Lia Bryant

Professor Lia Bryant is a rural sociologist at the University of South Australia (UniSA), affiliated with the School of Psychology, Social Work & Social Policy. Her research focuses on co-designed solutions for rural challenges, particularly farmer wellbeing, gender dynamics, and suicide prevention. She leads the National Enterprise for Rural Community Wellbeing (NERCW), collaborating with government agencies and grassroots organizations. Bryant has over 27 funded projects and 90+ publications, emphasizing qualitative methods like participatory film-making and arts-based approaches. She supervises research degrees and teaches courses on creative methodologies, gender studies, and rural sociology.

Her key research areas include farmer suicide prevention, rural community identities, agricultural gender dynamics, and post-parental care for people with disabilities. Recent projects include tailoring suicide prevention strategies for farming men and exploring post-parental care transitions for rural families. Bryant employs feminist theories, intersectionality, and spatial analysis in her work.

Her articles highlight themes like moral economies in farming communities, masculinity and shame, and the intersections of gender, class, and rurality. Bryant actively engages with policy makers and community groups, advocating for inclusive rural development and mental health initiatives.