Multiple projects in strengthening health workforce policy

About the project

This project offers an opportunity to contribute to a nationally significant NHMRC-funded research initiative examining the coherence, equity, and effectiveness of Australia’s health workforce policies. For Honours or Masters-level dissertation students, projects will likely focus on one Australian state or territory, applying a tested methodology to collect and synthesise health workforce policy documents. Working alongside a supportive research team you will gain hands-on experience in policy analysis, contribute to academic and policy outputs, and develop practical skills in data synthesis, report writing, and knowledge translation. Ideal for students interested in health systems, workforce planning, or public policy, the project provides opportunities for co-authorship, and a chance to make a meaningful contribution to the future of Australia’s health system. For MPhil and PhD candidates, this project provides the opportunity to co-develop an original research proposal aligned with a broader five-year NHMRC-funded program investigating health workforce policy reform in Australia. The overarching program includes mapping and analysing federal, state, and territory workforce policies; examining political and institutional drivers; and co-designing implementation strategies with health system leaders. Prospective HDR students interested in exploring health workforce governance, political economy, or policy implementation are encouraged to contact Prof. Stephanie Topp to discuss how their interests may align with this program in advance of submitting a tailored research project.