International Sustainability Consortia

Who we are

Established in July 2023 by Associate Professor Nicole Nathan, the International Sustainability Consortia is a global network of 20 leading experts in sustainability science.

The consortia brings together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners committed to solving one of the most pressing challenges in public health; ensuring evidence-based programs are sustained over time.

What we do

Sustaining effective clinical and public health programs has been described as ‘one of the most significant translational research problems of our time’ (Proctor, Imp Sci, 2025).

The Consortia is dedicated to advancing sustainability science through collective action including identifying critical knowledge gaps, synthesising existing evidence, and generating new knowledge that meets the needs of decision-makers.

Through partnership with organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and all Australian states and territories, we aim to accelerate the translation of research into sustained public health impact.

How we do our work

Led by Associate Professor Nicole Nathan, the Consortia operates through a structured priority-setting and co-design process with end users. We undertake empirical research, develop conceptual and practical tools, and share guidance tailored for policymakers and practitioners. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach ensures that the science is both rigorous and highly relevant to real-world implementation.

Our progress to date

Our initial focus has been on refining the field’s first typology of practical sustainment strategies, published in 2024. This typology aims to support researchers and implementers by providing a more practical and conceptually clear foundation for action.

Key activities to date include:

  • In-depth qualitative interviews with each Consortia member, capturing expert perspectives on the typology and broader research priorities
  • A face-to-face international workshop in Newcastle, Australia, (pictured below) to test and refine the typology and collaboratively identify priorities for the global sustainability research agenda
  • A three-round Delphi study to build consensus on priority research areas and advance field-wide agenda-setting
  • Identification of proof-of-concept case studies to illustrate how sustainment strategies are applied in practice

This program of work is being finalised for publication and is expected to be available by the end of 2025. It marks a critical step in unifying and progressing the field of sustainability science.

Find out more about NCOIS sustainability research.