Dr Jack Farrugia (he/him) is a researcher and advocate with a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from Curtin University. His expertise covers the complexities of Australian identity, and LGBTIQA+ health, particularly focusing on young people and intimate partner violence within LGBTIQA+ populations. 

Jack is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at The Kids Research Institute Australia and an Adjunct Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia. He is currently working on the the Optimise+ research project, which is being led by the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University. 

Optimise+ is a four-year research project funded by the Medical Research Future Fund. The aim of this project is to strengthen mental health and alcohol and other drug services delivered by LGBTQ+ community-controlled organisations. The research will help develop a sustainable, patient-centred model of care for LGBTQ+ individuals within existing health systems.

Jack has experience conducting multiple research projects of various methodologies. His PhD research explored Australian identity, examining the impacts of racism, discrimination, and systemic inequities. Recently, he completed the Safer Options research project, which aimed to enhance primary care responses for LGBTIQA+ West Australians experiencing intimate partner violence. This project involved the creation of educational LGBTIQA+ intimate partner violence resources available at www.saferoptions.org.au Jack has also worked on various research projects targeted at improving the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ young people.

In addition to his research, Jack is experienced in community engagement and education, particularly promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. His efforts focus on creating safe and inclusive environments for LGBTIQA+ people. Jack’s work is dedicated to fostering equitable outcomes and dismantling exclusionary systems, reflecting his commitment to anti-discrimination practices.