Acting at the Nexus : integration of research, policy and practice

This report is the result of an exciting journey of discovery. As with all journeys, we have been to many exotic places, have met extraordinary people, and at times have been challenged to keep going ahead rather than retreating. Good journeys are also enjoyed best in good company. We would like to thank VicHealth for giving us the opportunity to embark on our voyage, but also specifically to some great VicHealth staff: John Biviano, Siân Lloyd, Barb Mouy and Ali Barr have all been travelers along the way, providing us with encouragement, directions and nourishment. We know that our Project Advisory Committee and the then Chief Executive of VicHealth, dr. Rob Moody, have followed our progress on the journey with great interest. A special word of thanks to professor David Hill, chair of our advisory committee and member of the VicHealth Board of Governance, to sit down with us and critically review our navigation procedures. But we could not have reached our destination without the great assistance of the people and agencies that gave us their time, energy, and sometimes precious resources, to engage in data collection for our case studies. Again, a particular word of appreciation, to professor Brian Head, and to Ruth Belben for her incredibly efficient assistance, in organising the ARACY workshop on 24 November, 2006 in which we were given an opportunity to triangulate our position with colleagues from research, policy and practice.