An Enriching Research Journey: Insights of Australia
PhD Candidate Simrin Kafle from Aarhus University, Denmark recently undertook a research exchange at the University of Adelaide, and she's shared experiences from her "intellectual and professional journey."
An Enriching Research Journey: Insights from Australia
By Simrin Kafle
In July 2024, I embarked on an intellectual and professional journey from Aarhus University, Denmark, to the University of Adelaide, Australia for research exchange program. As part of my PhD program in Health Economics at Aarhus University, I had the incredible opportunity to spend time at the Stretton Institute under the School of Social Sciences at the University of Adelaide. This wasn't just a change in scenery; it was a leap into a vibrant new world of ideas, research, and collaboration. What I gained from this experience has profoundly shaped both my academic journey and my outlook on public health.
Stepping into a New Research World
When I arrived in Adelaide, I was greeted by an intellectually dynamic team led by Professor Fran Baum, a pioneer in public health. The Stretton Health Equity team focuses on tackling health inequalities, with a particular emphasis on the social factors that contribute to these disparities. From housing and education to suicide prevention and climate change, the team’s research covers areas that truly shape people’s lives.
I dove straight into collaboration with Dr. Toby Freeman, working on the analysis of Australia’s suicide prevention policies. Armed with NVivo software and hours of coding, we examined how policy could better address this critical issue. What started as a learning experience soon blossomed into an ongoing research partnership, with plans for a joint paper on the horizon.
Bringing Research to Life: A Workshop in Policy Advocacy
One of the most exciting days of my time at the Stretton Institute was the workshop on policy advocacy. Picture a room full of passionate researchers and policymakers, all intent on figuring out how to turn research findings into real-world change. The workshop, organized by Professor Baum and Flinders University, was an eye-opener. It taught me that the bridge between research and policy is not always as straightforward as it seems—but when crossed successfully, it can change lives. I left feeling not just like a researcher, but like a changemaker.
Sharing My Research – And Growing from It
Another highlight was presenting my own research to new audiences. I was honored to share my paper on the role of female community health workers in reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs in Nepal with the Fay Gale Alliance of Gender Scholars and the Stretton Health Equity Reading Group. It’s one thing to work on a project in isolation; it’s another to stand in front of experts and peers, exposing your work to constructive scrutiny. The feedback I received was gold—it not only improved my paper but also broadened my understanding of how health systems function globally.
The World Café: A Forum for ideas
But the academic experience wasn’t confined to Adelaide. I traveled to Melbourne for a World Café session, an event that felt more like ideas hub than a traditional conference. Imagine small groups moving from table to table, tackling huge societal issues like employment, housing, health services, and even climate change. It was a whirlwind of thoughts, experiences and solutions, with participants sharing insights that could be woven into the fabric of future health policies.
One of the most powerful moments of the World Café came during our discussions on housing. The simple but profound idea that housing is a basic human right, not a luxury or commodity, struck a deep chord with everyone in the room. How can we ensure safe, affordable housing for all? The dialogue flowed like a conversation with everyone contributing their thoughts on how we can address this global crisis.
Embracing the Horizon
While the professional side of my journey was thrilling, it was the personal connections that truly made it special. Staying with Dr. Matt Fisher and his wife, Kath, was like being welcomed into an Australian family. I learned about local traditions, enjoyed delicious meals, and explored the hidden gems of Adelaide. I was even treated to a warm dinner at Professor Fran Baum’s home, where the whole team gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter. These moments brought a unique warmth to what could have been a purely academic experience.
And, of course, there was time to explore. Australia’s national parks took my breath away. The towering trees, the wildlife, the deep connection to the land—it all fed into my understanding of sustainable development and its importance to environmental and public health.
A Rich Tapestry of Learning
As I reflect on my time at the Stretton Institute, I’m struck by how much I’ve grown—both as a researcher and as a person. I gained new skills in policy analysis, learned how to turn research into actionable recommendations, and fostered collaborations that will undoubtedly shape my future work. The ongoing research with Dr. Toby Freeman on suicide prevention policies is just one of many new paths opened by this exchange.
The feedback I received on my PhD research has already improved my work, but perhaps most importantly, this experience widened my view of what public health can achieve. The conversations at the World Café, the lively debates on health inequalities, and the collaborative spirit of the Stretton team taught me that research isn’t just about data and publications—it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives.
Journeying beyond
I returned to my home country, Nepal with my head buzzing with new ideas and possibilities. The connections I made, the knowledge I gained, and the experiences I had in Australia have all contributed to shaping my future research. I’m filled with gratitude for everyone who made this journey possible—from Professor Baum and the Stretton Health Equity team to my PhD peers and my mentor, Prof. Ulrika Enemark from Denmark.
The sunlit coffee chats with Professor Fran Baum, the thoughtful guidance from Professor Jonathan Karnon at Flinders University, and the collaborative enthusiasm of my fellow PhD students made my time in Australia an adventure I’ll never forget.
I am excited to take what I’ve learned and channel it into meaningful work that contributes to global health equity. This was more than a research exchange—it was a deep, enriching experience that reminded me of the power of collaboration, curiosity, and a shared passion for making the world a healthier place.