Big Anxiety Research Centre

02/09/2026

One in three older Australians live in regional and remote areas where access to care and social support can be limited.

The Big Anxiety Research Centre has launched PsychoSocialTech, a pioneering psychosocial AI research program. We're developing skilled AI companions that provide personalised conversation, emotional support and cognitive stimulation for older adults, including people living with dementia.

Importantly, these AI companions are designed to complement existing care services, helping address loneliness and providing support between visits from carers, family and friends.

With early trials demonstrating a 16% reduction in loneliness, we're excited about the potential of this technology to improve wellbeing and support healthy ageing across Australia.

🔗 For more details on PsychoSocialTech, visit the website https://psychosocialtech.com/

27/08/2026

Looking back at our Tea & Tech Café from 2024☕🤖

From AI companions and virtual reality experiences to robotics, immersive media and meaningful conversations, the event brought together older Australians, researchers, industry leaders and service providers to explore how technology can support healthier, more connected lives.

The curiosity, questions and connections made throughout the day reminded us that innovation has the greatest impact when it's designed around people's real needs.

Those conversations continue today through PsychosocialTech, a new initiative bringing together world-leading expertise in psychosocial design and artificial intelligence to develop AI companion systems for aged care and home care. The goal is simple: use technology to extend and enhance person-centred care and help tackle loneliness and social isolation.

👀 We're planning a special event this November where you'll be able to meet the team, experience the technology firsthand and learn more about what's next. Stay tuned for details!

19/08/2026

As rates of incarceration and psychological distress continue to rise among young Aboriginal people, First Nations communities are calling for approaches grounded in culture, connection and self-determination, not correction.

In Warwick, Queensland, the Big Anxiety Research Centre has partnered with the Githabul community to help answer that call. Led by Nathan, a young Githabul man and Traditional Owner, the project combines cultural knowledge with cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) technology to support healing through connection to Country. Together, they are creating a virtual pathway home for those who have become disconnected from culture, community and place.

Stronger On Country captures this powerful story of innovation, resilience and cultural healing.

The documentary is scheduled for broadcast through KG Presents, SBS and NITV and is currently seeking completion partners.

Follow the link to learn more and see behind-the-scenes footage from the production https://www.articleone.com.au/stronger-on-country/

If you're interested in exploring partnership opportunities please contact Chelsea Winder, [email protected]

Stronger On Country

13/08/2026

💜 Thank you to everyone who has joined us at the loneliness and being alone festival so far!

We officially launched on Tuesday evening with a wonderful night of connection and conversation, including remarks from UNSW Vice‑Chancellor Attila Brungs and UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture Faculty Dean Claire Annesley.

So far this week, we’ve welcomed over 180 people to the Health Translation Hub to experience our VR works and AI companions. Visitors have joined us from across the UNSW community, local networks — and from as far away as the Northern Territory and Canada.

Together, we’ve explored loneliness through many lenses: student isolation, mental health, grief, and domestic and family violence.

What we’ve seen again and again is that there is solidarity in loneliness — and connection in sharing it.

Thank you for being part of it 🤍

Photos by Ruonan Li

13/08/2026

What does loneliness feel like — and how can we design for connection?

The textures of loneliness exhibition explores these questions through powerful works spanning art, design and research.

With the exhibition now extended until 18 August, there’s more time to experience it for yourself.

📍 UNSW Health Translation Hub (ground floor)

🎟️ Free for everyone

Discover how creative approaches can be part of the solution.

🔗 Check the link in bio for details.

13/08/2026

Last week, BARC joined leading UNSW researchers, innovators and educators at NSW Parliament house for the Powered by UNSW Showcase, connecting policymakers with research and solutions addressing some of the state's key challenges.

We were proud to present our research into skilled AI companions for community-based support, highlighting how this innovation could improve outcomes for older people and support the aged care sector. Through our commercialisation plans with Psychosocial Tech Pty Ltd we're working to translate research into real-world impact.

We especially enjoyed the opportunity to speak with John Graham, NSW Minister for the Arts, about our work and its potential to support social connection and wellbeing in aged care settings.

It was a pleasure to showcase this work alongside our collaborators from the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) and Ladder.inc.

📸 First image (L-R): CHeBA Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Suraj Samtani, Scientia Professor Jill Bennett, Dr Gail Kenning and Ladder.inc CEO Bal Singh.

04/03/2024

Explore the heartbeat of tradition, connection, and creativity at Big Trauma/Big Change forum, March 21-23. Click the link below to secure your place at the most transformative mental health event of the year!

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/big-traumabig-change-building-tomorrow-today-tickets-779125223517?aff=oddtdtcreator

21/01/2024

What does radical care look like? 🔥

Don't miss out on this groundbreaking event led by an internationally recognised team and get ready to blaze the trail to Big Change!

Big Trauma/Big Change forum 2024, tickets in sale now! 🔗

Embark on a transformative journey at the Big Trauma/Big Change Forum run by the Big Anxiety Research Centre

23/11/2023

Thrilled to be part of the UNSW AI Institute's annual symposium! Exciting times exploring cutting-edge AI developments and connecting with brilliant minds in the field. Grateful for the opportunity to showcase our incredible AI characters Viv & Sophie, who represent a new approach amalgamating lived experience with AI innovation in health settings. Engaging with leaders in AI research and application was an inspiring experience. Grateful for the opportunity to share insights, network, and contribute to the vibrant AI ecosystem! 🌐🔍