What is Social Work Research?

Do you want to learn more about social work research? Keen to understand how researchers in the Canberra community are working to understand our community’s needs, improve services, and envision social justice? 

Join us for an engaging panel, facilitated by Dr Amelia Wheeler, Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Canberra. Hear from social work researchers from diverse areas as they share insights from their work. Gain a greater understanding of what social work research is, how it can play a role in improving lives and services in our community, and what research is happening in our region.

This event is ideal for social workers, allied health professionals and people interested in the social work sector and community programs. 

Order of events:

• 1pm-1:15pm - Welcome
• 1:15pm-2pm - Panel discussion
• 2pm-2:30pm - Audience Q&A

Panel discussion facilitator:

• Dr Amelia Wheeler
  Dr Amelia Wheeler (she/her) is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Canberra. Amelia has been doing research for over a decade and is passionate about collaborating with social work service users, practitioners and organisations to design and undertake research. Amelia’s research is primarily focused on ethics in social work practice, empowering practice with disabled and neurodivergent people, child and youth participation and responses to family violence.

Panelists:

• Larissa Dean
  Social Work Honours student and Research Assistant. Larissa (she/they) is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) at the Australian Catholic University, and completing a research based placement at the Institute of Child Protection Studies. They are interested in disability and trauma-related research areas, and passionate about conducting critical social work research which has positive impacts for the community.
• Jaimie Barry
  PhD Candidate and Research Assistant. Jaimie holds a Bachelor of Behavioural Studies (Psychology) and a Master of Social Work. It was during her postgraduate studies that Jaimie developed an interest in qualitative research, aligning with her commitment to critical social work, social justice, and advocacy. As a PhD candidate and research assistant, Jaimie remains steadfast in her commitment to social justice and inclusivity.
• Renata Kiss
  Social Worker, Clinician Researcher and Clinical Lead – Child and Family Counselling Team at Canberra Health Services. Renata is a Social Worker of nearing 15 years’ experience and discovered the joys (and challenges!) of being a clinician-researcher just a few years ago. With a career working primarily in a healthcare setting, the focus of Renata’s research has been domestic and family violence and sustainable practice change. 
• Associate Professor Jessica Russ-Smith 
  A sovereign Wiradyuri Wambuul woman, AASW Director, Acting Head of Discipline and First Nations Curriculum and Pedagogy Coordinator in Social Work, Assistant Deputy Head of School Allied Health and Chair of the Indigenous Research Ethics Advisory Panel at ACU. As a two-time University Medallist Jess's research focuses on sovereignty, decolonising, disrupting whiteness, and AI.
• Professor Lynne Keevers 
  Head of Discipline (Social Work) at the University of Canberra. Practice-based approaches to the study of social justice and injustice are the connecting threads of Lynne’s research. Lynne works with people and communities that have experienced violence, trauma and structural inequalities, including in the areas of energy poverty, youth homelessness and post-disaster community recovery.

Accessibility: the venue is wheelchair accessible with accessible bathrooms nearby. Some seating will be provided. 

This is a free event held by the University of Canberra as part of Research Festival 2024. Get involved and explore the full program on our website.