Sex & Gender Equity in Health Research: George Institute's New Centre Elevates Structural Reforms

In a pivotal move to address longstanding disparities in health outcomes, The George Institute for Global Health has spearheaded the establishment of the Centre for Sex and Gender Equity in Health and Medicine. Launched on March 27, 2024, at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, this initiative marks a significant structural reform in Australian health research. 61 62 By embedding considerations of sex—defined as biological attributes such as chromosomes, hormones, and anatomy—and gender—the socially constructed roles, behaviors, identities, and expressions—into every stage of research, policy, and practice, the Centre aims to rectify biases that have historically favored male-centric data and models. This approach promises to enhance scientific rigor, improve patient outcomes, and ensure equitable healthcare for women, men, intersex individuals, transgender people, and gender-diverse communities across Australia.

The Centre's emergence aligns with broader national efforts, including the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) mandates effective from January 2026, requiring all grant applicants to integrate these variables unless scientifically justified otherwise. 59 As Australia grapples with evidence gaps—such as over 70% of early-stage clinical trials featuring white male participants—these reforms elevate health research standards, fostering more precise diagnostics, treatments, and policies. 61

🔬 Defining Sex, Gender, and Their Impact on Health

Sex refers to the biological differences between males and females, encompassing genetics, reproductive organs, and physiology, while gender involves societal norms, identities, and roles that influence health behaviors and access to care. Ignoring these distinctions perpetuates inequities: for instance, women experience anxiety disorders twice as often as men, yet depression diagnoses are higher in women while men face elevated suicide rates. 62 Parkinson’s disease affects males twice as frequently, highlighting bidirectional gaps.

In Australia, these oversights manifest in delayed diagnoses, inappropriate dosing, and dismissed symptoms. Heart disease, Australia’s leading killer for both sexes, is stereotyped as a 'man’s disease,' leading paramedics to overlook women’s atypical symptoms like nausea or fatigue, potentially costing lives and healthcare dollars. 62 The Centre educates stakeholders on analyzing data through this lens, using tools like intersectional approaches that consider ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and more.

The Launch: A Collaborative Milestone

The official launch at UNSW Sydney united leaders from The George Institute, Australian Human Rights Institute, Deakin University, and government. Professor Robyn Norton emphasized, “More than 70 per cent of participants in early-stage clinical trials are white men,” underscoring the need for inclusive protocols. 61 Assistant Minister Ged Kearney affirmed Labor’s commitment to inclusive research.

Victorian expansion followed in November 2024 at Deakin University, broadening national reach. By 2026, partnerships like the renewed UNSW-George affiliation from January 1 solidify infrastructure for sustained impact. 98

Leadership Driving Change

Professor Bronwyn Graham, Director and Professor at UNSW, leads with expertise in sex hormones' role in mental health. Her recent commentary on 'bikini medicine'—focusing women's health solely on reproductive areas—highlights systemic marginalization. 86 The team collaborates with policymakers, researchers, and communities to audit policies and curricula.

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Key Initiatives and Tools

The Centre's Vetting in Health Research – Inclusion Framework (VeHRIF), launched October 16, 2025, assesses research inclusivity, aiding capacity building. 62 Victorian-funded audits quantify sex-gender integration in funding, curricula, and institutes, paving for national baselines using AI. 60

• Policy advocacy for NHMRC/MRFF guidelines.
• Curricula reforms in medicine and health sciences.
• Expert networks for collaboration.

Explore career advice on excelling in such roles through how to excel as a research assistant in Australia.

Recent Research Publications and Reports

The June 2025 report 'Beyond the Surface: Investigating the Mental Health Realities for Australian Women in 2025,' partnered with Liptember Foundation, revealed 52% of women face depression, 44% anxiety—urging gender-targeted services. 62 The November 2025 Women's Health Research Roadmap outlines structural changes for collaborative, equitable environments. 13

Modelling studies show improved pre-hospital stroke identification in women yields health and economic gains.Centre resources 62

NHMRC Structural Reforms: A Game-Changer

From January 2026, NHMRC/MRFF grants demand integration of sex, gender, variations of sex characteristics, and sexual orientation per ABS standards. Applicants detail plans in designs, analyses, and justifications; assessors evaluate accordingly. 59 64 This elevates reproducibility and applicability, complementing the Centre's advocacy.NHMRC guidelines

Researchers preparing applications can benefit from tips on writing a winning academic CV.

Case Studies: Real-World Impacts

These examples illustrate how sex-gender analysis prevents adverse reactions and optimizes devices like prostheses. 62 Globally, similar shifts in Canada and UK yield better outcomes.

Challenges and Stakeholder Perspectives

Barriers include data paucity for intersex/gender-diverse groups and resistance to curricular changes. Policymakers like Kearney, clinicians, and consumers advocate progress. Monash reports confirm biases in guidelines. 41

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• Two-thirds of women report gender bias in care.
• NHMRC aims for gender equity in grants since 2023.

Future Outlook and Actionable Insights

With 2026 Census adding sex/gender questions and ongoing audits, Australia leads globally. 72 Researchers should: 1) Use VeHRIF early; 2) Stratify data by variables; 3) Justify exclusions rigorously. Universities integrate into training, boosting faculty positions.

In summary, the Centre propels reforms, enhancing equity. Explore rate my professor, higher ed jobs, career advice, and university jobs for involvement.