CAPHIA News • Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia

Enhancing medical student engagement in public health content using gamification: key findings and future considerations

24/08/2026

Enhancing medical student engagement in public health content using gamification: key findings and future considerations

Dr Sarah Birtwistle, University of Queensland

Dr Sarah Birtwistle
School of Public Health, University of Queensland

Public health education is a core and vital competency in medical curricula; however, evidence indicates student interest, enjoyment and engagement in public health content during medical school is low. New and emerging health challenges pose a real-life threat to the prosperity of all worldwide,

CAPHIA Public Health Graduate Competency Framework now available

21/07/2026

Now available
CAPHIA Public Health Graduate Competency Framework
For Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea

The Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia (CAPHIA) is proud to launch the CAPHIA Public Health Graduate Competency Framework for Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea – a regional framework that articulates the capabilities graduates need to strengthen public health systems and improve population health across our diverse region.

Developed across multiple years through one of the most extensive collaborations undertaken in public health education across the Australasia,

CAPHIA welcomes A/Prof Ngaree Blow as Aboriginal Health Director

08/07/2026

Welcome to the CAPHIA Board: Associate Professor Ngaree Blow as Aboriginal Health Director

We are delighted to announce that Associate Professor Ngaree Blow has joined the CAPHIA Board of Directors as Aboriginal Health Director, bringing distinguished First Nations academic, medical and public health leadership to CAPHIA’s governance and strategic direction.

A proud Quandamooka, Noonuccal Nation and Goreng-Goreng woman, Associate Professor Blow is an academic, medical doctor and public health physician trainee whose work spans First Nations health education,

9 ideas to rapidly ease Australia’s fuel crisis

09/06/2026

9 ideas to rapidly ease Australia’s fuel crisis

The fuel crisis is not going away anytime soon and extending fuel tax cuts does nothing to reduce fuel use and costs a lot of money. CAPHIA has joined a coalition of transport and health organisations to respond to the fuel crisis.

We put forward nine practical ideas – to immediately relieve the dual pressures of the fuel crisis:

1. reduce fuel use

Revised Entry Requirements – RACP Public Health Medicine

12/05/2026

New entry requirements for the RACP Public Health Medicine Training Program come into effect January 1, 2027

The Royal Australasia College for Physicians, Faculty of Public Health Medicine has revised their entry requirements and curriculum. From 2027, first year trainees will be enrolled in the new curriculum.

Revised entry requirements

Trainees entering a Public Health Medicine training position from 1 January 2027 onwards must have:

at least 3 years full-time equivalent postgraduate clinical experience,

Join a CAPHIA Network today

16/03/2026

Have you joined a CAPHIA Network yet?

CAPHIA Networks are informal, academic-led groups to drive professional development and best practice in an area of interest. CAPHIA Networks to foster collaboration and expertise in specific areas of academic public health.

Network membership is FREE and open to academics of CAPHIA member institutions. As of May 2026 we have eight Networks. Details below and on our CAPHIA Network page.

Call for EOIs: CAPHIA Aboriginal Health Director

16/03/2026

Call for Expressions of Interest: CAPHIA Aboriginal Health Director

CAPHIA is currently seeking expressions of interest for the appointment of a CAPHIA Aboriginal Health Board Director. The term is for 2 years from date of appointment with the possibility of extension, in line with the Constitution rules.

CAPHIA recognises that strengthening public health education and workforce development in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and the Pacific requires centring Indigenous knowledge, leadership, and ways of knowing.

Equity Bursary Winner Reflections – Hackathon

13/03/2026

Reducing Vaping Harms in Young People Hackathon 2025
Equity Bursary Reflections

In November, 2025 at the University of Technology, School of Public Health of Public Health 85 students from 17 universities worked in diverse teams, guided by 20+ mentors and judges including Indigenous leaders, academics, and community organisations. Together, they went from problem to prototype using design thinking and systems approaches.

Nine students were awarded equity bursaries to attend participate in this innovative events.

Why Academic Public Health Matters More Than Ever – 2025 in Review

16/12/2025

2025 Executive Director Reflections – Holly Donaldson

CAPHIA’s progress this year reflects the strength of our community and our shared commitment to collaboration, innovation and equity. Together, we have strengthened academic public health through rigorous research, high-quality education and principled advocacy. As CAPHIA has matured into an independent, strategically focused organisation, it is your leadership, creativity and generosity that continue to keep communities safe and well—by holding the line today and developing the public health leaders of tomorrow.

Position Statement: The role of public health in meeting local and global challenges

15/12/2025

CAPHIA Position Statement released: The role of public health in meeting local and global challenges

CAPHIA has released a new Position Statement outlining the critical role of public health in responding to the increasingly complex local and global challenges facing communities across Australasia and beyond.

From climate change, pandemics and chronic disease to mental health, food insecurity, conflict, misinformation and widening inequities, the pressures on health systems and communities are intensifying.