NCETA’s 2026–27 workplan will deliver research and practical resources addressing key priorities across alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
What’s next at NCETA: our 2026-27 research plan
September 2026
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NCETA’s 2026–27 workplan will deliver a diverse program of research and resource development addressing emerging priorities, workforce needs and evidence gaps across the alcohol and other drug sector.
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, our plan includes projects spanning opioid dependence, alcohol, tobacco, methamphetamine, medicinal cannabis, workforce development and digital resources.
Key projects will:
- Examine barriers and enablers to accessing take-home naloxone.
- Review variations in training and registration requirements for prescribing medications for opioid dependence.
- Investigate heavy drinking among women and their experiences of accessing treatment.
- Determine the financial and employment outcomes associated with completing AOD vocational qualifications.
- Develop medicinal cannabis resources to support Australian workplaces.
- Examine medicinal cannabis use among employed people.
- Review methamphetamine use in Australia and identify critical gaps requiring dedicated research.
- Investigate a new approach to informing the community about alcohol-related harms.
- Examine patterns of smoking and alcohol consumption among Australian adults.
- Strengthen the evidence base for addressing smoking prevalence among priority populations.
- Evaluate how population-level tobacco control interventions affect socioeconomic inequalities in smoking.
- Review and update the National Alcohol and Drug Knowledgebase, Your Worklife and NCETA websites to reflect the latest evidence.
Together, these projects will generate practical evidence, resources and insights to support the AOD workforce, strengthen policy and practice, and improve responses to alcohol, tobacco and other drug-related harms.
Student research opportunities
We are also seeking motivated students with an interest in the AOD sector to contribute to projects addressing real-world industry needs.
These opportunities enable students to gain practical research experience, contribute to meaningful solutions and develop valuable, career-ready skills. A selection of currently available projects is listed on our website, and we also welcome ideas from prospective students.
Explore NCETA’s student research opportunities here.
