Real-world impact

About the
research

We aim to develop, implement, evaluate and communicate research that has a direct and meaningful impact on community health and wellbeing by addressing real-world problems.

We do this through consumer driven research, public engagement and influencing systems change.

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man brushing child's teeth
2 MIN READ
published
July 2025
Finding the root of tooth decay in kids
A lack of oral health literacy among caregivers and access to dental services is driving tooth decay in young children...
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Closeup of edible plants on a wooden table under the lights
2 MIN READ
published
June 2025
Leafy greens could be good for the heart
A cup and a half of leafy green vegetables could go a long way to addressing atherosclerotic vascular diseases (ASVDs), new...
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Josh_HeartFoundation
1 MIN READ
published
June 2025
ECU led team to partner with the Heart Foundation to commercialise a new solution to screen for blood vessel calcification
A team led by Edith Cowan University (ECU)’s Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute (NHIRI) within the School of Medical...
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Hands that are picking coffee beans from the coffee tree
2 MIN READ
published
June 2025
Could new technology save your daily cup of coffee?
New research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) could potentially save your daily cup of coffee. The research has identified a new and...
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dark choc
3 MIN READ
published
June 2025
Tea, berries, dark chocolate and apples could lead to a longer life span, study shows
New research has found that those who consume a diverse range of foods rich in flavonoids, such as tea, berries,...
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Amanda Claus Tina
1 MIN READ
published
May 2025
ECU research leads to IBS solution
Researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU) have developed a dietary fibre powder, ur gut®, to assist people suffering from irritable...
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DXA
2 MIN READ
published
May 2025
New machine algorithm could identify cardiovascular risk at the click of a button
An automated machine learning program developed by researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU) in conjunction with the University of Manitoba...
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Dr Mary Kennedy, Dr Zulqarnain Gilani, Dr Marc SIm, Dr Lauren Blekkenhorst and Dr Myles Muprhy
2 MIN READ
published
May 2025
Emerging NHIRI researchers recognised for groundbreaking health solutions
The WANMA program, including the Emerging Leaders program and Ideas Grants program, are part of the WA Future Health Research...
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Collage of five photos. The central photo features Dr. Ros Sambell. Surrounding it are four photos of children eating different foods.
2 MIN READ
published
April 2025
ECU working to address nutrition gaps in early childhood education
Edith Cowan University (ECU) has been awarded a $977,278 grant from Western Australian state government agency Healthway to develop a...
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Professor Gina Trapp
1 MIN READ
published
March 2025
ABC 7:30 Report on ‘Should Junk Food Advertising be banned’
Professor Gina Trapp, Head of the Food Environments Team at NHIRI, recently featured on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) 7:30...
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Dr Liezhou Zhong, Professor Josh Lewis and Dr Lauren Blekkenhorst in front of an image of a leg being bandaged by someone's hands wearing white gloves.
2 MIN READ
published
March 2025
ECU collaboration awarded $1 million to improve nutrition in people with leaky legs
A new research collaboration between Edith Cowan University's (ECU's) Nutrition & Health Innovation Research Institute (NHIRI), Silverchain, Sir Charles Gairdner...
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A person clutching their knee. The background is outdoors, with natural lighting and a blurred setting. Inset in the image is a circular portrait of Dr Myles Murphy.
2 MIN READ
published
January 2025
Electrifying results for new ACL recovery plan
Electrical brain stimulation could be the key to getting athletes back on track following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, new...
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A close-up image of a breast pump filled with milk sitting on a wooden surface, with a blurred background of a mother nursing her baby. An inset photo shows Associate Professor Therese O'Sullivan smiling.
2 MIN READ
published
November 2024
Researchers offer mums ‘liquid gold’ alternative to formula feeding in hospital
Interest in antenatal colostrum expression (ACE) is on the rise, with research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) showing that around...
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A conference room filled with attendees seated at round tables, attentively listening to a presentation. At the front of the room, Professor Gary Frost stands beside a podium, speaking while a large projector screen displays slides.
2 MIN READ
published
October 2024
2024 NHIRI/NSA Research Symposium: Showcasing Innovation for a Healthy Future
The 2024 NHIRI/NSA Research Symposium, themed "Innovative Solutions for a Healthy Future," brought together leading researchers, students, and professionals to...
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Dr Mary Kennedy
2 MIN READ
published
October 2023
Cancer Council WA Postdoctoral Research Fellowship awarded to ECU’s Dr Mary Kennedy
Edith Cowan University (ECU) researcher Dr Mary Kennedy has been awarded $225,000 over the next three years in a bid...
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Mother and child playing together
0 MIN READ
published
June 2023
Happy parenting – prevention is better than cure
Many parenting interventions emphasise skills training after problems develop, as opposed to establishing a strong parent-child relationship from early on....
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respectful-parenting
3 MIN READ
published
March 2023
Funding to reduce stress for new parents – and benefit the whole family
It’s well known the first year of life is vital for a child’s development, but can also be one of...
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child-dairy-health
0 MIN READ
published
February 2022
Rethinking dairy intake
The aim of The Milky Way study, led by Associate Professor Therese O'Sullivan, was to investigate the effects of regular...
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Associate Professor Therese O'Sullivan
2 MIN READ
published
January 2022
Learn with leaders at ECU
The world is full of questions that need answers. Experts from Edith Cowan University (ECU) are at the forefront of...
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child-dairy
2 MIN READ
published
October 2021
Whole fat or low-fat milk better for kids?
A world-first study from Edith Cowan University has found whole fat milk is just as good for kids as low...
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