Networks in Flux

Logo Lockup of the Centre for Social Impact, UNSW Sydney, Monash University logos above the Burnet Institute, Macquarie University and Southern Cross logos respectively.

In recent years, new drugs have emerged that significantly reduce the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV), representing an incredible milestone for the health sector and affected communities. Simultaneously, these drugs also present a new climate and relative new challenges for the HIV and HCV sectors.

Working towards cooperation across community, government, research and clinically focused organisations - informed by a greater understanding of what successful inter-organisational network structures look like - will help the sector to keep pace with this rapidly evolving climate.

The Centre for Social Impact UNSW has partnered with the Burnet Institute, Macquarie University, Monash University and Southern Cross University to present Networks in Flux; a study examining the network of organisations responding to the recently advanced treatment of HIV and HCV in Victoria over four years (from 2018 to 2021).

Funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC), the research project uses social network analysis to pinpoint where, why and how inter-organisational relationships in the HIV and HCV sector adapt or resist during times of systems change and increased complexity.

Engagement with key sector stakeholders has now commenced, with qualitative interviews underway and an inter-organisational survey due for distribution in 2022.