe TRPM3‑dependent calcium movement into mitochondria in real time.
“We found a significant TRPM3-calcium pathway dysfunction in ME/CFS, resulting in impaired calcium entry into mitochondria, a region of the cell responsible for energy production,” she said.
“It explains how reduced calcium entry into mitochondria may impair immune cell function and energy production, the process effectively triggering a chain reaction in the body.”
Dr Natalie Eaton-Fitch
Dr Natalie Eaton-Fitch said ME/CFS was a serious and complex condition in which there was no cure or treatment.
“The latest data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates 219,000 Australians are living with the illness,” she said.
Symptoms included profound, persistent exhaustion; post-exertional malaise, pain, cognitive difficulties, dizziness, temperature instability and sensory sensitivity, which could severely restrict day-to-day functioning, education, employment and social participation.
NCNED Director, Professor Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik, said the study helped to explain the underlying biological dysfunction, moving the condition further away from being misunderstood or dismissed.
Professor Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik
“This research could contribute towards new diagnostic biomarkers and therapies focusing on ion channel dysfunction or calcium signalling,” Professor Marshall-Gradisnik said.
The research was funded by the Stafford Fox Medical Research Foundation.
The paper ‘Deficient TRPM3-linked mitochondrial Ca2+ influx in natural killer cells associated with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome’ has been published in BMC Immunology.
Australians spend more on video games than they do on films, TV, music and books and a growing number of them want their gaming dollars to have a positive social impact.
Associate Professor Justin Carter, games designer and Deputy Director at GFS, said GameLab: Project Uplift was about using game design, interactive storytelling and livestream culture to build understanding, participation and support for an essential service for regional and remote communities.
“Games can help people step into a story and see what it takes to deliver care across distance,” Associate Professor Carter said.
“For the RFDS (Queensland Section), that might mean prototyping experiences where players coordinate an emergency retrieval, manage limited resources, or follow a patient journey from the first call for help through to care.”
General Manager, Fundraising, in the Queensland Section of RFDS, Erin McCabe, said the partnership with Griffith was an opportunity to combine social impact with real health impact, using interactive experiences to raise vital funds and connect more Australians with the lifesaving work the service delivers in rural and remote communities.
“Gaming creates a powerful sense of collective impact, bringing people together to take part in something bigger than themselves and younger Australians are already showing us they want to back causes that make a real difference,” Ms McCabe said.
A 48-hour Game Jam will give Griffith Film School students the opportunity to respond to an RFDS Queensland brief, develop ideas in teams, and build early game prototypes that explore awareness, storytelling, fundraising and community engagement.
“The Game Jam is the starting point,” Associate Professor Carter said.
“It gives students a chance to work quickly and creatively on a brief with genuine social purpose, while exploring how games can help people connect with the work of RFDS Queensland.”
Streamer and host at the Game Jam, Josh Taylor, also known as The Giant Kyote, said the gaming community offered charitable organisations a great opportunity to raise awareness.
“I’m all about spreading positivity with my followers and the chance to do good while gaming is really exciting,” he said.
Associate Professor Carter said the project could also create future opportunities for students to contribute through Griffith’s Work-Integrated Learning programs, prototype development, livestream support and audience testing.
“Our ambition is to build this into a longer-term games-for-good collaboration, where students, researchers, streamers and RFDS Queensland continue developing new ways to engage communities and support the Flying Doctor’s mission,” he said.
The ratings, which assess Griffith’s performance against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflect the immense work Griffith has carried out over many years, and which has meant the University continued to improve from equal fourth in the world in the last round.
The 2026 ratings have Griffith as equal first in the world for SDG 14 Life Below Water, after achieving a rank of fourth in 2025.
Griffith ranked first in Australia for four SDGs:
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 14 – Life Below Water
SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Griffith Vice Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans.
Vice Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans said: “To be recognised as one of the world’s top two universities for impact is an outstanding achievement and a testament to the dedication of our staff, students and partners.”
Dean (Sustainability and Rankings) Professor Jennifer Boddy said: “As a values-led university, Griffith is committed to sustainability across our campus operations, research and teaching, and global partnerships.”
“Our staff, students, researchers and partners help bring this commitment to life by advancing knowledge that strengthens community resilience and working globally to drive sustainable development.”
A few highlights which contributed to Griffith’s sustainability impact include:
Dean (Sustainability and Rankings) Professor Jennifer Boddy.
