Understanding the social and technical system in which health and wellbeing is managed
Research area overview
We adopt a wider, systems view of care for health and wellbeing. Part of this work helps individuals figure out which information is relevant to them and which experts to trust. Other aspects of our work help industry partners develop next-generation sensors to monitor health and wellbeing, whether for personal use, combating fatigue while operating vehicles or monitoring symptoms in clinical settings. Equal access to healthcare resources underpins much of our research philosophy, too.
Project and theme highlights
- ‘Helping Hands’ – augmented reality elevating hands-on training and helping save lives, by providing advanced remote guidance for healthcare professionals.
- 'Health Damage Detection' - creating personalised frameworks for detecting damage in structural health monitoring applications. (SHM)
Other research streams and topic areas in this theme include:
Bridging the Knowledge-to-Practice Gap in Healthcare
In collaboration with SPHERE KT, UTS is advancing research that tackles one of healthcare’s most persistent challenges: translating evidence into effective practice. This transdisciplinary initiative brings together researchers, clinicians, and industry partners to co-design solutions that improve health outcomes, enhance system responsiveness, and ensure equitable access to care. By integrating systems thinking, socio-cultural insight, and design-led innovation, the project aims to close the gap between what we know and what we do—transforming healthcare delivery across sectors.
Navigating Conflicting Expertise in Health and Nutrition
In a world flooded with health advice, conflicting expert opinions can leave individuals confused and uncertain. This UTS research explores how people interpret and respond to disagreements among health and nutrition professionals. By developing a taxonomy of expert conflict, the project aims to support better decision-making, improve science communication, and help individuals and organisations identify trustworthy information. This work is part of UTS’s broader commitment to understanding the systems that shape health and wellbeing through transdisciplinary insight and innovation.
Combating Fatigue and Stress Through Neuroscience and Skin Conductivity
This UTS transdisciplinary research brings together neuroscience, wearable technology, design, and behavioural science to tackle fatigue and stress in real time. By developing next-generation wearable sensors, this research aims to support individuals in high-pressure environments—from vehicle operators to clinical staff—by providing early warning signals and personalised feedback. This transdisciplinary approach blends physiological data with design-led innovation to improve wellbeing, enhance performance, and reduce risk across industries.
Embedding Genomics into Everyday Healthcare
UTS researchers are exploring how to integrate genomics into routine healthcare to unlock the full potential of precision medicine. This transdisciplinary initiative brings together experts in genetics, clinical practice, data science, and health systems to address the social, technical, and ethical challenges of implementation. By co-designing solutions with industry and community partners, the project aims to make genomic insights accessible, actionable, and equitable-transforming how we prevent, diagnose, and treat disease across the lifespan.
Contact us
At TD Research, we don’t just study problems – we work across disciplines and public and private sectors to co-create solutions and navigate positive paths forward. Our approach blends systems science, socio-cultural insight and design-led innovation to tackle challenges that no single field can solve alone. This is one of our competitive advantages and what makes us so unique.
By partnering with us, you gain access to a world-class team that’s skilled in navigating complexity, fostering collaboration and turning bold ideas into actionable strategies. Together, we can shape a more inclusive, resilient and forward-looking society.
To learn more and to see how TD Research can help you and your organisation, email TDResearch@uts.edu.au.