The Science of Us: End loneliness together

Tune in for this special edition of The Science of Us program, run in partnership with Inspiring Australia. National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology, providing an opportunity for everyone to talk science, see science and do science.

Globally, loneliness is a major public health crisis, particularly because of its impact on health and wellbeing. Loneliness is linked to poor physical and mental health, and researchers warn that social disconnection poses a greater health threat than smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise.

Psychology researchers Dr Michelle Lim from Ending Loneliness Together, and Professor Catherine Haslam of the University of Queensland appear in a conversation with Jennie Sager, Head of Nextdoor, a Neighbourhood Network which recently undertook a scientific study looking into the effect of neighbourly kindness through a global KIND Challenge.

Together, they explore what we can do to stop feeling lonely and practical steps you can take to form meaningful relationships.