School of Health and Social Development -NiCHE
HSD
Vision
The Deakin University NiCHE research group will play a key role in building and communicating evidence on human health and wellbeing benefits of connecting with nature (including but not restricted to the natural environment, plants, animals, parks, gardens, and 'wild' areas) to encourage social and environmental sustainability.
Values
Relevance
to demonstrate and promote the relevance of the research in the early 21st Century and beyond.
Innovation
to identify innovative and holistic ways of addressing existing and potential health issues, based on the nature-health evidence.
Inter/multi/transdisciplinarity
to design and conduct research that maximises opportunities for cross-sectoral and cross-disciplinary exchange and collaborations.
Responsive
to respond to the opportunities and needs which emerge for addressing key health issues (such as ageing, mental health, obesity, quality of life, equity and social exclusion).
Sustainability
to ensure that the research respects issues of ecological, social, economic and cultural diversity and sustainability.
Measurability/ accountability
to demonstrate the health and wellbeing benefits of connecting with nature, using high quality research designs incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods, and grounded in ethical practice.
Team-work
to see the processes and achievements of NiCHE as a team endeavour and acknowledge all who contribute.
Key priorities
Strategic partnerships
to sustain existing collaborations and capitalise on the current and emerging opportunities for industry and community partnerships, both in Australia and internationally.
Research students
to continue to encourage and foster Honours and PhD students to join the team and contribute to the research.
Clearinghouse
to establish, develop and maintain the on-line clearinghouse, and to promote the clearinghouse effectively.
Publications and dissemination
to maintain and/or increase the number of refereed publications based on the group's research as a means of ensuring that the research findings are available and accessible and also include various sectors and a range of media.
Grants
to achieve the funding and support necessary to expand the capacity of the team to work towards achievement of the vision.
