Sandra Diminic

Dr Sandra Diminic is a Senior Lecturer and Adjunct Senior Fellow at the University of Queensland's School of Public Health, leading the Mental Health Services Research stream at the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research (QCMHR). She holds a PhD in psychology and public health, focusing on carer service needs in mental illness. Prior to her current role, she worked on the Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank, interned at the WHO, and was a visiting scholar at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Toronto).

Her research focuses on reducing mental health burden through evidence-based service models, collaboration with health systems, and policy development. Key projects include the National Mental Health Service Planning Framework (NMHSPF), a needs-based tool modeling service requirements for optimal care. She also investigates service gaps for Indigenous populations and rural communities, emphasizing strengths-based approaches and telehealth accessibility.

Dr Diminic’s work bridges academia and practice, with over 100 publications across journals, conferences, and policy reports. Her research is funded by governments, NGOs, and international bodies, addressing disparities in mental health service access and informing regional planning initiatives.