Sara Farnbach

Dr. Sara Farnbach is a Researcher and Program Lead of the RISE Team at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW Sydney. She specializes in evidence-based health services and program evaluation for alcohol and other drug (AOD) harm prevention in rural and regional New South Wales, with a focus on partnerships with Aboriginal communities and clinicians.

• PhD, Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine (MPHTM), Registered Nurse (RN)
• 2025 Ian Webster Award (NDARC)
• 2023 Early Career Award (Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs)
• Over 34 journal articles and 10+ grants (2015–2025)

Her research integrates pragmatic trial designs and routinely collected data to evaluate AOD programs, particularly for Aboriginal populations and complex support clients. Recent work includes systematic reviews on community initiatives, supported accommodation post-incarceration, and culturally adapted depression screening tools like the aPHQ-9. Collaborations span NSW Health, South West Sydney PHN, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Services.

Key article trends reveal expertise in: implementation science for culturally responsive care, health equity in rural settings, and mixed-methods evaluations of AOD interventions. She advocates for data sovereignty and community-driven research frameworks.

Scientific Awards:

• 2025 Ian Webster Award (NDARC, UNSW)
• 2023 Early Career Award (Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs)
• 2023 Kevin Rozzoli Community Impact Award (NDARC, UNSW)
• 2023 Richard Mattick Award (NDARC, UNSW)
• 2008 Order of Australia Association Foundation Scholarship

Grants: 2024–2015 funding for AOD evaluations in rural communities, family recovery programs, kava importation monitoring, and culturally adapted interventions. Grants from NSW Health, Alcohol and Drug Foundation, and Australian Government departments.