Josephine Gwynn

Dr. Josephine Gwynn is a Senior Lecturer in the Sydney School of Health Sciences (occupational therapy) at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Medicine and Health. She serves as Program Director for the Bachelor of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy and co-leads the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health node at the Charles Perkins Centre. Dr. Gwynn also holds three honorary positions: Honorary Research Academic at the University of Newcastle, Honorary Appointee at St Vincent's Hospital, and Adjunct Fellow at the University of Technology, Sydney.

With over 30 years of experience in academia and community health, Dr. Gwynn has established herself as a leading researcher in Indigenous health. Her educational background includes a B.App.Sc in Occupational Therapy, a Master of Cognitive Science, and a PhD in Aboriginal Health (conferred by the University of Newcastle in 2012). Prior to joining the University of Sydney in 2015, she worked at the University of Newcastle.

Dr. Gwynn's research program focuses on reducing health disparities related to diabetes and cardiovascular disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Her work employs community-led, participatory research methods with a strong emphasis on decolonizing frameworks and Indigenous research methodologies. Key aspects of her research approach include Aboriginal community leadership and governance of research, participatory methods including co-design, socio-ecological frameworks, strengths-based philosophies, implementation of Indigenous research methodologies, and translation of research into community benefits.

Her current research projects include the Early Atrial Fibrillation Screening for Indigenous people (EASI) study (MRFF Cardiovascular Grant), retention of the Aboriginal health workforce (ARC Indigenous Discovery Grant), preventing falls in older Aboriginal people (NHMRC project grant), and community co-design projects related to health and wellbeing. These projects reflect her commitment to addressing both specific health conditions and systemic issues affecting Indigenous communities.

Dr. Gwynn has received multiple awards for her contributions to Indigenous health research, including the 2017 Poche Centre for Indigenous Health Award for contribution to research management and delivery in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Her scholarly output spans from 2005 to 2025, demonstrating sustained research productivity across multiple domains including geriatrics, cardiology, public health, occupational therapy, and Indigenous health methodologies.

As an educator, Dr. Gwynn integrates cultural competence and community health perspectives into occupational therapy education. She supervises students across multiple programs including undergraduate honors, Summer Scholars, Medicine MD program, Masters, and PhD, with research topics focusing on Aboriginal community health, physical activity, workforce retention, and culturally responsive service delivery.