Farnaz Shahimi

Dr Farnaz Shahimi has a background in clinical psychology and is currently a Senior Research Officer in the Intergenerational Health Unit at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), where she focuses on refugee and migrant studies. She has extensive experience working across clinical and community settings with individuals from refugee backgrounds, particularly in areas of trauma recovery and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). She previously worked as a psychosocial counsellor for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Iran, where she provided therapy to Afghan and Iraqi refugees and led the design and delivery of community-based SGBV prevention and response initiatives.

She completed her PhD in Australia at Melbourne School of Population and Global Health. She explored identity and resilience among Hazara and Afghan adolescents and young adults following childhood experiences of forced migration, providing critical insights into how adverse early experiences and systemic challenges influence their development, belonging, and well-being. She also has continued her clinical work as a Senior Counsellor Advocate at the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture (Foundation House), supporting adults and families affected by torture and displacement.

Her academic and applied work is grounded in trauma-informed, culturally responsive frameworks. She hopes to remain committed to elevating refugee communities' voices and strengths through research and practice.

She brings deep expertise in refugee and migrant mental health, grounded in clinical practice and research. Her work bridges lived experience, community engagement, and trauma-informed approaches, strengthening the cultural relevance and impact of the CRE research.

Farnaz works and lives on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country. Her small family and friendship circle, music and literature, and believing in humanity and kindness keep her strong.