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Megan Adams is an Associate Professor at the School of Curriculum Teaching and Inclusive Education, Monash University. Her work focuses on inclusion, diversity, and reducing educational inequalities for marginalized groups, with a particular emphasis on teacher education, early childhood education, and international education contexts. She has contributed to pedagogy and curriculum development through research projects and teaching roles. Recent research projects include collaborations with preservice teachers, studies on inclusive classrooms in preschools, and consultancy work on curriculum content for international development assistance. Her work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals Inclusive education Pedagogy and curriculum development as key areas of impact. Her recent publications highlight trends in Gender studies and masculinity disruption through play Transitions in international education settings Online teaching during the pandemic Professional identity formation among immigrant educators LGBTIQ+ inclusive curriculum design Family-school dynamics in early childhood Scientific awards include Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Award (2024, nominated) Dean’s Equity and Inclusion Award (2024) ATEA Research Recognition (2019) Dean's Research Excellence Commendation (2019) Dean's Early Career Grant (2017) She actively engages in external academic events, peer review, and policy advisory roles, including contributions to the Australian Early Education Institute and Tasmanian Government preventative health strategy. Her teaching includes units on diversity, inclusive learning environments, and educational research projects.

• Inclusive education
• Diversity and inclusion
• Teacher education
• +8 more

Brady Robards is an Associate Professor of Sociology and Associate Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Arts at Monash University. His research focuses on youth, gender, sexuality, and digital cultures, with notable projects examining social media’s impact on employment, alcohol promotion, and LGBTQ+ digital experiences. He co-convenes the Monash Digital Cultures Research Group . Current projects include Social Media & Employment (ARC DECRA) and Scrolling Beyond Binaries (LGBTIQ+ youth studies) Recent awards: 2024 University of Bristol Visiting Fellowship, 2022 Dean’s Award for Research Enterprise Key collaborations: ARC, FARE, VicHealth, Australian Public Service His methodological innovations include the social media scroll back technique for analyzing longitudinal digital traces. Research supervision areas cover youth digital cultures, gender backlash movements, and dating technologies. He is a member of the Association of Internet Researchers (AoIR) and The Australian Sociological Association (TASA) .

• Social media
• Youth culture
• Gender and sexuality studies
• +7 more

Associate Professor Louise Jenkins serves as Deputy Dean (Education) in the Faculty of Education at Monash University, where she is an expert Initial Teacher Educator and music education specialist. Her work leverages performing arts expertise to drive socially inclusive educational practices and actively engage students in their learning journeys across diverse backgrounds. Professor Jenkins' research integrates Action Research and Experiential Learning to develop innovative pedagogical frameworks, particularly through Blended Learning approaches in music education. Her scholarship spans: Music Education and inclusive teaching practices LGBTIQ+ and disability-inclusive pedagogy Historical analysis of Australian women music educators (1890-1950) Initial Teacher Education reform Technology-enhanced self-regulated music learning Her recent publications reveal strong thematic continuity across music education and inclusion, with emerging focus on digital tools for instrumental practice, queer-inclusive teacher development, and post-pandemic educational adaptation. The work demonstrates consistent application of qualitative methodologies to address systemic barriers in educational environments. Professor Jenkins' contributions have been recognized through significant honors: Award for Teaching Excellence (2017) Dean's Award for Partnership Development (2017) MPA Supervisor of the Year Award Finalist (2014, 2016) Vice-Chancellor's Award Finalist (2018) She actively supervises PhD candidates on critical topics including post-COVID music education recovery, compassionate school leadership, and mindfulness applications. Current research projects like the South East Program and Universal Design for Learning initiative demonstrate her commitment to translating theory into practical educational innovation through university-school partnerships. As a member of the Monash Assistive Technology and Society centre leadership team, she drives collaborative initiatives that bridge academic research with community impact, particularly in developing inclusive educational frameworks for diverse learners.

