Professor Sara Davies of Griffith University has been elected to the World Health Organization’s Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on Health, Migration and Displacement for the 2025–2027 term. The TAG was officially launched on 25 November 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland, marking the beginning of a new phase of global collaboration to improve health outcomes for migrants, refugees and displaced communities.
Professor Davies joins a cohort of 16 international experts appointed following an open global call. The group brings together specialists in health, migration, public policy, epidemiology and humanitarian practice from across all WHO regions. Members serve in their personal capacities, providing independent scientific and technical advice to support the implementation of WHO’s Global Action Plan on promoting the health of refugees and migrants.
“I am honoured to contribute to WHO’s efforts to reduce health inequities and strengthen the evidence base for policies affecting displaced and migrant populations.”
“Ensuring that health systems respond inclusively and effectively to displacement is one of the defining public health challenges of our time.”
Supporting global action on migrant and refugee health
The TAG’s mandate is to advise WHO on policy development, research priorities, program implementation and the creation of robust, accessible technical guidance. Its key functions include:
providing expert input on WHO reports, guidelines and recommendations
ensuring WHO knowledge products are scientifically rigorous and relevant to diverse national contexts
advising on strategies that address the social, economic and environmental drivers of poor health among migrant and displaced populations
supporting the generation of evidence to inform global and national policy
The group will meet quarterly—virtually or in person—with additional sessions convened when required. Meeting outcomes will be published on the WHO website to support transparency and global knowledge-sharing.
Strengthening international public health collaboration
Professor Davies is widely recognised for her expertise in global health governance, epidemic preparedness and the protection of vulnerable populations. Her appointment reflects both her academic leadership and her long-standing contribution to research on migrant and refugee health, gender and crisis response.
The TAG’s formation comes at a critical time, as countries grapple with rising displacement driven by conflict, climate disruption and economic instability. WHO’s strengthened advisory mechanisms aim to support governments and partners to develop evidence-informed, context-specific approaches that ensure displaced and migrant communities are not left behind.
By contributing to WHO’s technical and strategic guidance, Professor Davies and her fellow TAG members will play an essential role in shaping global efforts to improve health equity and build more inclusive health systems. For further information about the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Health, Migration and Displacement, visit the WHO website https://www.who.int/groups/technical-advisory-group-on-health–migration-and-displacement
A unique scholarship scheme at Griffith University is fostering a growing cohort of Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students with disability who are driving research that reimagines inclusion and are strengthened by an inclusive research community.
Launched in 2023, The HDR Disability Scholars Program has grown into a supportive network of scholars at different stages of their PhD journeys.
Beyond academic support and mentoring, the program fostered peer connection and shared experience in an environment where inclusion was embedded.
Dean of the Griffith Graduate Research School Professor Rebecca Ford said the students were supported by a unique scholarship scheme which provided a living stipend and an additional research support fund.
“Griffith University is excelling through inclusive investment, fostering a growing cohort of PhD candidates with disability,” Professor Ford said.
“It is truly fantastic to offer this support to our PhD candidates with diverse needs, and we are excited about the societal benefits that will arise from the extensive knowledge they will gain and contribute during their studies.”
The strength of the program had been evident in the diverse research topics explored which included accessible transport, mental health, neurodiversity in the workplace, disability visibility in advertising, inclusive practices within organisations, the inclusion of youth in leisure activities, and rebuilding identity through storytelling.
Pallav Pant’s research explored accessible emergency communication for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) communities in Queensland.
With a background in crisis management and journalism, his work engaged a co-design approach to strengthen emergency response, ensuring equitable access to vital information.
Mr Pant was previously recognised for leading the development of Nepal’s first Disability-Inclusive Get Ready Guidebook and a breakthrough mobile app for accessible communication during emergencies, both focused on minimising the impact of disasters on people with disabilities.
“Griffith University has provided an inspiring platform to advance disability-inclusive research, collaborate across disciplines, and give voice to those most often unheard in disaster planning,” Mr Pant said.
Julia Robertson’s research explored how artificial intelligence–enabled wearable technologies could deliver personalised mental health monitoring for people living with brain tumours, a group facing significantly elevated risks of depression and suicidality.
Drawing on her own lived experience of a brain tumour, Ms Robertson has been a passionate advocate for early intervention and improving quality of life.
“The Griffith disability scholarship for me has been a lifeline,” Ms Robertson said.
“Without it I would not be able to continue my PhD and would have more than exceeded the standard number of sick-day claims under other scholarships or employment.
