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Public Health Research and Practice Public Health Research and Practice Society
The peer-reviewed journal of the Sax Institute

A Decade of Insight: 10th Anniversary Collection of Public Health Research & Practice

To mark the 10th anniversary of Public Health Research & Practice (PHRP), this special collection highlights pivotal contributions that reflect on the journal’s enduring mission of translating evidence into practice for a healthier future. These papers exemplify the breadth and depth of public health research and offer valuable perspectives on pressing issues and opportunities for progress.

Catherine Bennett and Meru Sheel explore the critical role of epidemiology in enhancing global pandemic preparedness and response, drawing lessons from recent crises to inform future strategies. Four interrelated papers assess progress on Australia’s National Preventive Health Strategy 2021–2030, offering a 'report card' on preventive health achievements. Ben Smith examines the evolving policy landscape, while Khwanruethai Ngampromwongse and Alana Gall provide insights into advancing health equity for First Nations peoples. Becky Freeman focuses on gains and challenges in tobacco control, and Mark Harris reflects on the role of primary health care in prevention over the past decade.

Two forward-looking papers broaden the collection’s scope. Priscilla Robinson and Vivian Lin critically assess Australia’s public health education and its readiness for post-pandemic challenges, while Angie Bone and Tony Capon discuss the unrealised potential of planetary health, emphasising the urgent need for integrated, global approaches to health and sustainability.

Don Nutbeam and Andrew Milat offer a timely narrative on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in public health, balancing opportunities with the need for cautious implementation

Collection editor
Professor Don Nutbeam (EIC PHRP)

Last Updated: 28 Mar 2025

The multidisciplinary public health workforce and its education have evolved over time, with government reforms driven by social initiatives. Recent polycrises – natural and man-made disasters and crises – shed light on the strengths and weakness of the Australian public health effort and therefore its workforce education. Multidisciplinary public health competencies must drive public health education and training with accredited degrees to ensure internationally transportable qualifications and a future-proofed workforce.

This article belongs to the collection: A Decade of Insight: 10th Anniversary Collection of Public Health Research & Practice.

Artifical intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionise healthcare and public health globally, but do its risks outweigh its potential? Here we outline the issues of AI and provide examples of where it could be successful. Advances in AI technologies must consider ethical implications and regulations while undergoing further research and experimentation to fulfil its potential; otherwise health inequalities will be exacerbated and advances in AI will fail to serve the best interests of individuals and communities worldwide.

This article belongs to the collection: A Decade of Insight: 10th Anniversary Collection of Public Health Research & Practice.

PU24002Planetary health: increasingly embraced but not yet fully realised

Angie Bone, Francis Nona, Selina Namchee Lo and Anthony Capon

Planetary health aims to achieve the highest attainable state of health for current and future generations by protecting the natural systems on which all health depends. Despite the increasing uptake of planetary health concepts within health systems, decision-making frameworks remain firmly and narrowly focused on best patient outcomes relative to financial cost. More action is needed to secure the adoption of planetary health within health systems. Public health professionals, working in collaboration with other disciplines, are important and influential agents for this change.

This article belongs to the collection: A Decade of Insight: 10th Anniversary Collection of Public Health Research & Practice.