Newcastle Institute of Public Health
(NIPH) is a group of researchers committed to promoting an active program in population health research to the communities of the Hunter, New England and New South Wales, to unite public health and health services planning and to provide a forum for the development and exchange of ideas.
NIPH is a partnership between the Hunter New England Area Health Service and the University of Newcastle. NIPH members are drawn from over twenty health service and public health research groups from both entities. We unite the activities of academics and clinicians.
NIPH is an independent research program and the public health research arm of Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).
NIPH is funded primarily by an infrastructure grant from NSW Health, but also receives in kind contributions from Hunter New England Area Health, the University of Newcastle, competitive grants, and contracts with external organisations.
NIPH aims to expand the research capacity of public health researchers and public health service providers in the Hunter New England through
- Public Health and health service research
- Health Risks modification and communicable disease research
- Research training and mentoring
- Communication and dissemination of research findings
NIPH has four research programs
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Health Services - Clinical Practices
This group work with a centre known for innovation in health services delivery and as a major site for analysis of large administrative data sets for NSW and Australia, aimed at measuring the quality and performance of health facilities. Assoc. Prof. John Attia is the Health Program Leader.
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Health Services - Population Analysis
This program has evolved as a strong trans-disciplinary Centre to promote and facilitate research into ageing across university, health service and community sectors. They have considerable experience in dealing with population data from routine data sources and from longitudinal population surveys. Professor Julie Byles, Director, Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing is the Health Program leader.
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Social and Behavioural Health Risk Reduction
This program undertakes significant research in the creation and accumulation of evidence regarding the development and implementation of risk reduction interventions and policies, and on enhancing the capacity of various agencies and organisations to protect and promote the health of individuals. This program has a particular focus on the social determinants of health. Dr John Wiggers, Director, Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Area Health Services is the Health Program leader.
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Health Risks - Communicable and emerging disease control
Enhanced surveillance strategies to facilitate early disease detections and effective response and containment strategies for communicable diseases with outbreak potential are a public health priority for this group. Professor David Durrheim, Service Director, Health Protection, Hunter New England Area Health Service is the Health Program leader.