• Music Education
• Inclusive Education
• Initial Teacher Education
• +4 more

Professor Emma Thomas is a leading social psychologist at Flinders University in the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work , where she holds the Matthew Flinders Professorship and an Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowship (2025-2030). She directs the Flinders Social Influence and Social Change Lab and contributes to leadership roles in the Jeff Bleich Centre for Democracy and Disruptive Technologies and the Flinders Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing. Education: BA (Hons) and PhD in Psychology (2005, 2009) from the Australian National University Her research bridges social and political psychology, focusing on collective action , political engagement , and extremism dynamics. Key areas include: Emotional drivers (anger, hope) in social change Online radicalization and misinformation Democratic resilience amid technological shifts UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) contributions Recent publications examine: Politicization in digital democracies Conspiracy beliefs' impact on political systems Intergroup cooperation in cross-cultural contexts Psychological implications of minority rights Awards include the South Australian Tall Poppy Science Award (2018) . She serves as Associate Editor at Political Psychology and previously at British Journal of Social Psychology , with ARC-funded projects on radicalization and civic engagement.

• Social Psychology
• Political Psychology
• Collective Action
• +7 more

Professor Karen Soldatic is a leading academic in the School of Social Sciences at Western Sydney University, specializing in disability studies, social justice, and intersectional analysis. Her work critically examines the intersections of disability, migration, Indigenous rights, and digital technology within Global South contexts. Her research interests focus on Disability Studies , Social Justice , Artificial Intelligence and Disability , Indigenous Rights , and Migration Studies . Through participatory methodologies, she investigates how digital systems, welfare policies, and social structures create barriers for marginalized communities, particularly women with disabilities in low-income countries and Indigenous populations in Australia. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on technology-facilitated violence against women with disabilities , digital inclusion frameworks , and intersectional resistance strategies . Her work consistently bridges academic theory with community action, focusing on practical interventions for systemic change. Professor Soldatic has secured significant research funding through projects including Walking my path: NSW Indigenous LGBTIQ+ peoples' experiences & aspirations (2023-2027) and Environmental Stewardship Resurgence in Walbanga Land . Her community engagement includes membership in the Australian Sociological Association and Diversty Arts Australia. Her academic contributions include 181 research outputs, 14 major projects, and active supervision of HDR candidates. She holds a PhD from the University of Western Australia and maintains strong connections with disability advocacy organizations including the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations.

• Disability Studies
• Social Justice
• Artificial Intelligence and Disability
• +5 more

Rebecca Beirne is a Senior Lecturer in Screen and Cultural Studies within the School of Humanities, Creative Industries, and Social Sciences at the University of Newcastle, Australia. She is an active academic researcher and educator whose work bridges film, media, and cultural studies with a strong emphasis on gender, sexuality, and mental health representation. Beirne earned her PhD in English from the University of Sydney in 2007 and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the same institution in 2002. Her academic journey has been centered at the University of Newcastle, where she has contributed significantly to teaching and research. Her research interests include television and film studies, with a particular focus on representations of gender, sexuality, and mental health in popular culture. She is recognized as a leading scholar in lesbian representation and has recently expanded her work to analyze how mental health conditions are portrayed in television fiction. Her research explores themes such as stigma, identity, narrative construction, and the socio-political implications of media portrayals. The trends in her recent publications reveal a consistent engagement with queer media, mental health narratives, and the evolving landscape of digital and televisual storytelling. Her work spans from analyses of lesbian representation in international cinema to critical discussions on the 'supercrip' trope in mental health portrayals. Lead investigator on the 2021 CHSF Working Parents Research Relief Scheme. Co-investigator in the 2019 Multidisciplinary humanities applications of metadata and computational text analysis project. Lead on the 2018 Australia-Germany Joint Research project. Lead on the 2017 Representing Mental Health Conditions on Television study. Investigator on the 2011 Visual Media Texts teaching and learning grant. Beirne actively supervises postgraduate research, serving as principal or co-supervisor for PhD and Master’s students in cultural studies, English, and media arts. Her supervision topics include film canons, spoken word poetry, female representation in fantasy literature, and queer graphic narratives. She has also contributed to public discourse through articles on platforms like The Conversation, discussing topics such as bisexual representation and gender dynamics in film. Her work is aligned with broader academic and societal goals around inclusivity, representation, and media literacy.

