Kirrilly Thompson

I conduct applied ethnographic and mixed-methods research on workforce capability, organisational culture, and the social dimensions of complex health, safety and wellbeing challenges across human, animal and environmental systems. My work is strongly policy and practice-oriented, with a focus on translating research into workforce, organisational and systems-level change.

My research at the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) focuses on Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) workforce development, workplace interventions, and equitable participation in the AOD sector. 

Across my career, I have examined behaviour change, risk perception and organisational responses in areas including public health, emergency management, transport safety, human-animal relations, and disaster preparedness. My work often focuses on how systems, professional cultures and everyday practices shape policy implementation, workforce capability and community outcomes.

I am experienced in research translation and science communication, including invited webinars, radio interviews, industry engagement and public communication through outlets such as The Conversation. In 2015, I was recognised as one of ABC Radio National’s Top 5 Scientists Under 40 for science communication.