We are building place-based research capacity to improve mental health in regional, rural, and remote Australia
What is the Manna Institute?
Manna Institute is a virtual research institute dedicated to improving mental health and wellbeing in rural, regional and remote Australia. It supports meaningful, translatable place-based research and fosters the development of professional mental health researchers and aligned workforces.
Manna is an initiative of the seven universities of the Regional Universities Network (RUN) – Charles Sturt University, Central Queensland University, Federation University, Southern Cross University, the University of Southern Queensland, the University of Sunshine Coast and lead institution the University of New England. Manna Institute’s work tackles the impacts of the changing environment, systemic and geographic inequities, and challenges of delivering mental health supports throughout the vast Australian landscape. Their five mental health research streams focus on child, youth and family; physical activity; ageing and disability; climate change and the environment and distress and suicide prevention. Each stream is a growing collaboration of researchers from universities across Australia, First Nations and Lived Experience representatives, and community and industry partners from partner organisations including Foundation partners Everymind, Lifeline Direct and the Australian National University’s Centre for Mental Health Research.
Manna has established a Higher Degree Research Community of Practice and mentoring program for Early and Mid-Career researchers from across Australia committed to research in regional mental health. This allows for the development of relationships between researchers that overcome geographic isolation. We hold a variety of events aimed at connecting researchers across the research career trajectory.
There is no cost to join Manna Institute. Please find link to subscribe or to become an affiliate researcher.
Our People
People and relationships form the sturdy trunk of the Manna Institute. Each RUN partner and its representatives bring individual expertise, knowledge and perspectives to our programs. By combining our complementary strengths, and collaborating closely with industry partners and community members, we build our collective capacity and extend the institute’s reach. We encourage meaningful research and engagement, and translate that research into practical projects embedded in priority communities.
ABOUT MANNA INSTITUTE
Like the eucalypt species for which it is named, the Manna Institute has deep roots in rural and regional communities. Robust and fast-growing, it will serve as a vital resource and navigational aid, just as First Nations peoples have prized manna gums for centuries.
Manna Institute themes
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We aim to establish, implement and refine the virtual training institute to enhance leadership and research capacity in regional mental health research.
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We aim to conduct research that focuses on existing and emerging workforce development across regional Australia; individual health and wellbeing; priority populations; and the impact of changing environmental conditions on mental health.
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We aim to develop a regional Community, Industry and Research Data Asset and Toolkit for communities, researchers, and industry organisations; and to assess impact using a Framework to Assess the Impact of Translational Research.
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A clear and robust communications and stakeholder engagement strategy will enable us to uplift and share this important work and the impact it’s having within Australia’s rural and remote communities.
Regional Australians experience poorer mental health than their metropolitan counterparts. The causes are complex and multi-faceted, including less financial security, social isolation, vulnerability to natural disasters, and limited access to healthcare and other vital services.
Manna Institute mobilises individuals embedded within such communities. It engages experts, those with lived experience of mental ill-health, First Nations peoples and service providers to co-design research with direct applications.
