Professor Lisa Wood, leader of the Home2Health research team at the University of Notre Dame Australia, has dedicated her career to addressing health inequalities and improving outcomes for some of Australia's most vulnerable communities.
Her commitment to research that creates meaningful real-world change has seen her named the recipient of Notre Dame’s Aspire Award 2026, proudly supported by Business Events Perth.
A leading public health and homelessness researcher, Professor Wood leads a multidisciplinary team focused on translating evidence into policy and practice, with a particular focus on homelessness and health equity.
Her evidence-led advocacy has helped highlight the profound health impacts of homelessness, with her team’s research showing that among people who have experienced homelessness in Perth, there is a three-decade life expectancy gap compared to the general population.
As part of the award, Professor Wood will receive a $6,000 travel grant to attend the third biennial International Journal on Homelessness (IJOH) Conference in Pretoria, South Africa, in 2027, enabling her to strengthen global collaborations and foster international engagement around the role of research in reducing homelessness and the effects of precarious housing.
At this conference, she will highlight the urgent need to prevent the dire impacts of homelessness on pregnant women and their babies, and the heightened vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather for people without a home.
Professor Wood said she was honoured to receive the award and grateful for the recognition of research focused on improving outcomes for vulnerable communities.
"Much of my work has focused on how research can be a voice for the most disadvantaged of population groups who are often hidden in mainstream data," Professor Wood said.
"The Aspire Award is especially meaningful because it celebrates research with real-world impact. I'm proud that the work of our Institute for Health Research focused on reducing health inequities and supporting people experiencing homelessness is being recognised through this excellent program."
Associate Professor Annette Pierdziwol, Acting Pro Vice Chancellor Research at the University of Notre Dame Australia, said Professor Wood's work embodies Notre Dame's commitment to community and research with societal impact.
"Her research demonstrates how academic expertise can be harnessed to address some of society's most pressing challenges,” Associate Professor Pierdziwol said.
"Through her leadership, advocacy and commitment to improving lives, Professor Wood has made an outstanding contribution to public health and social justice for people experiencing homelessness. We are delighted to see her recognised through this award."
For 27 years, the Aspire Awards program has supported Western Australian researchers, academics and professionals to build international connections, share knowledge and strengthen the State's global reputation for excellence.
Through conference participation and international engagement, recipients help create opportunities for future collaboration, research partnerships and business events in Western Australia.
Notre Dame congratulates Professor Wood on this well-deserved achievement and is proud to see her dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable communities recognised through the Aspire Awards.
Watch the 2026 recipients' video here.
Media Contact: media@nd.edu.au