Research Projects at the Centre
Transforming community health through research
Located at the Northern Rivers campus in Lismore, NCNM is dedicated to conducting research that enhances health and wellbeing across communities. Our team of expert researchers works closely with students, faculty, collaborators, and industry partners to explore and develop innovative solutions for improving public health.
Focusing on naturopathy, lifestyle interventions, and integrative medicine, we explore new pathways to address today’s most pressing healthcare challenges. Through rigorous research, we aim to expand the impact of holistic and complementary medicine, providing evidence that can shape the future of healthcare.
Would you like to contribute to shaping the future of healthcare? Connect with us to learn more about our research initiatives.
Recruiting research projects
See below for current projects underway
Naturopathic practitioner weight loss study
Are you a naturopathic practitioner with experience in weight loss approaches? We invite you to share your insights and strategies for managing overweight and obesity in clinical practice if you satisfy the following eligibility criteria:
- You hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in naturopathy
- You have at least two years of clinical practice experience
- You regularly work with clients addressing overweight or obesity
Participation involves a face-to-face or online interview (no longer than 60 minutes) scheduled in February/March 2025 at a time and location that works for you. Get in touch with our lead researcher using the link below.
SCU HREC number: 2025/006
Trial status: Recruiting
National survey for Autistic adults in Australia
Are you an Autistic adult living in Australia? Researchers at Southern Cross University are conducting an anonymous online survey to better understand the diets, wellbeing, and lifestyle habits of Autistic adults. Led by an Autistic researcher and co-designed with the Autism community, this 15-minute national survey is an important step towards improving health and wellbeing research for those living with autism in Australia.
SCU HREC number: 2024/122
Trial status: Recruiting
Help us understand veterans’ health
Participate in a research study! Researchers at Southern Cross University (SCU) are investigating the relationship between dietary intake and the mental wellbeing in Australian ex-serving defence force members. This online anonymous survey will take approximately 7 minutes to complete. The Australasian Military Medicine Association (AMMA) is funding the study.
SCU HREC number: 2023/184 and DDVA: 535-23
Trial status: Recruiting
Completed research projects
Flood Recovery for Regional Marginalised Populations [FLOMAP] Project
Evidence suggests that the impact of the 2022 floods may have been worse for marginalised groups, particularly migrants and refugees, those experiencing homelessness, and those identifying as sexuality and/or gender diverse.
The FLOMAP Project aims to understand how these marginalised groups were impacted by the 2022 Floods, and whether their flood-related needs have or have not been met to date.
Participants who take part in the study will receive a $50 gift voucher.
SCU HREC number: 2023/188
Study status: Recruitment Completed
Want to know what your microbiome looks like?
Southern Cross University researchers are conducting a clinical trial, examining whether the consumption of Kefir can influence the microbiome. Kefir is a probiotic dairy beverage that has been consumed for over 2,000 years in the Caucasus region at the border of Europe and Asia. Traditional Kefir is made by taking milk and adding Kefir ‘grains’ which contain a range of symbiotic bacteria and yeast species. Many claims have been made regarding the health benefits of Kefir, however little is known about the effects of Kefir on the microbiome, the collective bacteria in the mouth and gut.
SCU HREC number: 2021/129; UNSW HREC number: 2021/RL00200
Trial status: Recruitment Completed