The Refugee Health Research Centre

The Refugee Health Research Centre (RHRC) is an innovative partnership between Foundation House and the Faculty of Health Sciences at La Trobe University

The RHRC was established in 2003 and plays a key role in bringing together research and education with service delivery and community development. It is funded by Foundation House, LaTrobe University, a number of research project grants and funds from philanthropic trusts.

The RHRC promotes the health and well-being of refugee communities through applied and foundation research, teaching, continuing education and professional development. 

The RHRC:

  • Undertakes multi-disciplinary research into the social determinants of health and well-being of people from refugee backgrounds
  • Provides post-graduate education in refugee health and resettlement
  • Provides expertise upon which other organisations can draw to assist them in health promotion, service delivery, research and policy development.
  • Contributes to community debate and raising awareness.

The work of the RHRC contributes to improving access to health and social services for refugee communities and informs strategies for promoting participation and social inclusion in Australian society.  The RHRC builds public awareness and contributes to community debate about issues relating to refugee health and settlement both in Australia and globally.

RHRC Activities

The RHRC conducts research in four key areas:

  • Young people
  • Emerging communities
  • Refugee protection
  • Service innovation and community strengthening

The RHRC provides undergraduate and post-graduate education and research training through:

  • Teaching in undergraduate curriculum within The Faculty of Health Sciences and The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Teaching in the Master of Public Health
  • Supervision of Master and Doctoral Research
  • Short courses, seminars, public lectures and conferences
  • Professional development workshops and resources

For more information please visit the RHRC website at www.latrobe.edu.au/rhrc