Dr Tahna Pettman
Dr Tahna Pettman is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Impact Flinders (CSI Flinders) .
Her unique experience spans state government, non-government organizations, consultancy, and academia. She collaborates closely with the community sector, for-purpose social enterprises and local government. Known as an advocate for evidence-informed public health, equity, and liveable communities, Tahna values collaboration to address complex health and social challenges.
Combining academic rigor with practical insight, her diverse roles have included knowledge brokering, program and service evaluation, participatory research, policy development, teaching, and research impact assessment. Tahna's work across rural, outer-metropolitan, and urban areas in South Australia and Victoria has deepened her appreciation for the significance of place, community, and relationships.
With qualifications in health sciences, health promotion, and clinical research, Tahna has authored 50 publications including journal articles, commissioned reports, and book chapters. Since joining CSI Flinders in mid-2021, she has coordinated an ARC-Linkage research project partnering with the community sector and government and provides knowledge translation expertise.
Tahna serves on the editorial board of BMC Implementation Science Communications and mentors for the Australian Health Promotion Association. Her grassroots advocacy focuses on safer streets and active transport equity, demonstrating her commitment to creating healthier, more equitable communities.
Focus areas
- Health promotion
- Public health
- Knowledge translation
- Research impact
Featured publications
- Pettman TL., Pontifex K, Williams CP, Wildgoose D, Dent C, Fairbrother G, Chapman J, Spreckley R, Goodwin-Smith I, & Bogomolova S. (2023). Part Discount Grocer, Part Social Connection: Defining Elements of Social Supermarkets. Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 0(0). doi:10.1177/089976402312104.
- Williams C, Pettman T, Goodwin-Smith I, Tefera YM, Hanifie S, Baldock K. Experiences of research-policy engagement in policy-making processes. Public Health Res Pract. 2024;34(1):e33232308. (First published 10 August 2023). doi:10.17061/phrp33232308.
- Pettman TL, Williams C, Booth S, Wildgoose D, Pollard CM, Coveney J, McWhinnie J-A, McAllister M, Dent C, Spreckley R, Buckley JD, Bogomolova S and Goodwin-Smith I. A Food Relief Charter for South Australia—Towards a Shared Vision for Pathways Out of Food Insecurity. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022; 19(12):7080. doi:10.3390/ijerph19127080.
- Bogomolova, S., Pettman, T., Calyx, C., & Goodwin-Smith, I. (2022). Financial Wellbeing Program Guidelines: Briefing Paper. Centre for Social Impact, Flinders University. doi:10.25957/95yv-5320.
Contact: tahna.pettman@flinders.edu.au
Google Scholar: Tahna Pettman
