Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences Research Roadshow 2024

Cath Conn; Srishti Sharma; Mandie Foster; Michael Neufeld; Shoba  Nayar; Julie Trafford; Renu Sisodia; Nadia Charania; Ayan Said; Jennifer Nikolai; Tineke Water; Daniel Fernandez; Lisa  Whitehead; Therese O'Sullivan; Julie  Hill; Evalotte Morelius

doi:10.24135/pacifichealth.v7i.91

Cath Conn School of Public Health and Interdisciplinary Studies, Auckland University of Technology
Srishti Sharma School of Public Health and Interdisciplinary Studies, Auckland University of Technology
Mandie Foster School of Clinical Studies, Auckland University of Technology
Michael Neufeld School of Clinical Studies, Auckland University of Technology
Shoba Nayar School of Public Health and Interdisciplinary Studies, Auckland University of Technology
Julie Trafford School of Public Health and Interdisciplinary Studies, Auckland University of Technology
Renu Sisodia School of Public Health and Interdisciplinary Studies, Auckland University of Technology
Nadia Charania School of Public Health and Interdisciplinary Studies, Auckland University of Technology
Ayan Said School of Public Health and Interdisciplinary Studies, Auckland University of Technology
Jennifer Nikolai School of Public Health and Interdisciplinary Studies, Auckland University of Technology
Tineke Water School of Public Health and Interdisciplinary Studies, Auckland University of Technology
Daniel Fernandez Oral Health Department, School of Clinical Studies, Auckland University of Technology
Lisa Whitehead Edith Cowan University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Joondalup, Western Australia
Therese O'Sullivan Nutrition & Health Innovation Research Institute, School of Health and Medical Science, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia
Julie Hill Nutrition & Health Innovation Research Institute, School of Health and Medical Science, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
Evalotte Morelius Edith Cowan University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Joondalup, Western Australia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24135/pacifichealth.v7i.91

Abstract

AUT’s Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences Research Roadshow is an annual event showcasing the diversity of research undertaken by faculty researchers, and postgraduate students. The 2024 faculty research roadshow was held on Thursday 12 September at AUT’s North Campus. The AUT Child and Youth Health Research Centre investigates the impact of illness and disability, home and family, health services, nutrition, physical activity and the wider environment on young people. We are committed to providing a space for young people’s voices. CYHRC presented members’ research abstracts.

The theme of the roadshow was ‘Partnerships for Impact’ which for CYHRC projects incorporates –

Youth as participants and coresearchers – Researchers in this field aim for meaningful youth engagement throughout the research process, from design, through recruitment and fieldwork, to dissemination. All important are efforts to create inclusive environments, provide appropriate support for youth, and demonstrate willingness to share decision-making power. For example, in two projects refugee youth were coresearchers helping to shape decision-making related to their health.
Increasing the visibility of youth and the challenges they face - By focusing on a range of tools and activities, young participants and researchers, including postgraduate students, can significantly enhance their impact, visibility, and contributions to their fields. Building a strong research profile takes time and persistence, but ongoing effort will yield long-term benefits for research careers and the wider society.
Partnering with organizations and actors interested in youth health – Such partnerships can contribute to youth health and empowerment and significantly increase the impact of research on youth voicelessness by application of key strategies and ensuring that organisations foster appropriate cultures and mindsets within their own and other organisations. By fostering partnerships, researchers can create a more robust ecosystem for addressing youth voicelessness. This collaborative approach ensures that research is not only more comprehensive and relevant but also more likely to lead to tangible improvements in young people's lives and opportunities for their voices to be heard.
Challenges of partnering with youth given issues of voicelessness These include adult-centric perspectives and organisations, power imbalances, and communications difficulties. While there are many challenges, the potential for improved research impact makes youth engagement a valuable indeed imperative approach, especially for those focused on youth issues, such as youth health and wellbeing.