The Sax Institute welcomes new Members to national network

The Sax Institute has welcomed three new Members from around the country as the Institute’s national profile continues to rise.

The new Members are: the Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change at The University of Melbourne; the Centre for Health Services Research at The University of Queensland; and Cancer Council Victoria.

There are now 74 Member organisations of the Institute, located across New South Wales, Victoria, ACT, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

Sax Institute membership offers organisations a unique network of leaders in public health and health services research. Member benefits include:

  • Access to Sax Forums, which connects Members with each other and the Institute to collaborate on initiatives of shared interest 
  • Influencing the initiatives of the Institute through the annual Sax Colloquium and other activities
  • Being able to apply for our annual Research Action Awards, which recognise researchers whose work has positively impacted policy or practice

Sax Institute CEO Dr Martin McNamara says he is proud to welcome the new Members. “These three organisations all share a determination to ensure evidence is better reflected in health policy. Our network of Members is committed to addressing Australia’s public health challenges together.”

About our new Members

The Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change (MCBC) provides an integrated approach to all aspects of behaviour change to produce sustainable, durable changes in behaviours, policies, and practices to enhance lives, livelihoods, and environments. Located at The University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus, MCBC investigates the various processes that direct individual behaviour and studies evidence-based techniques capable of changing behaviour patterns. MCBC’s team of researchers and clinicians are experts in developing, implementing, and evaluating behaviour-change interventions, including digital interventions. Associate Professor Michelle Jongenelis is Deputy Director of MCBC and its member representative.

The Centre for Health Services Research (CHSR) at The University of Queensland is a multidisciplinary research, consultancy and graduate training centre that is committed to developing innovative health service solutions. CHSR conducts specialised health research programs and comprises globally recognised experts in a wide range of disciplines incorporating ageing and geriatric medicine, behavioural science, biostatistics, clinical informatics, digital health, kidney medicine, health economics, maternal health, mental health and substance use and telehealth. A key focus for the Centre in 2024 is co-hosting the 13th Health Services Research Association ANZ Conference in Brisbane in December. Professor Monika Janda is Centre Director of CHSR and its member representative.

Cancer Council Victoria is a non-profit organisation working to prevent and reduce the impact of cancer through research and impactful evidence-based programs, campaigns, and advocacy. Since its establishment in 1936, Cancer Council Victoria has developed an international reputation for its innovative work in cancer research, prevention and support. Cancer Council Victoria is committed to: funding research to improve the prevention, detection and treatment of all cancers; educating the community on how to reduce their cancer risk; and providing reliable information and support to those affected by cancer. Professor Sarah Durkin is Director of Cancer Council Victoria’s Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer and its member representative.

Becoming a Member of the Sax Institute is free of charge. The Sax Institute welcomes applications for membership from organisations that share the Institute’s values and our mission to improve public health through better use of evidence.