“The Disability scholarship has enabled me to take the time I have needed to recover from recent health events without having to worry about my PhD timeline being negatively impacted.”
The Disability Scholars Research Scholarship is available to both full-time and part-time candidates who are registered with the University’s Disability Support Unit, and to those who meet the entry requirement of at least an Honours 2A qualification or equivalent.
Joined by Queensland Chief Scientist, Professor Kerrie Wilson, industry representatives, Griffith University executive, staff and students for its formal launch at the Brisbane South campus, GIHER represents Griffith’s historic commitment to fostering collaboration across disciplines to address pressing global issues and create pathways for people and nature to thrive in unison.
The Institute, led by Professor Cara Beal, unites expertise from environmental and social sciences, economics, public health, climate change, engineering, law, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, structured under three research themes:
Protecting and restoring resilient biodiversity and ecosystems.
Creating climate and disaster resilient communities.
Transitioning to climate resilient living and built environments.
“Our transdisciplinary approach reflects the Institute’s guiding philosophy of systems thinking – recognising the health, prosperity, and security of human and natural environments are deeply interconnected.”
GIHER Director Professor Cara Beal
Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson launched the Institute.
“The launch of GIHER marks a pivotal moment for Griffith University. Our mission is to create solutions that allow people and nature to thrive together.
“By embracing systems thinking and fostering collaboration across disciplines, we aim to deliver research that informs policy, empowers communities, and drives sustainable change.”
GIHER aims to inform policy and practice through strong partnerships with government, industry, and community groups. Central to its mission is inclusive engagement, ensuring Indigenous voices and diverse communities are integral to research design and outcomes.
By embedding these perspectives, GIHER seeks to deliver solutions that are equitable, sustainable, and adaptable in the face of a rapidly changing climate.
Australia is no stranger to hot weather, and Griffith University researchers have compiled five handy things to be aware of so we do not place our health at risk during the summer months.
Dr Fergus O’Connor
Dr Fergus O’Connor from Griffith’s School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work said cooling interventions were essential in the face of climate change, and ever-increasing temperatures.
“Extreme heat poses significant health risks with older adults, people with chronic illnesses and those unable to limit exposure – such as outdoor workers – most at risk,” Dr O’Connor said.
“Limiting physical exertion and maintaining hydration are essential to mitigating excessive heat strain.
“Pushing yourself too hard in a hot environment increases your internal heat production, placing greater stress on the body as it tries to cool you down.
“When you can’t avoid physical exertion, try and rest in a shaded or cool space for 15-45 minutes per hour depending on work intensity.
“Hydration is key, and replacing fluid lost through sweating helps the body cope with heat exposure.
“Heat exposed persons should drink enough water to maintain stable body weight, while avoiding sugary or caffeinated beverages.”
While accessing cool, air-conditioned spaces (e.g., public libraries, work rest-areas) offered relief from heat exposure, their benefit was short-lived, requiring additional cooling measures to mitigate heat-related risks upon returning to hot environments.
Using low-cost cooling strategies such as electric fans, misting the skin with cool water, immersing limbs in cool water, or applying cold towels on the neck could provide relief from the heat, but the benefits of these interventions diminished as it became hotter.
“Cooling the indoor environment with air-conditioning is the most effective way to prevent heat-related mortality, but air-conditioning remains inaccessible for many low-income households and workplaces,” he said.
“Expanding access and lowering costs through subsidies, rebates, and complementary cooling strategies is essential to ensure equitable protection for those at risk.”
Griffith University has been recognised as a world-renowned leader across a range of health, sciences, business, law and politics subjects in the prestigious Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025.
Griffith Health’s nursing was listed as the best in Australia (third globally), along with hospitality and management (sixth globally) from the Griffith Business School.
Marine and ocean engineering, and remote sensing subjects in Griffith Sciences were listed as first in Queensland and second in Australia.
The University’s electrical and electronic engineering, and artificial intelligence also scored a number one ranking in Queensland.
Griffith Business School saw its economics subjects listed as the best in Queensland with a first place ranking.
Law, and political science subjects in Arts, Education and Law also received the top ranking in Queensland.
Dean (Sustainability and Rankings) Professor Jennifer Boddy
Dean (Sustainability and Rankings) Professor Jennifer Boddy said she was incredibly pleased to see Griffith’s research strengths recognised across all academic groups.
“Our ongoing achievements demonstrate the depth and quality of the subjects on offer at Griffith and the rankings exemplify our innovative and impactful efforts to make it matter,” Professor Boddy said.
“These rankings are a great testament to the hard work of researchers as well as the significant and impactful achievements of graduates.”
