Fellowships awarded to researchers tackling racism to improve health outcomes

Two University of Melbourne researchers have been awarded highly competitive VicHealth Postdoctoral Research Fellowships to lead innovative projects addressing racism and its impact on health in Victoria. Dr Franka Vaughan will focus on developing effective antiracism approaches and improving racial literacy, while Dr Erika Martino will address racial discrimination in the housing sector. Both projects aim to promote health equity and improve health outcomes for marginalised communities.

Dr Franka Vaughan, a political scientist affiliated with the Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, and the Faculty of Arts, will lead the project "Creating an effective, co-produced, whole-of-system anti-racism approach". Her research aims to create a comprehensive map of local and international antiracism efforts that address racism as a complex, interconnected issue affecting many parts of society.

"I'm thrilled to receive this VicHealth Fellowship," said Dr Vaughan. "This opportunity will allow me to move the conversation about racism beyond individual interactions and examine the structures within society that perpetuate it. By focusing on broader change, we can work towards creating more equitable and healthier communities across Victoria."

Dr Erika Martino, who has a background in urban planning and is also based at the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, will lead the project "Towards health equity in housing - Empowering culturally and racially diverse and First Nations renters". Her research will explore how prevention and response mechanisms can be enacted through antiracism policies and practices in the housing sector. The research will employ a joint design approach with people experiencing rental racism, housing providers, and community organisations represented.

"This fellowship provides a unique opportunity to address the critical issue of rental racism and discrimination," Dr Martino commented. "By working directly with affected communities and housing providers, we aim to develop practical solutions that can make a real difference in the lives of renters and promote health equity in Victoria."

Dr Vaughan will work closely with Associate Professor Karen Block from the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, while Dr Martino will collaborate with Professor Rebecca Bentley from the same School. Both projects align with VicHealth's commitment to addressing racism as a key factor affecting health and wellbeing.

The findings from these research projects are expected to help inform health promotion policies and practices in Victoria, leading to better public health outcomes through improvements such as more equitable access to housing. These fellowships represent important steps in understanding and addressing the complex relationships between racial discrimination, housing, and public health in Victoria.