School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences

The School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences (SNMSS) research activities are overseen by the Deputy Dean (Research), Associate Professor Tracy Flenady. Tracy is supported in this role by the Postgraduate Research Coordinator for SNMSS, Dr Amy-Louise Byrne.

Research in the SNMSS involves researchers from a range of discipline areas, creating a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach. The research areas have a strong focus on applied research with direct benefit to regional and rural Australia, while also being of   national and international significance. 

The SNMSS deliver discipline expertise in Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in all three of these specialty areas. The Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research (QCDFVR) sits within the SNMSS and contributes to the prevention of domestic and family violence by informing, promoting and supporting the actions of individuals, communities, services and governments through state-wide leadership in research, professional development, education and community engagement.

The SNMSS aspires to achieve research rankings of world standard or above in each of these four specialty areas; Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work and Human Society (QCFDVR). To achieve this goal, each Focus Area is overseen by a Research Discipline Lead, whose main objective is to work with the School's research leadership team to plan and discuss the strategies required to develop programs of research around each Focus Area and then oversee the implementation of these

Led by Dr Amy-Louise Byrne and Associate Professor Pauline Calleja

This priority area comprises research focused on enhancing and advancing the profession of nursing, aiming to progress the global voice of nursing. This research focus area positions nurses and the nursing profession as leaders of healthcare reform and change, recognising the importance of social and cultural areas of care. Recognising the importance of collaboration and teamwork, our research takes a multidisciplinary, and whole of systems approach.  

Research in this priority area encompasses a broad range of nursing foci and predominantly concentrates on applied research across diverse areas, including but not limited to theory, clinical practice, education, patient safety, quality improvement, cultural safety, and workforce development. Studies investigating the perspectives of health systems, health care providers, service users, and caregivers are also included. Research conducted within this focus area strives to create knowledge that provides solutions to real-world healthcare problems, therefore contributing positive impact for those people who live and work within our communities. 

Led by Bridget Ferguson and Associate Professor Adele Baldwin

This priority area is dedicated to research aimed at advancing the field of midwifery to improve the well-being of mothers, babies, and the midwives who provide care. Our research within this focus area positions midwifery as a cornerstone of maternal and neonatal healthcare and champions of human rights. We aim to highlight how high-quality midwifery practice positively impacts health throughout the life course, from cradle to grave, and contributes to the long-term well-being of families, communities, and society at large.

Recognising the central role of midwifery and the importance of both individual agency and multidisciplinary collaboration, our research takes a midwifery-centric perspective while exploring cross-discipline approaches. Within this priority area, our research covers a broad spectrum of midwifery topics across both national and international contexts. It primarily focuses on research throughout various domains, including health systems management, clinical practice, education and professional development, patient safety and quality improvement, and cultural competence. 

Our research in this area aims to generate knowledge that effectively solves real-world healthcare challenges. We support the full scope of high-quality midwifery practice and women's rights, ultimately positively impacting the lives of individuals living and working in our communities.

Led by Dr Helen Hickson

The Social Work research focus area includes three clusters: clinical social work practice, counselling, wellbeing and community services and social program evaluation. The social work team is focussed on research that informs social work education and practice.  

Our research is centred around engagement and collaboration with community organisations to address social inequity. We are working with community organisations on programs such as community safety and wellbeing, domestic and family violence, and rural workforce planning and sustainability. We integrate social work practice with teaching pedagogy to incorporate student learning experiences such as field education and residential school with real life problems to solve.  

Led by Dr Lyndal Sleep

We are social beings, and social experiences, institutions, community, meanings and inequalities permeate all that we do now as well imaginaries for action and change into the future. Central Queensland School of NMSS is uniquely placed to work with communities across Queensland to amplify regional voices and work with all Queenslanders towards a future where all Queenslanders needs are met. Social science methods and concepts are key to this goal, and the social science discipline is vibrant, expert and expanding in SNMSS. 

The Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research, a flagship in the discipline area, has been a leader in research on women and children’s safety since its launch in 2003. Funded by the Queensland Government and CQU, the Centre continues to work with Domestic and Family Violence service providers including survivor advocates in ground-breaking community embedded research as well as national and international interinstitutional collaborations with impact and is making real change to the lives of Queenslanders, and beyond.