Joanne Bryant

Professor Joanne Bryant is Professor of Sociology in the School of Social Sciences at the Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). She is an Australian Research Council Future Fellow (2023-2026) and has established herself as a leading researcher in the sociology of health, particularly focusing on young people's substance use and sexual health.

Her research examines how social conditions, rather than individual attributes, shape health opportunities and outcomes. With over 100 peer-reviewed papers and forty technical research monographs, Professor Bryant's work has significantly influenced academic discourse and practical approaches to youth health services. Her research funding exceeds $11 million, including substantial grants from the ARC and NHMRC.

Professor Bryant's research interests include:

• Sociology of young people's substance use and sexual health
• Social determinants of health and health disparities
• Strengths-based approaches in youth health
• Indigenous health and cultural strengths
• Critical analysis of resilience frameworks in health discourse
• Stigma in alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment settings

Her recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward examining how social contexts shape health experiences, with particular emphasis on marginalized youth populations. Bryant's work increasingly focuses on strengths-based approaches that recognize community and cultural assets rather than deficit models. Her research spans qualitative methodologies including yarning methods with Aboriginal communities, examining cultural inclusion in services, and exploring the transformative potential of care in residential AOD settings.

Among her significant honors, Professor Bryant is an Australian Research Council Future Fellow (2023-2026) for her project 'Reimagining strengths approaches to drug and alcohol care for young people.'

Professor Bryant actively contributes to the academic community as an Editorial Board member for Health Sociology Review, International Journal of Drug Policy, and Culture Health and Sexuality. She is also a member of The Australian Sociological Association and serves on several government and sector expert advisory committees.

Her current research projects include 'From resilience to capabilities: Rethinking strengths-based approaches in youth health,' 'Resource landscapes for young people leaving residential drug and alcohol services,' and 'What we do well: Stories of love, sex and relationships,' which focuses on Aboriginal young people's strengths in building sexual wellbeing.