Research
Research is essential to inform the work of the Commission and the Commissioner’s reporting and inquiry functions.
The Defence and Veterans' Service Commission will engage with research findings from Australia and overseas, to leverage contemporary insights into the nature of suicidality, and the prevention of suicide and suicidality among serving and ex-serving members.
Engagement with the research sector is important to enable the Commissioner to assess the current state of wellbeing, mental health, suicide and suicidality in the Defence and veteran ecosystem. It will also promote the use of fit-for purpose evidence to guide timely, high-quality and effective suicide prevention and postvention policies and supports.
The DVSC will engage with research stakeholders from government and non-government organisations.
You can explore different organisations involved in Defence and veteran research through the resources listed below.
Please note: The accuracy of the information found at these links is the responsibility of the relevant organisation.
Australian Government Research
Department of Defence research projects, including:
- A study of treatment preferences for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
- Risk and Protective Factors for Suicidal Behaviours in a Military Context
- Five-Year Programme of Research in Mental Health and Wellbeing
Department of Veterans’ Affairs research projects, including:
- Veteran and Family Learning and Innovation Network of Knowledge (VF-LINK)
- Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, including:
- Health of veterans
- Suicide monitoring of serving and ex-serving ADF members
- Self-harm monitoring of ex-serving ADF members
- Veterans' use of alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes and other drugs
- Characteristics of ex-serving Australian Defence Force members hospitalised for suicidality and intentional self-harm
- Health service use in the year before and after intentional self-harm among ex-serving ADF member
Australian Institute of Family Studies, including:
- ADF Families Survey
- Australian Military and Veteran Families Study
- Strengthening and protecting veteran family relationships
National Suicide Prevention Office, including:
Australian Bureau of Statistics | Service with the Australian Defence Force: Census, 2021
National Mental Health Commission | National Mental Health Research Strategy
Non-government research organisations
Australian Catholic University | National Centre for Veterans and Families
Flinders University Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing | Open Door Initiative
Military and Emergency Services Health Australia (MESHA)
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia | National PTSD Research Centre
Black Dog Institute | Better Mental Health | Science. Compassion. Action.
