ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT FOOD, HEALTH, OR SUSTAINABILITY?

Researchers in the Food Environments Team at the Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute (NHIRI) are seeking expressions of interest from a diverse range of people to help ensure their research is relevant and accessible to the community.

If you’re passionate about food, health, or sustainability, we’d love to hear from you!

About the project

Our food supply plays a major role in both climate change and diet-related disease. In Australia, meat and dairy are overproduced and overconsumed, while more sustainable, nutritious options like nuts and legumes are underutilized in diets. To protect both public health and the planet, we need a shift toward a healthier, more sustainable food system.

This research explores how Australia can make that transition through policy change, community engagement, and effective communication. To ensure our findings are relevant and impactful, we’re bringing together a diverse group of consumers. Your insights will help guide our research focus, shape how we communicate results, and ensure that recommendations reflect real-world needs.

About the position

As a research buddy, you will work closely with the researcher to help ensure their research is relevant and accessible to the community.

What am I expected to do?

Your role as a research buddy will involve:

• Participating in meetings or workshops to provide ongoing guidance by sharing your lived experience perspective
• Reviewing project documents and research plans
• Sharing your lived experience to help ensure research matches the needs and priorities of consumers

What skills or experience do I need?

No prior experience in research or consumer involvement is necessary, however the following are required:

• Willingness to engage in discussions and provide feedback.
• Ability to review documents and confidence to make suggestions.
• Interest in research and a desire to contribute to positive change.

You might be a great fit if you are:

• Someone with lived experience of diet-related health issues (e.g., diabetes, heart disease)
• Interested in nutrition for optimal health or peak performance (e.g., athletes, fitness enthusiasts)
• From an older generation with insights into changing food habits
• A young person shaping the future of food choices
• From a minority culture, bringing unique food traditions and perspectives
• From the dominant culture, reflecting mainstream Australian dietary habits
• Someone who has changed their diet for sustainability reasons (e.g., reducing meat, eating more plant-based foods)
• Someone with experience of growing or producing food, either personally or professionally

How long am I expected to be involved?

Initial involvement (3-6 months) in attending periodic meetings, but may be extended if the project is funded (potentially five years). The researchers are keen to have your ongoing involvement over the course of the whole project, if possible.

Where will meetings be held?

We can meet at a location suitable for you.

What support is offered?

$37.50 per hour honorarium

Further Information

Contact Dr Clare Whitton: c.whitton@ecu.edu.au

Closing date for expressions of interest: 30 June 2025