• Television studies
• Film studies
• Gender and sexuality studies
• +7 more

Dr Victoria Rawlings is a Senior Lecturer and ARC DECRA Fellow at the University of Sydney's Sydney School of Education and Social Work. She holds a BEd(Hons) and PhD from the University of Sydney. Her research focuses on gender, sexuality, and schooling, with a particular emphasis on creating inclusive educational environments. She co-directs the Hunt-Simes Institute for Sexuality Studies and serves on the NSW LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council. Her work spans queer science, sport equity (e.g., women in Australian Football umpiring), and LGBTQ+ youth mental health. Recent projects include ARC-funded initiatives on school-based consent education and NSW Department of Communities and Justice grants on gender diversity workshops. Education: BEd(Hons) and PhD from the University of Sydney Affiliations: Sydney Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Research Centre (SSSHARC), NSW LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council Research interests include gender regulation, violence prevention, community-led methodologies, and queer youth resilience. Her publications address topics like school bullying discourses, media framing of education policies, and structural violence against marginalized youth. Awards include the 2024 Sydney Early-Mid Career Academic Network Mentorship Award and the 2021 ARC DECRA Fellowship. She has received recognition for teaching excellence, including the 2020 Vice-Chancellor's Award. Grants include a $1.1M boost for Consent Labs' sexual violence prevention programs. Advising: Supervises PhD students on topics like online sexual discourse and gender diversity in education Grants: Current projects include youth-led sexual violence prevention and gender equity in sports Labs/Teams: Co-director of the Hunt-Simes Institute, collaborates with the Consent Labs initiative, and leads the CLOAK project on queer science.

• Gender Studies
• Sexuality and Education
• Schooling and Social Justice
• +3 more

Dr. Ryan Storr is a Research Fellow in the Sport Innovation Research Group (SIRG) at Swinburne University of Technology, affiliated with the School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship. He holds a PhD from Victoria University (awarded the 2019 Graduate Management Association of Australia’s Outstanding Doctorate) and a background in Geography and Sport Management from Loughborough University (UK). His research focuses on diversity and inclusion in sports, particularly LGBTIQ+ communities, exploring barriers to participation and policy development. Key projects include evaluating Cricket Australia’s LGBT inclusion strategies and co-founding Proud 2 Play, a Victorian LGBTIQ+ sport charity. Dr. Storr’s work bridges academic research and practical policy, addressing issues like transgender athlete inclusion, homophobia in sports, and mental health outcomes for marginalized groups. He has collaborated with organizations such as VicHealth, Tennis Australia, and the adidas Foundation. Media engagements include commentary on transgender sport policy and LGBTQ+ rights in sports media. Recent grants include projects on aquatic facility social value, LGBTQI+ youth participation, and trans inclusion policies. His advocacy has earned awards like the Rising Star Award from Victoria University.

• Sports Management
• Diversity and Inclusion
• LGBTIQ+ Studies
• +3 more

Nicole L. Asquith is Professor of Policing and Emergency Management at the University of Tasmania's School of Social Sciences, where she directs the Tasmanian Institute of Law Enforcement Studies (TILES). With over 25 years of experience, her research examines policing vulnerability and hate crimes. Research focuses on: Hate crime and targeted violence prevention Policing responses to vulnerable populations LGBTIQ+ experiences of violence Critical approaches to policing studies Professor Asquith coordinates the Australian Hate Crime Network and advises government inquiries like the Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ Hate Crimes. Her recent work investigates sexual violence reporting experiences, disablist violence, and police-community relations. She co-edits the Routledge International Handbook of Critical Policing Studies and promotes evidence-based policing reforms. Current projects examine how vulnerability is conceptualized in policing contexts and develops frameworks for more inclusive public safety approaches. Her research informs policy developments in policing vulnerable people and communities.

