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Welcome to ALSWH
Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health

The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (known as Women’s Health Australia to its participants) is the largest, longest-running project of its kind ever conducted in Australia. The population-based survey explores the factors contributing to the health and wellbeing of over 57,000 Australian women* in four cohorts. Their data provides invaluable information about the health of women across the lifespan. Since its inception in 1996, ALSWH has informed federal and state government policies across a wide range of issues. The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care funds the Study, and it is jointly managed by the University of Queensland and the University of Newcastle.


Vale Emeritus Professor Lois Bryson

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Black and white photograph of Wendy Brown, Margot Schofield, Annette Dobson, Lois Bryson, Julie Byles gathered around a table.

Left to right:  Wendy Brown, Margot Schofield, Annette Dobson, Lois Bryson, Julie Byles

Emeritus Professor Lois Bryson, founding investigator of ALSWH, passed away on Sunday, 7th January 2024.

Lois Bryson was a trail blazing second wave feminist and leading sociologist who we remember as a generous colleague, down-to-earth mentor, and friend. Lois is remembered for her unwavering commitment to creating positive social and political change. She was adamant that ALSWH was never about the research team, but always about the women of Australia, and she measured our success by how effectively our work improved Australian society and women’s lives. She was forthright, honest and kind. Lois challenged us to think differently about women’s health and society, merging the medical and the social, with the political and personal. She was vocal and courageous, creative, and fun.

Pictured here with the investigator team who were awarded the original ALSWH tender, Lois had a leading role in developing and conducting ALSWH from its conception in 1994 until 2006, when she retired from academia. After retirement, Lois remained a willing advisor and friend to the study for many years. Her spirit lives on in the women she inspired.


ALSWH is recruiting!

Many women have migrated to Australia from South, Southeast, and Northeast Asian countries since we first started this cohort in 1996.  There are women from these ancestries who are also born in Australia. We are especially looking for women from these ancestries to join the Study. We need your voices to make sure our Study represents all Australian women. Please visit our study recruitment page to read the participant information statement and find out if you or someone you know may be eligible.

Featured Resources & Reports

From feminist roots:
The women behind ALSWH share their thoughts on the study’s roots in the women’s health movement and the advances made in over 25 years of women’s health research. 
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