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Deakin Lifespan Institute
World-leading research across the lifespan, from birth to older adulthood, and across generations
How our research advances health, wellbeing and development across the lifespan
The Deakin Lifespan Institute is an Australian research institute dedicated to improving health, wellbeing and development throughout the lifespan and for future generations.
The knowledge we generate shapes policy, drives best practice and creates lasting impact for people, families and communities. Central to our impact is the way we work. Our research is organised around three interconnected areas that guide how we understand, improve and translate health and development into meaningful lasting change.
Lifecourse sciences
This area of research is about what matters. It focuses on identifying the biological, psychological, social and environmental factors that shape health, wellbeing and development at every age and stage.
Intervention sciences
This area of research is about what works. It examines the most effective approaches to promoting wellbeing, preventing poor health and developmental challenges, supporting early intervention, and improving outcomes for people experiencing problems.
Translation sciences
This area of research is about what drives change. It brings research into real-world settings. Working closely with partners across health, education and related sectors, we co-design solutions that turn evidence into action. Informing policy, strengthening practice, and improving the environments where people are born, live, learn, work and age.
Our research areas
Nationally and internationally, we are facing increasingly complex challenges that are affecting our health, wellbeing and development. We conduct vital research that seeks to improve outcomes form the earliest opportunities for people now, and for generations to come. Our research covers many areas, including:
- mental health and wellbeing
- family relationships
- trauma
- neurodiversity
- reproductive health
- brain development
- traumatic brain injury
- reproductive health
- chronic physical health conditions.
Transform health, wellbeing and development across the lifespan
Want to make a difference to people's health, wellbeing and development now and for future generations? Be part of a supportive and vibrant research environment working alongside renowned researchers when you study a research degree with us.
Our research centres around the seminal role that social interaction with others, across a wide range of relationships, plays in shaping all aspects of human development. We work to lengthen human healthspan and lifespan through enriching the quality of human relationships.
Scientific Director of Deakin Lifespan Institute
Our research leaders
Our researchers and research students specialise in preventive mental health care and clinical treatment of mental health problems. Many of our members are registered psychologists.
Deakin Distinguished Professor Craig Olsson is the Scientific Director of Deakin Lifespan Institute.
Professor Petra Staiger is the Deputy Director of Deakin Lifespan Institute.
Kristin Williams is the Executive Officer of Deakin Lifespan Institute.
Professor Jane McGillivray is the Head of the School of Psychology at Deakin University.
Associate Professor Elizabeth Westrupp is the Associate Head of School (Research) School of Psychology at Deakin University.
Professor Antonina Mikocka-Walus is the Deputy Head of the School of Psychology at Deakin University.
Featured projects
Our research tackles some of the most complex challenges affecting health, wellbeing and development across the lifespan. By focusing on prevention, early intervention and support for people with long-term or complex needs, we aim to improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities, now and for future generations.
Studying social and emotional development across generations
The Australian Temperament Project is one of Australia’s longest running studies of social and emotional development. it began with 2,443 families from urban and rural Victoria, recruiting parents (Generation 1) and their children (Generation 2) at 4-8 months of age. In 2012, the Generation 3 study was launched. The study has published over 200 papers, with findings broadly translated into practice, policy and educational settings.
A family-based therapeutic program for children with anxiety
This project will co-design, and test the feasibility and acceptability of a novel, interactive, family-based, lifestyle therapeutic program, CALM-Kids for improving symptoms of anxiety, psychological distress, and general functioning in children with anxiety. The anticipated study outcome is a world- first, co-produced, scalable, and accessible, evidence-based lifestyle program for children aged 6-12 years and their families, who exhibit moderate or enduring mental health issues.
A comprehensive school attendance website to support families and schools
While some resources exist to help parents and schools support young people’s attendance, they are often hard to find and rarely include family perspectives. In 2023, the Senate Inquiry into school refusal called for improved resources, including a central “one‑stop shop” for information and support. This project aims to design and deliver a comprehensive school attendance website, offering families and schools high‑quality, evidence‑based and easily accessible resources to support school attendance.
Our partners
We have a strong national and international network of collaborators who work with us on jointly funded research, data analysis and research publications. We partner with:
- health providers
- education providers
- government
- industry
- research organisations.
