The renewed agreement will see the university and the mental health research institute continue to collaborate on a range of high impact initiatives over the next decade.
UNSW Sydney and the Black Dog Institute have signed a new and expanded 10-year Affiliation Agreement cementing their commitment to improve global mental health outcomes.
The renewed agreement, starting 30 October 2026, builds on a longstanding relationship which began in September 2003 and will progress the extensive work already happening in research, innovation and education projects.
The collaboration brings together Black Dog Institute's strengths in clinical and digital mental health research, suicide prevention and implementation with UNSW's academic expertise, world-class research infrastructure, education and higher degree research training.
With mental ill-health and suicide continuing to present significant challenges across Australia, UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said, sustained collaboration spanning prevention, early intervention, treatment and system-wide improvements is essential.
"Through this renewed affiliation, we will work together to advance research that makes a difference, turn discoveries into better care and services, support researchers and clinicians and strengthen our partnerships across health, government, communities and industry," Prof. Brungs said.
"The renewed agreement gives us a strong platform for the next decade. It confirms our shared commitment to research excellence, innovation, education and translation. It will help us make the most of our complementary strengths, including through closer connections across the Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct."
The renewed agreement enhances governance and strategic oversight with the establishment of an Affiliation Council comprising senior leaders from both organisations. The Affiliation Council will guide and review joint initiatives, monitor collaborative outcomes and align shared priorities to maximise impact.
The agreement builds on the significant work UNSW and Black Dog Institute have already delivered, including:
a joint Student Mental Health Research Group that develops and evaluates approaches to improve university student mental health and wellbeing.
the National Emergency Worker Support Service, providing confidential, trauma-informed mental health support to emergency workers and volunteers.
collaborations between Black Dog Institute and UNSW Founders to advance mental health innovation through forums, hackathons and virtual pitch nights to foster student startup innovations in digital mental health.
CORE-DEP, a $2.5 million NHMRC-funded centre launched in 2024 to advance personalised depression treatment using AI and digital technologies.
the MRFF-funded Healing Our Spirit project (2025-2027), led by Professor Maree Toombs, alongside UNSW's Blakademy to strengthen First Nations research capability, education and workforce development.
We look forward to continuing our work with the Black Dog Institute to advance world-class mental health research and improve mental health outcomes for people across Australia.
Black Dog Institute Executive Director and Chief Scientist Professor Samuel Harvey said the increasing rates of mental ill-health among the global population is one of the great challenges of our time, and we will only be able to turn the tide on this trend through collaboration.
"The combined strength in mental health research between UNSW and Black Dog Institute is formidable and significant on an international scale. (It) has already led to transformative pioneering new treatments for depression and advances in our understanding of youth mental health, suicide prevention and how to create more mentally healthy workplaces," Prof. Harvey said.
"Together, we have built a strong foundation of research excellence, but our greatest opportunity lies in ensuring those discoveries translate into real-world solutions that make a meaningful difference to people's lives."
"This renewed agreement is an opportunity to build on one of the most successful collaborations in Australian mental health research and to accelerate the next round of breakthrough discoveries in how to better prevent and treat mental ill health for all Australians."
Dean of UNSW Medicine & Health Professor Cheryl Jones welcomed the renewed agreement, highlighting the opportunities it would create for continued collaboration in mental health research.
"Over the next decade, we look forward to continuing our work with the Black Dog Institute to advance world-class mental health research and improve mental health outcomes for people across Australia," Prof. Jones said.
"From supporting the mental health of children and young people to improving prevention and treatment across adulthood, this partnership will help translate research into meaningful benefits for individuals, families and communities."