Westpac Banking Corporation and Griffith University have announced a strategic partnership aimed at advancing financial crime prevention across Australia.
Griffith’s Academy of Excellence in Financial Crime Investigation and Compliance will collaborate with Westpac to deliver specialised training programs in financial crime investigation and compliance.
Through targeted micro-credentials, Westpac staff will gain foundational knowledge of financial crime obligations and develop core analytical skills in forensic accounting, investigations and criminology.
Academy Director Professor Andreas Chai said the partnership strengthened broader efforts to address financial crime.
“We’re proud to collaborate with Westpac to strengthen its capabilities and contribute to national efforts to detect, report and disrupt financial crime,” Professor Chai said.
“Financial crime is a global issue, generating an estimated AUD $3 trillion each year, which is roughly two per cent of global GDP, and less than one per cent of these illicit funds are recovered.
“This partnership contributes to national solutions to safeguard the integrity of the financial system and build safer communities by empowering professionals to protect those most vulnerable.”
Westpac’s General Manager of Financial Crime, Jodie Arthur, said the co-designed program aimed to enhance investigative skills through practical case studies.
“We have 150 employees starting the program this year, and over the course of our three-year partnership, we’ll upskill around 500 team members—helping to better protect Westpac customers,” Ms Arthur said.
“We’re delighted to partner with Griffith University, and this collaboration highlights the value of bringing higher education and industry together to deliver real-world, responsive learning opportunities.”
As a leader in interdisciplinary collaboration, the Academy leverages knowledge from disciplines including banking, forensic accounting, criminology, law, information communication technology, policing, and the broader community to enhance financial crime literacy and compliance processes.
Griffith University Vice President (Industry and External Engagement) Professor Bronwyn Harch said the partnership was a meaningful step in advancing a shared vision in financial crime training and education.
“We’re pleased to partner with Westpac on this important national mission, strengthening Australia’s resilience against future risks,” Professor Harch said.
Does your partner know the password to your phone? Probably.
A study by Griffith University researchers reveals that 70 per cent of Australians share access to their phone with their partner, despite dominant cybersecurity guidelines advising the opposite.
Professor Molly Dragiewicz
Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Molly Dragiewicz, who led the study with Dr Jeffrey Ackerman and research assistant Marianne Haaland, said the most common reasons for smartphone sharing were positive, but that does not guard against negative impacts.
“People usually share for convenience, out of trust, and to help each other,” Professor Dragiewicz said.
“However, if one partner turns out to be abusive later on, shared access can be dangerous.”
In fact, 20 per cent of identity theft perpetrators identified by Australian police are current or former intimate partners or individuals related to an ex-partner. In addition, technology-facilitated abuse is a common component of coercive control.
The report’s findings show that younger people are more likely to share, suggesting this is a growing issue.
Professor Dragiewicz argues that the one-user/one-device threat model created for commercial and government contexts is inadequate for addressing interpersonal cybersecurity risks. Phone and app design can help to reduce the risks by using Safety by Design, as recommended by the Australia’s eSafety Commissioner.
“Cybersecurity advice and design based on not sharing your device or credentials are a really bad fit with how people actually use their phone. The first step in Safety by Design is understanding how technology is used in real life,” Professor Dragiewicz said.
Managing male infertility is often an overlooked part of reproductive health, but in an Australian first, new clinical guidelines are paving the way for change.
Co-developed by Griffith University researchers, the landmark guidelines provide clinicians with an evidence-based framework for assessing, diagnosing and managing male infertility.
Infertility affects about one in six couples and a male factor may contribute to 50 per cent of cases.
Dr Liza O’Donnell
Dr Liza O’Donnell said until recently, no Australian-based clinical guidelines for the management of male infertility had been published.
“The guidelines call for males to be simultaneously assessed when a female seeks infertility care,” Dr O’Donnell said.
“By identifying male fertility issues early, women could potentially avoid unnecessary investigations and stress associated with not being able to conceive.”
The initial evaluation of male fertility should include a reproductive and medical history, physical examination and semen analysis, and simultaneous evaluation of the female partner.
Further evaluation of men with suspected infertility should be guided by an expert in male reproduction and include hormonal evaluation and an estimate of testicular volume.
Extra tests could involve sperm DNA testing, somatic genetic testing and imaging.
The guidelines state the management of male infertility should include counselling men regarding potentially modifiable risk factors, associated health conditions, and implications for their future health and offspring.
Dr O’Donnell said the guidelines were freely available to the general public so they could see the advice doctors were following.