• Policing Studies
• Hate Crime
• Vulnerability
• +3 more

Associate Professor Lisa Fitzgerald is a public health sociologist at the School of Public Health , University of Queensland. Her work focuses on the health and wellbeing of marginalized populations, particularly those affected by HIV, sexual health disparities, and social determinants of health. She coordinates postgraduate courses in public health and qualitative research methods. Qualifications : Bachelor (Honours) of Arts, University of Canterbury; Masters (Coursework), University of Canterbury; Doctor of Philosophy, University of Otago. Research Interests : Qualitative Longitudinal Research Social Determinants of (Sexual) Health Community and Participatory Research Methods Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Grants : 2023-2026: Sociology of health data for sexually diverse populations (ARC Discovery Project) 2020-2023: Migrant networks and sexual health literacy 2019-2023: Sexual health trajectories of gender-diverse youth Supervision : She supervises PhD students exploring topics like Indigenous public health, queer rural experiences, sex worker health, and HIV self-testing. Her research has informed policy on HIV services, sex work, and harm reduction, with a focus on community partnerships and multidisciplinary collaboration.

• HIV
• Sexual Health
• Social Determinants of Health
• +7 more

Dr. Rebecca Beirne is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Newcastle within the School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences under Screen and Cultural Studies . With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as a leading scholar in lesbian representation and mental health portrayal in television fiction. Her research interests include: Gender and Sexuality Studies LGBTIQ Representation Media Studies Mental Health in the Media Television Studies Beirne’s recent publications analyze: Mental health conditions in TV fiction (2019, 2017) Lesbian representation across global media (2021, 2018, 2012) Transnational queer narratives (2012) Media pedagogy innovations (2013) She supervises PhD candidates exploring diverse topics from film canons to queer graphic narratives , while leading grants like the CHSF Working Parents Research Relief Scheme (2021) and the Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation (2018). Her work has been featured in The Conversation on themes like reality TV bisexuality and mental health narratives .

• Gender and Sexuality Studies
• LGBTIQ Studies
• Media Studies
• +3 more

Dr. Christopher Fox is a Senior Lecturer in Sexual Health (Sexology) at the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Medicine and Health, affiliated with Sydney Medical School and Westmead Clinical School. He serves as Co-Director of the Postgraduate Program in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Pathway Coordinator for the Psychosexual Therapy Pathway. His academic roles also include coordinating units like SEXH5403 and SEXH5415. Dr. Fox holds advanced degrees including a PhD and certifications from the Royal Society of Public Health and European bodies. Education: Dip. P.C., B.Psych., B.A. (Hons), PhD. Research focuses on sexual health, masculinity, psychosexual therapy, and LGBTQ+ issues. Key areas include men’s mental health, aging sexuality, and health policy gaps for midlife/older adults. Methodologies combine quantitative and qualitative approaches. His articles explore topics like childhood trauma impacts, heterosexist violence, and workplace health. Awards include Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health (2008) and European Certified Psycho-Sexologist (2017). He advises students like Dr. Watcharaphol Alexandre Kamnerdsiri and collaborates internationally with institutions in the Czech Republic, Japan, and the UK on projects like cross-cultural attitudes toward online explicit material and HIV psychosocial needs. Labs/teams: Director of Sex Life Therapy, a specialist psychosexual practice. Active in organizations like the Asia-Oceania Federation of Sexology (President-Elect and Treasurer) and World Association for Sexual Health.

• Sexual Health
• Psychosexual Therapy
• LGBTIQ Issues
• +5 more

Dr David Rhodes is a Senior Lecturer and Program Coordinator in the School of Education at Edith Cowan University's South-West campus. His research focuses on social justice, particularly LGBTIQ+ inclusion, Indigenous education, and gender equity. He holds a PhD in Education from the University of Sydney and has over two decades of teaching experience in secondary schools and teacher training programs. Rhodes has been recognized with multiple awards, including the 2020 Vice-Chancellor's Staff Award for enhancing diversity and inclusion. His educational background includes a Doctor of Philosophy in Education (2010), a Master of Teaching (2003), and a BA in Language & Society/Sociology (2001). He has supervised numerous postgraduate students, including work on Aboriginal student transitions, vocational education, and culturally competent teacher training. Rhodes' research emphasizes queer pedagogy, combating homophobia, and integrating Indigenous perspectives into teacher education. His articles and conference presentations highlight challenges in regional/rural education and strategies to make schools safer for LGBTQI+ students. He has contributed to The Conversation on topics like sex education reform and the importance of regional universities in breaking intergenerational disadvantage.

