Goal 3 - Good Health and Well-Being

Goal 3 - Good Health and Well-Being

RMIT University is committed to advancing health and wellbeing through comprehensive initiatives that promote health, wellness, and safety within its community.

By integrating health-conscious practices into academic programs, research, and campus life, RMIT fosters an environment that supports mental and physical well-being. Collaborations with healthcare providers, community organizations, and industry partners enhance access to resources and innovative health solutions. Through educational workshops, support services, and health-promoting policies, RMIT is dedicated to improving health outcomes, ensuring a thriving and supportive environment for students, staff, and the wider community.

Highlights of recent SDG 3 aligned activity are included below, with more information available in our 2024 Sustainability Annual Report (PDF 23 MB), with our 10 years of reporting progress outlined on the Sustainability Annual Report webpage.

Broader sustainability contributions are also highlighted in our organisational Annual Report, which are tabled in the Victorian Parliament.

2024 Case Studies

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The Children’s Sensorium is a creative research project led by RMIT Professor Grace McQuilten, aimed at strengthening children’s emotional resilience and wellbeing through sensory art installations and mindfulness practices. This initiative addresses the crisis in children’s wellbeing exacerbated by COVID-19 lockdowns, using strategies like mindfulness, play, and emotional intelligence to create interactive exhibitions.

Collaborating with Boon Wurrung elder N’Arwee’t Carolyn Briggs, the project incorporated multisensory engagement, connecting children to Country. 

Two exhibitions have been showcased in Melbourne and Castlemaine, featuring public programs with activities and workshops focused on post-pandemic wellbeing.

In 2024, a Wellbeing Garden was launched at Flemington Primary School, inspired by the Sensorium, to engage students, particularly neurodivergent ones, with nature. 

Future plans include expanding to Hamilton Regional Gallery and other locations, tailoring exhibitions to each community's unique needs. This project highlights the arts' role in promoting health and wellbeing among children.

The Biomedical and Health Innovation EIP at RMIT focuses on advancing health solutions through interdisciplinary research and collaboration. 

This platform aims to transform health outcomes by integrating expertise from biomedical sciences, engineering, data analytics, and social sciences. By fostering partnerships with industry, healthcare providers, and government agencies, the EIP addresses pressing health challenges and drives innovation in medical technology, diagnostics, and therapeutic approaches.

The platform's impact is evident in its development of cutting-edge solutions that improve patient care, enhance disease prevention strategies, and contribute to personalized medicine. 

Through its collaborative approach, the Biomedical and Health Innovation EIP not only advances scientific knowledge but also supports the implementation of practical health solutions that benefit communities locally and globally.

In 2024, RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP) unveiled a new identity and state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance international education and support student health and wellbeing. Formerly known as RMIT Training, RMIT UP transitioned to its new name in August with the opening of the bespoke building at Scape Franklin, Melbourne.

The nine-floor facility, developed in partnership with Scape, features modern teaching spaces, student support areas, and a language testing centre. Designed by RMIT Hassell Architects, the building includes over 50 teaching spaces equipped with the latest technology and specialist facilities for art, design, business, and sciences.

To promote health and wellbeing, RMIT UP offers dedicated counselling spaces, academic support rooms, a student lounge, and a parent room. The facility also includes storage for bikes and scooters with end-of-trip amenities, encouraging healthy and cost-effective transport options. 

This investment showcases RMIT's commitment to fostering a supportive educational environment.

SDG Alignment Mapping Overview

As reported in the 2024 Sustainability Annual Report, there were 405 course units and 415 research projects aligned with SDG 3 in 2024, representing a wide range of health and wellbeing related topics. 

Other research insights are captured in the data below.

  • Course Units (Total): 405
  • Research Projects (Total): 415
  • International Research Partnerships (Total): 52
  • Publications (Total): 429
  • Publications in Top 25% Journal Percentiles by SJR (%): RMIT - 81.8 vs. Global Average - 56.7
  • Citations per Publication: RMIT - 4.3 vs. Global Average - 1.6
  • Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI): RMIT - 3.3 vs. Global Average - 1.1
  • National Publication Contribution (%): 1.9%
  • International Collaboration (%): RMIT - 63.2 vs. Global Average - 22.2
  • Developing Country Collaboration (%): 44%
  • Low to Lower-Middle Income Country Collaboration (%): 23%

Research Projects and Initiatives Over the Years

The following research projects have been specifically aligned to Sustainable Development Goal 3 and the aim to ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages. These projects and initiatives are examples of the University’s contribution to the SDGs over the years.

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Australian Urban Observatory

The Australian Urban Observatory (AUO) is a new digital liveability planning tool, developed by our team from RMIT’s Centre for Urban Research, which has been specifically designed to support decision makers prioritise actions to promote health and wellbeing in their communities.

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Improved Urban Systems for Liveability

This project investigates how major cities function and the effects of their land-use, housing and infrastructure systems on the humans that live in them.

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Aquatic Pollution Prevention Partnership

The aims of this research partnership between Melbourne Water and RMIT University is to help prevent aquatic pollution.

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Engineering solutions for informal settlements in Honiara, Solomon Islands

Based on technical site visits and self-identified community needs, RMIT University engineers from different disciplines are designing solutions to mitigate water, sanitation, drainage, waste, and flood risks in five highly vulnerable settlements in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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