Loren Brener

Loren Brener is a Professor at the Centre for Social Research in Health (CSRH), UNSW Sydney. Her work focuses on stigma and discrimination faced by marginalized groups, particularly those affected by blood-borne viruses like HIV and hepatitis. She investigates how stigma impacts healthcare access and quality, with a strong emphasis on social psychology and public health outcomes. Her research bridges theoretical understanding and practical interventions to improve equity for vulnerable populations.

Her affiliations include the Arts, Design & Architecture school at UNSW, where she contributes to interdisciplinary research and policy initiatives. She leads studies on harm reduction, cultural inclusion in healthcare, and stigma reduction among diverse communities, including migrants and LGBTQ+ groups.

Key research areas include:

• Healthcare stigma and patient navigation
• Injecting drug use and harm reduction strategies
• Cultural and linguistic diversity in health services
• Public health interventions targeting marginalized populations

Her recent work highlights the role of social norms and arts-based interventions in reducing stigma, as well as the impact of stigma on mental health and healthcare utilization among vulnerable groups. She collaborates with community organizations to translate research into practice, emphasizing real-world solutions.

Her research has informed policies and programs at national and international levels, particularly in addressing hepatitis B disparities among migrant communities in Australia.