– Griffith’s Integrated Water Management Plan, which guides how water is managed across campuses to protect downstream waterways and marine ecosystems
– Griffith’s landmark study revealing Queensland could produce enough renewable biomethane each year to supply around 73 per cent of the state’s gas demand
– Griffith’s ARC Centre of Excellence for Transforming Human Origins Research, one of only eight centres funded nationally in 2025
– Griffith’s nest box program, which supports native wildlife at Brisbane South, Logan and Gold Coast by providing habitat for species such as possums, gliders and the endangered powerful owl
– Griffith’s strategic partnership with Westpac Banking Corporation to strengthen Australia’s response to financial crime through workforce upskilling and applied research
The 17 UN SDGs provide a framework to achieve a better and more sustainable future by tackling climate change, providing health and education for all, eradicating inequality and oppression, and supporting sustainable economic growth.
The Sustainability Impact Ratings represent a relaunch of the previous THE Impact Rankings framework.
Nearly half of Brisbane land zoned for townhouses and apartments is too small to support those developments, new research from Griffith University has found.
The findings raise questions about whether the city can meet its ambitious housing targets.
Dr Rachel Gallagher
Dr Rachel Gallagherfrom the Department of Tourism and Marketing analysed Brisbane’s zoning alongside land parcel data to determine how many properties could realistically take advantage of these planning changes.
“Brisbane lots are typically 400 square meters in size, but at least 600 square metres is required to accommodate multiple dwellings,” Dr Gallagher said.
“Only 51.2 per cent of land zoned for multiple dwellings actually met the minimum size requirement for this kind of development.
“To take advantage of the planning policy, landowners would need to combine their lots, a process known as land assembly, something that was difficult, slow and relatively uncommon.”
Upzoning was intended to increase housing supply by encouraging infill development in existing suburbs, but the findings suggested much of the planned capacity may not be deliverable in practice.
The Queensland Government’s South East Queensland Regional Plan required Brisbane to deliver more than 210,000 new homes by 2046, with nearly 90 per cent planned as higher-density housing in existing suburbs, making the success of infill development critical.
Earlier research by Dr Gallagher showed higher-density development occurred where it was feasible, typically on larger sites, in areas historically planned for increased density, and with access to appropriate infrastructure.
The new study found many upzoned areas did not meet these conditions, raising questions about whether current planning approaches could realistically deliver the housing they promised.
While minimum lot sizes presented a primary constraint, local factors such as character protections, vehicle access and parking could further influence whether redevelopment was feasible in Brisbane’s established suburbs.
“In low-demand locations, upzoning may never translate into increased housing supply but risked inflating land values, while low-density zones constrained development in many desirable suburbs where demand for more dwellings was high,” Dr Gallagher said.
“Policymakers need to engage more critically with what exists on the ground, because the physical characteristics of land, like its size, ultimately determine whether planning decisions can deliver the expected outcome.”
Griffith University has excelled in the 2027 QS World University Rankings with an impressive leap of 38 places to 230 globally, the largest jump of any Australian university in the top 250.
Griffith’s national rank sits at 15, up three places from 18 in the previous round.
Key measures such as employer reputation, research impact and international student enrolments have all improved greatly compared with last year.
Griffith’s employer reputation score increased 114 places compared with last year’s result, making it one of the most improved scores across the Australian sector.
Citations per faculty received a ranking of 132 which reflects a jump in 46 places, while the international students metric increased by 92 places to 179.
Vice Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans
Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Carolyn Evans, commended the work of staff and students whose efforts contributed towards Griffith’s continued upward trajectory on the global stage.
“The results reflect the real-world impact of a Griffith education and the strong confidence in the quality and work-readiness of our graduates,” Professor Evans said.
“Griffith’s research has been on a strong upward trajectory, which is also reflected in our improved global rankings.”
Dean (Sustainability and Rankings) Professor Jennifer Boddy
Dean (Sustainability and Rankings) Professor Jennifer Boddy said it was heartening to see Griffith’s academic reputation metric improve by 20 places to a new position of 298.
“To see an improvement across a range of measurements speaks to our reputation as a welcoming, globally-connected university and the strength of our partnerships, student experience, and research excellence which, combined, help us make it matter,” Professor Boddy said.
More than 1500 of the world’s top universities were included in the QS World University Rankings which assessed:
