Institute for Humanitarian Health and Education
Research, education and partnerships for humanitarian impact.
On this page
About us
Improving outcomes through collaboration
The Institute for Humanitarian Health and Education (IHHE) is a cross-school research and engagement initiative led by UWA’s School of Health and Clinical Sciences. It brings together expertise from health, education and the humanities to improve health, education and employment outcomes for refugees, asylum seekers, detainees, migrants and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
The Institute connects research, teaching, clinical service delivery and community engagement. Its work is shaped through meaningful partnerships and co-design so that projects are culturally responsive, relevant and grounded in community priorities. Through research translation, workforce development and community-embedded initiatives, the Institute aims to strengthen equity, inclusion and measurable social impact in Western Australia and beyond.
What we do
IHHE coordinates interdisciplinary research and engagement across humanitarian health, education and employment. The Institute supports high-impact research, research translation and training opportunities, including Higher Degree by Research pathways and projects embedded in clinical and community settings.
Our activity includes culturally responsive health and education initiatives, teaching-clinic research, policy briefs, practitioner resources, community workshops and professional development. The IHHE builds sustained partnerships with health services, settlement agencies, community organisations, philanthropic partners and government. We also support inclusive education and workforce pathways - including initiatives for students and professionals from refugee and culturally diverse backgrounds. Community voices inform priorities, project design and evaluation so that outcomes are accessible, trusted and useful.
Our priorities
Research, pathways and partnerships
The IHHE connects research with practical action across humanitarian health, education and employment.
Priority areas include:
- Community-embedded research
- Health teaching clinics
- Culturally responsive resources
- Inclusive education pathways
- Workforce integration
- Partnerships that translate evidence into services, policy and practice.
When access to health and education is limited, human potential is diminished. Through the Institute for Humanitarian Health and Education, we are committed to breaking down barriers, advancing equity, and creating pathways for individuals and communities to thrive. By combining research, education, and community partnership, we aim to deliver lasting impact for generations to come.Associate Professor Khyber Alam
Dean and Head of School
How we create impact
The Institute for Humanitarian Health and Education (IHHE) focuses on four connected areas:
- Research excellence: interdisciplinary projects addressing humanitarian health, education, settlement and employment challenges.
- Translation and service: evidence translated into clinical practice, community programs, policy briefs and practitioner resources.
- Education and capability: higher degree by research opportunities, community-embedded learning, professional development and inclusive education pathways.
- Partnerships and inclusion: sustained collaboration with communities, health services, settlement organisations, government, industry and philanthropy, underpinned by co-design and culturally responsive practice.
The Institute’s approach supports the development of practical evidence, stronger services and a pipeline of students and researchers committed to humanitarian impact.
Work with us
IHHE welcomes collaboration with communities, researchers, students, health and settlement services, government, industry and philanthropic partners. Partnerships may support co-designed research, education pathways, service initiatives, workforce development and translation of evidence into practice.
Contact us
Our details
- Location:
- School of Health and Clinical Sciences (M514)
35 Stirling Highway
Perth WA 6009
Australia
- Email:
- Jingyi Chen: [email protected]
Ebrahim Lorgat: [email protected]