The Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) conducts world-class research and education on the social dimensions of sexuality, gender, health and human relationships. We work collaboratively with other researchers, communities, community-based organisations, government and professionals to advance knowledge and promote positive change in policy, practice and people’s lives, by advancing new knowledge and learning, maximising research impact and enhancing our capacity for world-class research.
ARCSHS is an Australian leader in research on sex and sexuality. Our surveys of the general population have helped track patterns and practices during the life course and over time, and our qualitative research has built new understandings of sexuality-related cultures, experiences and identities. ARCSHS looks specifically at health and wellbeing in diverse sexuality and gender minorities, including same sex-attracted and gender diverse young people and older people, and we explore the relationships between sexuality and other issues such as disability, mental health and alcohol and other drug consumption.
We are one of four national centres funded to undertake strategic research as part of Australia's national response to HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmissible infections. This includes research that directly informs indicators in these strategies, including quality of life of people living with HIV, and sexual health among young people.