Jacek Anderst

Jacek is a public health researcher in housing and health, consumer and community engagement in health research, injury prevention, LGBTIQ+ health, and maternal and neonatal health. They are currently undertaking a PhD in social housing and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing, as part of Guunu-Maana (Heal), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Program. A focus on equity, meaningful community engagement, relationship-building and a decolonial approach underlie their ways of working in the research sphere.

Jacek joined The George Institute for Global Health in 2018, initially as a Project Officer supporting commissioned research, and the development of the Institute’s practice of consumer and community engagement in health research. In 2019 they were appointed as Research Associate in the Injury Program, and Coordinator of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging.

In addition to research, Jacek is committed to leading organisational change. Jacek established and was Chair of the Institute’s first Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Working Group, spear-heading initiatives to improve cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, gender equity and LGBTQI+ inclusion. This included leading the implementation of The George Institute’s Athena SWAN Bronze Action Plan. Jacek has also led the development and launch of The George Institute’s Panel Pledge, now signed by 190 staff globally, established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness training and co-wrote the Statement from The George Institute on Black Lives Matter. Jacek currently sits as a member of the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging working group and is an active member of the Justice, Equity and Dignity team at The George Institute.

Outside of The George Institute, Jacek is a community researcher on LGBTIQ+ health research, and since 2021 is a member of ACON’s Research Ethics Review.