Louise Byrne

Louise is recognised internationally as a thought leader in the area of Lived Experience workforce development and is informed by her own lived experience.

Dr Louise Byrne is a Vice-Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellow at RMIT, previously awarded the prestigious Fulbright fellowship, to conduct research on the Lived Experience workforce in the United States, while based at Yale University. Louise has a continuing Associate Professor Adjunct position at Yale in the Program for Recovery and Community Health.

Louise is recognised internationally as a thought leader in the area of Lived Experience workforce development. Louise has led arguably the most comprehensive program of research on Lived Experience workforce development globally and has been awarded several times for outstanding contributions to research and teaching, held expert/advisory roles with State and National Mental Health Commissions and led policy development at State and National levels.

Prior to beginning her academic journey, Louise worked in designated lived experience positions since 2004. Her work is informed by her own lived and living expertise and her experience in a range of designated work roles across sectors and settings.

Industry experience:
Louise has a firm commitment to industry based, industry relevant research and believes effective engagement, relationship building and collaboration with industry and other stakeholders is essential for best practice research outcomes. Louise maintains numerous ongoing collaborations with State and National Commissions, Government departments and significant Non-government organisations.

Recently, Louise led the writing and research for the:
Queensland Lived Experience Workforce Development Framework (https://www.qmhc.qld.gov.au/documents/qmhclivedexperienceworkforceframeworkwebpdf)

National Lived Experience (Peer) Workforce Development Guidelines
(https://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/)

The National Guidelines were an action of the Fifth National Mental Health Plan and the first national policy document for this workforce.

Awards:
2021:
University
Research Impact and Collaboration Team Award, RMIT

2019:
National
The Mental Health Services Award of Australia and New Zealand in the Early Career Research Category for Best Practice, The Mental Health Services Learning Network

2018:
University
Research Excellence Award, RMIT, School of Management

2017:
International
Fulbright Postdoctoral Scholarship (National)

2016:
University
Publication Recognition Award, CQUniversity

2015:
State
Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Award, Individual Award

2014:
University
Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Learning and Teaching, CQUniversity

2013:
State
Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Award, Organisational Award

University
Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Good Practice in Learning and Teaching, CQUniversity
Commendation - Student Voice Award for Distance Educator of the Year, CQUniversity
Opal Awards Finalist, CQUniversity (Community Engagement)

2010:
State
PhD Co-funded Industry Scholarship, Queensland Health and CQUniversity