“This can empower men and couples to ask the right questions, push for thorough care and improve their chances of conceiving,” she said.
“By simultaneously evaluating fertility in both the male and female partner, it will mean men with fertility issues will be picked up earlier and could change the treatment course for the couple.”
Two pioneering studies published in the journal Animals have explored how dog and cat guardians perceive more sustainable pet food options.
Co-led by Griffith University Adjunct Professor Andrew Knight, the research sheds new light on the potential for alternative proteins and plant-based diets in the companion animal sector.
In the first study, the team surveyed 2,639 dog guardians worldwide.
Professor Andrew Knight.
About 84 per cent of respondents were currently feeding their dogs either conventional or raw meat-based diets.
However, a substantial 43 per cent of this group reported they would nevertheless consider at least one type of more sustainable dog food (such as vegan, vegetarian or cultivated-meat formulations).
Among the alternative options, the most acceptable was cultivated meat-based dog food which was real animal meat produced by growing animal cells in a controlled environment (chosen by 24 per cent of these respondents), compared with vegetarian (17 per cent) and vegan (13 per cent) dog diets.
When asked what characteristics would be needed for these alternatives to be chosen, the top choices were nutritional soundness (chosen by 85 per cent) followed by good pet health (83 per cent).
The companion study gathered responses from 1,380 cat guardians.
In total, 89 per cent of these guardians fed their cats conventional or raw meat-based diets.
However, more than half – 51 per cent – of this group considered at least one of the more sustainable options to be acceptable.
The most popular alternatives were those based on cultivated meat (chosen by 33 per cent of this group) followed by vegan diets (18 per cent).
Similarly to dogs, the most important characteristics alternative diets would need to offer to be chosen were good pet health outcomes (chosen by 83 per cent) and nutritional soundness (80 per cent).
Differences among consumers
Both studies found guardians who themselves reduced or avoided meat were significantly more open to alternative diets for their pets, as were those with higher educational qualifications.
Age and regional differences were also apparent, with older consumers, and those from the UK, often less open to alternatives than those in other European nations, North America or Oceania, although differences were often not significant.
What this means
Professor Knight said the studies came at a time when the environmental and ethical footprint of conventional pet food production was growing in public consciousness.
“Recent studies have demonstrated our dogs and cats collectively consume a substantial proportion of all-farmed animals. Pet diets such as those based on plant-based ingredients or cultivated meat could transform the pet food system, lowering adverse impacts for farmed animals and the environment.”
Professor Andrew Knight
Dr Tim Piatkowski
Lead and arsenic, which are known for their cancer-causing properties, have been found in an analysis of 15 anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) with some levels well above safe exposure thresholds.
Dr Tim Piatkowski from Griffith University’s School of Applied Psychology tested 28 AAS as part of his research into the chemical composition of AAS sold in Australia.
He tested for active ingredients, contaminants, cutting agents, residues or heavy metals.
“Unregulated anabolic–androgenic steroid markets are a global phenomenon with significant variability in product composition and purity,” Dr Piatkowski said.
“Alarmingly, heavy metals were found in all product types, especially in oral AAS, raising concerns about the long-term health impacts including organ damage and cancer.
“Twelve heavy metals were quantifiable in both injectable and oral formulations, while seven metals were detected in raw powders.
“The variability and contamination of AAS products pose significant health risks prompting the need to implement a comprehensive surveillance and testing system.
“This approach would track trends, identify contaminants, and provide consumers with real-time, accurate information to support informed decision-making and harm reduction.”
AAS, commonly used for enhancing appearance, performance and wellbeing, were often obtained from unregulated sources, leading to substantial variability in product composition.
While the active ingredients may align with labelled content, the possibility of alteration, substitution and contamination with harmful substances remained a pressing concern.
With the increasing prevalence of AAS use globally, estimated to have grown from 1.6 per cent to 4 per cent in the last 10 years among women, there was a critical need to better understand the quality and safety of these substances.
Dr Piatkowski said the gap in knowledge surrounding the full spectrum of substances found in unregulated AAS products presented an urgent challenge for harm reduction strategies, with the only documented trial in the world providing evidence for presence and purity, but not other contaminants.
“Without such information, consumers remain vulnerable to adverse health effects, some of which may be long-term and irreversible,” he said.
“To address the evolving challenges in AAS manufacturing, establishing a robust surveillance and testing system would ensure the latest trends in illicit AAS products are continuously monitored, enabling real-time updates on potential contaminants and hazards.
Such a system could support informed decision-making and strengthen harm reduction efforts.”
