Sexual and reproductive health

We've made substantial contributions to sexual and reproductive health through pioneering research and policy guidance. Our work includes:

• diagnostics and surveillance 

• community engagement and training 

• research and policy development 

• youth engagement and digital safety.

We’ve developed the world's first active syphilis active syphilis point-of-care test now licensed to Atomo Diagnostics.

We've contributed to national guidelines on sexually transmissible infections (STI) and blood-borne virus surveillance.

Our ACCESS surveillance system has been operational for over a decade. It monitors STI trends and informs public health responses.

We’ve collaborated with community organisations to reduce stigma around sexually transmissible infections and promote sexual health education. This includes working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities and offering targeted training for healthcare providers.

We’ve published high-impact research on the interplay between changes in HIV prevention (including roll-out of the HIV prevention drug PrEP) and STI transmission. Our work has shaped local and international guidelines for key populations.

We're evaluating Doxy-PEP, a novel prevention strategy for chlamydia and syphilis, and we have contributed to the Australian Doxy-PEP Consensus Statement.

We work on the role of the genital microbiome and its impact on bacterial vaginosis.

We’re developing new diagnostics and interventions to improve women's health.

We’ve developed The Gist which educates young people on sexuality, digital safety and healthy relationships.

Our research with young people has successfully influenced policy on age verification and social media safety and ensured young people's voices are heard. We have advocated for the needs of young people to be considered so that online safety strategies are effective. 

Burnet adopts a multidisciplinary approach to sexual and reproductive health.

We combine expertise across life sciences, public health and international development to design people-centred solutions that work in different contexts, for populations most affected.

Our research and programs are community-driven and focus on collaborative partnerships, both domestically and internationally. Key partners include community organisations, healthcare services, government departments, universities and schools. We also work closely with industry partners—for example, partnering with Atomo Diagnostics on Australia’s first syphilis test.

We’re all about community engagement and participatory research. Programs are co-designed with key populations, including:

• people living with and at risk of HIV 

• gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men 

• trans and gender diverse people 

• young people 

• sex workers.

This ensures that interventions are culturally relevant and effective.

Our focus on participatory qualitative research and community-led initiatives strengthens our ability to address sexual and reproductive challenges in diverse settings. 

We're working toward a future where sexual and reproductive health services and rights are well supported, and within everyone’s reach.

We’re developing new diagnostic tools, addressing inequities in healthcare access and HIV and STI prevention for marginalised groups. We’re responding to emerging health issues such as antimicrobial resistance. Our ongoing research into the microbiome, youth sexual health, and non-discriminatory care practices can help inform future interventions and policies.

By fostering strong partnerships and using evidence-based approaches, we aim to improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes globally while advocating for human rights and reducing health inequities. Through our comprehensive and inclusive strategies, we're making a tangible difference in sexual and reproductive health across various populations and regions.