Our research areas
Learn how we’re focused on finding innovative solutions in active living, sport, food and nutrition.
Help us learn from your experiences!
Consumers are the essential voice in our research and innovation. That’s why we have established the Deakin Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition Consumer Network.
We invite Australians of all ages and backgrounds to share their lived experiences. Your input helps us design, develop and deliver research that makes a real world difference.
We invite you to join the Consumer Network if you:
- have or are at risk of an illness or health condition
- care or have cared for someone with an illness or health condition
- work in an area where our research outcomes are delivered e.g. as a clinician, teacher, nurse, allied health professional, or
- have a general interest in contributing to research
Why join the Consumer Network?
Help ensure that our research is relevant, meaningful and makes a real difference. Your needs, ideas and everyday experiences are vital in shaping our research outcomes.
- Use your experiences and insights to make a difference to the way research is designed and developed.
- Be matched to work alongside our researchers according to your lived experience and interests.
- Gain new experiences and skills, learn about the latest research and better understand the research process.
- Become part of our community with invitations to events and seminars.
How members can get involved in our research
- Develop new project ideas.
- Help to obtain funding by informing grant applications.
- Provide advice on appropriate recruitment strategies for studies.
- Review and comment on data collection methods such as questionnaires, study materials such as websites, toolkits, and patient information and consent forms.
- Interpret data from a consumer perspective and advise on key messages and recommendations arising from the research data.
- Share research findings with the community.
Activities depend on your interests, skills and time available. This is an opportunity for people who need flexibility to get involved.
Stories from our Consumer Network
Learn directly from a member about the rewards and impact of contributing their lived experience to meaningful research.
Frequently asked questions
Any specific skills or knowledge needed to join?
You don’t need any specific skills or knowledge to join.Our research covers all ages and life stages, and we would like people from diverse backgrounds to be involved. What is important is that you are willing to share your experience and perspectives with the research team. This might be your lived experience of a health condition (or someone you care for) and/or your unique skills from everyday life (work experience, parenting experience, use of technology).
How much time is required to be a Consumer Network member?
The amount of time you want to contribute is up to you and depends on your personal circumstances. We will match your skills, knowledge and lived experience with opportunities to contribute to our research activities as they arise. You will be advised of the time commitments of each research activity to help you decide whether you want to get involved.
Why do I need a volunteer Working with Children Check (WWCC)?
In Victoria, the Child Safe Standards are compulsory for all organisations providing services to children (people under 18 years of age), including universities. The Deakin community has significant numbers of students under the age of 18 and many more are engaged with the University as research subjects and through work experience and other programs. The University is committed to using the Working with Children Check as a screening process for volunteers who may encounter children as part of their role. This includes members of the Consumer Network. The WWCC is free in all states except Tasmania and WA. See links below for more details regarding your relevant State’s WWCC.
Volunteer Working with Children Checks*
Vic – Working with Children Check – free and valid for 5 years
ACT – Working with Children Check – free and valid for 3 years
NSW – Working with Children Check – free and valid for 5 years
SA – Working with Children Check – free and valid for 5 years
QLD – Working with Children Check – free (is also referred to as a Blue Card)
TAS – Working with Children Check $20.40 fee and valid for 5 years
WA – Working with Children Check $11 fee and valid for 3 years
* Information current as of 2/3/2023
Learn more about the Consumer Network
If you have any questions or would like more information before applying, please email our team.
