Researchers from across UNE continue to explore ways to engage through Manna Institute to embed mental health initiatives in our university’s four new research flagships. A webinar Manna hosted on World Mental Health Day (10 October) demonstrated the many possibilities for powerful collaboration.
UNE-led Manna Institute is a virtual institute that brings together leading mental health researchers from seven universities in the Regional Universities Network (RUN), along with Lifeline Direct, Everymind and Australian National University’s Centre for Mental Health Research. It is dedicated to improving mental health and wellbeing in rural, regional and remote Australia by supporting meaningful research, fostering professional workforces, and translating research findings into practical, place-based programs.
During the webinar, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Chris Armstrong outlined UNE’s four new research flagships: One Health, Sustainable Agriculture and the Environment, Digital Futures and Renewable Energy Zone & Emissions Reduction.
“Manna represents an opportunity for UNE researchers from all faculties to expand both their research reach and collaborative networks across RUN,” Professor Armstrong said.
“By partnering with Manna, our researchers can tackle research questions such as digital healthcare access for remote patients; psychosocial resilience in the face of climate change events; or communities in transition in a renewable economy with UNE’s new Research Enterprise and Engagement Plan flagships.”
Manna Institute Director, UNE’s Professor Myf Maple, highlighted that mental health and wellbeing spans each flagship. Understanding the mental health implications for community partners, stakeholders and researchers themselves is vital to ensuring that research projects are respectful, effective and fit-for-purpose.
“Mental health and wellbeing is an important consideration in any area where humans are present, working or have an impact,” Professor Maple said.
“At a time when UNE researchers are considering how their research aligns with the new flagships, we also need to be thinking about what the mental health and wellbeing components. It’s a wonderful opportunity to contribute positively to the rural and regional communities in which we operate and to collaborate with people we may never have worked with before.”
UNE has 24 senior researchers, mid-career (MCR) and early-career researchers (ECR) and HDR students affiliated with Manna Institute, which comprises 115 multi-university researchers. Professor Maple is keen to continue to grow this community and help address some of the most wicked challenges facing rural and regional people.
“When we learn about different research, points of view and methodologies, we learn to collaborate and share, and that’s exactly what we are seeing through Manna,” she said. “By broadening connections beyond our own disciplines, we grow our networks and we grow as people. It facilitates engaging and enlightening and inspiring conversations that help us to envision a better future.”
The webinar featured Manna ECR Dr Marg Rogers, MCR Associate Professor Sarah Wayland, Professor Stuart Wark from the School of Rural Medicine, Dr Katrina Dickson from the School of Business, Professor in Exercise and Sports Science Neil Smart and UNE Life CEO David Schmude.
If you would like to engage with Manna, please email mannainstitute@une.edu.au