• Social Justice in Education
• LGBTIQ+ Inclusion
• Indigenous Education
• +3 more

Dr. Matthew Shores is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Languages and Cultures within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Sydney. He joined the university in 2019 after previously serving as Fellow and Director of East Asian Studies at Peterhouse, Cambridge. Dr. Shores holds a BA and MA from Portland State University, an MA from Tezukayama University, and a PhD in Japanese literature from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. Dr. Shores specializes in Edo-period (1600-1868) literary arts and entertainment, with particular expertise in rakugo (Japanese comic storytelling). His research interests include premodern and modern Japanese theatre and performing arts, popular culture and media, colloquial dialogue and humor in Japanese texts, and literature by underrepresented groups in Japan such as Ainu, Burakumin, disabled individuals, LGBTIQ communities, Ryūkyūans, seniors, women, and Zainichi Koreans. Dr. Shores apprenticed with rakugo masters Katsura Bunshi V (1930-2005) and Hayashiya Somemaru IV (b. 1949) and has trained extensively in traditional performing arts including bunraku, kabuki, kyōgen, nō, and shamisen. His recent publications focus on Japanese comedy, rakugo history, and cultural studies, demonstrating his commitment to examining Japanese entertainment as both popular culture and literary tradition. His 2021 monograph The Comic Storytelling of Western Japan received the School of Languages and Cultures Early Career Researcher Prize for Best Book in 2022. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Teaching Excellence Award (2022) Inoue Yasushi Award for Outstanding Research in Japanese Literature, Culture and Art (2022) School of Languages and Cultures Early Career Researcher Prize for Best Book (2022) Dr. Shores teaches units on Japanese language and culture, including modern/contemporary Japanese literature, East Asian cinema, Japanese theatre and cultural history, Edo-period literature and culture, classical Japanese, modern Japanese language, translation, and academic writing. He serves on the editorial boards for Asian Studies Review and Asian Theatre Journal, and is currently working on a second monograph examining engei (variety entertainment) as both popular culture and literary tradition. His work bridges academic scholarship with practical performance experience, creating a unique interdisciplinary approach to Japanese cultural studies.

• Japanese literature
• Edo-period literary arts
• Rakugo and Japanese comedy
• +7 more

Christy E Newman (they/them) is a Professor at the Centre for Social Research in Health and serves as Deputy Dean Research for UNSW Arts, Design and Architecture. With over two decades of experience as a qualitative sociologist, they have established themselves as a leading researcher in gender, sexuality, and health. Research Focus: Social aspects of queer and trans health Sexual and reproductive health Diverse genders, sexualities, relationships, and families Sociology of health and family relationships Their work emphasizes inclusive approaches to health, education, and social systems reform, with particular attention to marginalized communities. Newman is a passionate advocate for the contributions of social sciences, humanities, and creative arts in addressing contemporary social and health challenges. Publication Trends: Newman's recent research shows a strong focus on queer generations, digital health trust among communities affected by blood-borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections, and sustaining sexual health services during the pandemic. Their work consistently bridges academic research with practical applications for health systems and policy. Awards and Recognition: 2020 Research Supervisor Award, UNSW Arc Postgraduate Council 2017 Mid-Career Interdisciplinary Achiever Award, Australasian Sexual Health Alliance 2010 Paul Bourke Award for Early Career Research, Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia 1998 University Medal in Arts, Murdoch University Research Supervision and Grants: Newman has supervised numerous doctoral students working on topics including rainbow families, queer justice, gender in family violence policy, and health needs of Bi+ communities. Their research has secured over $18 million in grants from the Australian Research Council, National Health and Medical Research Council, and other health agencies. Professional Engagement: Newman serves on the NSW Health LGBTIQ+ Health Strategy Implementation Committee, is a member of the Australian Sociological Association and AusPATH, and sits on editorial boards for Culture, Health & Sexuality and Health Sociology Review.

• Sociology of health
• Sociology of family and relationships
• Sexualities
• +6 more