About us
Did you know that there is so much inaccurate information about COVID-19 that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has labelled it an “infodemic.”
Young people are active consumers and creators of science and health information online – with a recent UK study suggesting 70% of young people use digital technologies for health purposes, while 55% identified their smartphones as the main technology they used to learn about health (Rich et al. 2020).
In this time of COVID-19, young people have had to adapt to a vast range of information and misinformation that has mostly been created by and for adults. There is a sense of high anxiety, information fatigue and frustration about the limits on social and educational opportunities and to live life to the full. And yet COVID-19 (and potentially other infectious diseases) is a major health challenge that will shape the lives of an entire generation of young people for a long time.
We are a group of researchers and academics at the University of Melbourne that want to make sure that young people have access to a source of correct information about COVID-19 that has been collated and written specifically for them. We are incredibly lucky to work alongside world experts in the field. Drawing on doctors, epidemiologists, infectious disease and wellbeing experts, this campaign has been designed to provide accurate information about COVID-19 while also addressing the reality of living with COVID-19 for young people today.
Press and media enquiries livingwithcovid-info@unimelb.edu.au
The Team
Professor Rachel Fensham
Rachel is Director of the Digital Studio, Faculty of Arts and a Professor of Theatre Studies at the University of Melbourne. Using digital humanities methods, she leads research projects that involve partnerships with the creative industry sector.
Professor Andrew Turpin
Andrew is a Professor in the School of Computing and Information Systems and leads the University of Melbourne Data Analytics Platform and is academic lead of the Petascale Campus Initiative. His research reaches across health, political science, data analytics and information retrieval.
Professor Rachel Webster
Rachel is a Professor of Astrophysics in the School of Physics in the Faculty of Science. While she is a world renowned astrophysicist she also has a keen interest in sustainability and science education.
Robert Turnbull
Robert is a Research Data Specialist at the Melbourne Data Analytics Platform. He is currently completing his PhD in applying numerical analysis to Arabic manuscript traditions from the Middle Ages.
Dr Victoria Millar
Victoria is a Senior Lecturer in Science Education in the Melbourne Graduate School of Education. Her work investigates participation in science alongside science literacy and curriculum.
Dr Justin Filippou
Justin is a Lecturer in the School of Computing and Information Systems. His research covers persuasive systems design and technology enhanced learning.
Marc Nguyen
Marc is a Data Science student working with the Living With COVID Team as a research assistant. With a previous career as a teacher, he has a keen interest in youth education and engagement.
Victorian Student Representative Council
VicSRC is the peak body for school aged students in Victoria and their vision is education that is flexible, relevant and includes all students in all decisions. We stand with and for students to elevate their voices to be heard.
Thank you to our Supporters
Laby Foundation and from the University of Melbourne, the School of Computing and Information Systems, Faculty of Arts, Melbourne Data Analytics Platform (MDAP), the University of Melbourne Digital Studio and the Melbourne Graduate School of Education
With thanks to the many other people and organisations that have helped us
Kate Barlock, Dr Jennifer Beckett, Dr Lauren Carpenter, Katitza Marinkovic Chavez, Britt Cunningham, Claire Farrugia, April Harrison, Professor Sharon Lewin, Mason Littlejohn, Georgina Luck, Dr Aleks Michalewicz, Adrian Montana, Jason O’Leary, Laura van Rens, Bobbie Shaban, Dr Wonsun Shin, Dr Kristal Spreadborough, Tina Thorburn, Dr Greg Wadley, Megan Wall, Science Gallery, The Doherty Institute, and The Department of Education and Training.
‘Living with COVID’ Series Credits
Directed by Mete Erdogan
Written by Mete Erdogan & Rhys Salmon
COVID Rhys Salmon
Eden Kimberley Haifa
Acknowledgement of Country
We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this campaign was produced, the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
