The Veteran Life Research team takes a multi-disciplinary approach to exploring the post-service life experiences of Australian veterans.

We undertake research focused on advancing an evidence-based understanding of the life challenges veterans can experience after they transition from service. Our ambition is to use this knowledge to inform policy and advance best-practice in the support of veterans both nationally and internationally.

Meet our people

Contact us: vlr@acu.edu.au

Professor Zlatko Skrbis is Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Sociology at Australian Catholic University. His research focuses on the question of identities in transition.

Dr Jacqueline Laughland-Booy is a Senior Advisor (Research and Communication) at Australian Catholic University. As a sociologist she has interests in life course studies and political sociology. 

Dr Jonathan Smith is a Senior Research Fellow at Australian Catholic University. His research focuses on experiences of transition and change.

Dr Duncan Cook is Associate Professor of Geography at Australian Catholic University. He is a specialist in geospatial analysis.

Emily Cryer commenced her PhD at ACU in 2022. Her research is exploring the nature of peer-to-peer veteran support.

Our partnerships

The Veteran Life Research team aims to make a positive impact on the lives of veterans through collaborative partnerships with industry, stakeholders, and ex-service organisations.

Contract research and consultancy

We can provide research services as required. This includes program design, program evaluation, or tailored research projects.

Research partnerships

We have experience applying for competitive funding and welcome the opportunity to enter new partnerships for collaborative projects.

Meet some of our partners

RSL Queensland

GO2 Health

Trojans Trek

Research training opportunities

We provide students with a high-quality research training experience.

PhD and masters project opportunities

We are currently accepting expressions of interest to undertake PhD or masters level research projects at ACU under the supervision of members from the Veteran Life Research team.

For more information contact:
Dr Jacqueline Laughland-Booÿ
Email: jacqueline.laughlandbooy@acu.edu.au

Veteran Life Research internships

A Veteran Life Research internship currently offers selected senior undergraduate students who are studying sociology, history, geography, or politics at any of the ACU campuses, the opportunity to gain practical and varied research experience under the direction and mentorship of the Veteran Life Research team.

Students who wish to be considered for the internship need to complete an application form. Successful applications will be notified and will then enrol in HUMA332.

Application forms are available from Associate Professor Maggie Nolan in the National School of Arts and Humanities: maggie.nolan@acu.edu.au.

The objectives of a Veteran Life Research internship are to:

  • Enable students to acquire practical experience working on an interdisciplinary project
  • Enhance a student’s understanding of the research process appropriate to their area of study
  • Develop a student’s communication skills
  • Strengthen a student’s analytical skills

Internship activities include:

  • Conducting literature searches and summaries
  • Undertaking data management and basic data analysis (qualitative, quantitative, geo- spatial mapping)
  • Preparing presentations
  • Preparing written material for Veteran Life Research
  • Contributing to grant applications and research reports

For more information contact:
Dr Jacqueline Laughland-Booÿ
Email: jacqueline.laughlandbooy@acu.edu.au

You might also like

Student Veteran Services

We work with our student veterans to ensure they are supported in their transition to university life.

Read about our services

SPRINT Research Centre

SPRINT uses new technology to advance knowledge in the areas of sporting performance and injury recovery.

Understand our projects

Mission, identity and values

Understand the mission that informs our commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, the dignity of the human person, and the common good.

Explore our mission

Research and enterprise

We collaborate with industry, community, government and education partners to deliver knowledge and ideas with real-world impact.

Discover our research

Have a question?

We're available 9am–5pm AEDT,
Monday to Friday

If you’ve got a question, our AskACU team has you covered. You can search FAQs, text us, email, live chat, call – whatever works for you.

Live chat with us now

Chat to our team for real-time
answers to your questions.

Launch live chat

Visit our FAQs page

Find answers to some commonly
asked questions.

See our FAQs