Improving outcomes for families and communities through rigorous life course research and practice.

What we do

Cycles of disadvantage are complex and multi-dimensional concepts that emphasise the importance of ‘linked lives’, where individuals lives influence and are influenced by others. At ISSR, we leverage longitudinal survey data and advanced qualitative and quantitative methods to understand the interplay between family dynamics, gender inequality, educational equity, and the relationships between work and family responsibilities with the aim to improve the welfare and societal wellbeing of people and communities experiencing disadvantage.

With a key focus on the life course and facilitated through the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course, we work to unravel the complexities of family structures and community dynamics to identify and access relevant data to support and inform policy and programs designed to strengthen family relationships, promote social cohesion, advance community wellbeing, and foster inclusive and supportive environments for all families and communities.

Objectives

• Provide evidence to inform social policies relating to work and family linkages.
• Provide evidence to inform policies designed to reduce gender inequality.
• Provide partners, stakeholders, and communities with actionable, evidence-based learnings and recommendations to improve the welfare and societal wellbeing of people and communities experiencing disadvantage.
• Connect the health and social sciences to ensure our research and evaluation is systems informed.

Project examples

• ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course
  Australian Research Council
   
• Evaluation of the Extended Post Care Support Program
  Queensland Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services
   
• Navigator Pilot Program Evaluation
  Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General