AUT - Gambling and Addictions Research Centre
Gambling and Addictions Research Centre
Introduction and General Overview
The Gambling and Addictions Research Centre brings together research that improves New Zealander's understanding of how gambling and addictions affect society, and enhances policy and professional practice. It was established in 2003 within the National Institute for Public Health and Mental Health Research. However, Auckland University of Technology has been significantly involved in gambling research since 1991.
The emphasis of the Centre is on the conduct of applied research that informs policy and professional practice in public education, population health and primary and secondary health care. With that emphasis in mind, the Centre aims to: disseminate research-based information through publications, seminars and mass media; advocate evidence-based gambling and addictions policy and service provision; develop and provide education programmes in conjunction with problem gambling service providers and the gambling industry; and work collaboratively with other research organisations and stakeholders. As part of this work, collaborative links have been, and are being, developed and strengthened with other academic institutions (within New Zealand and internationally), government, non-government organisations, the gambling industry and gambling service providers (in particular the Gambling Helpline). All information and research findings are widely disseminated to inform policy development, health care providers, health professionals, students, policymakers and the wider community.
The Gambling and Addictions Research Centre is advised and assisted by an Advisory Group composed of people with an interest in minimising the harms that can be associated with excessive gambling and addictions.
Key staff within the Gambling and Addictions Research Centre are:
- Professor Max Abbott, Director
- Rebecca Coombes, Senior Research Officer, Co-ordinator
- Katie Palmer, Research Officer
- Hannah Thorne, Research Officer
- Dr Maria Bellringer (Gambling Helpline, New Zealand), Research Associate
- Dr Rachel Volberg (Gemini Research, USA), Adjunct Professor
- Professor Jan McMillen (Australian National University), Adjunct Professor
For more information about key staff, please click here.
