Natalie Smith: Researcher · Advocate · Storyteller
Sit with people.
Hold their stories.
Carry it where it needs to go.
Hi, I'm Natalie Smith.
Award-winning researcher who collects and shares people's stories to advocate for change across policies, strategies, processes, and service systems.
What I do
Research as a force for real change
I love research because I've seen how it has the power to change the conversation, shift perspectives, and broaden people's world view. When I conduct research, I hold a strong responsibility as a custodian of knowledge.
I work passionately and tirelessly to translate stories into the context of the work and the service-system it exists in — where stakeholders and decision makers have no choice but to not look away, to make better decisions, and to design and deliver better services.
I use research as a way of evaluating actual impact by engaging the people closest to the problem, and most impacted by the solution.
How I work
Methodologies I lean on
Every research project is grounded in approaches that centre people, context, and genuine participation — not just outcomes on paper.
Methodologies
01
A system-level, social determinants of health view — designing research that is accessible, inclusive, and person-centred, wrapped around models of care.
02
A place-based, narrative, relational, and culturally-responsive approach so people's experiences are grounded in context.
03
Participatory models of engagement, research, and innovation that put community at the centre of the process.
04
Community-engaged research (CEnR) approaches to gather, share, elevate, and translate people's personal experiences.
Publications
Where you can find some of my work
UK Evaluation Society
Snap Chat evaluation for young people living with CF (Case Study)
QUT Centre of Justice
Barriers women face in accessing housing and finance services in Australia (Briefing Paper)
Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians
Ageing Kindly — an investigation into identity and cosmetic industry services (Feature)
Qualifications & MEMBERSHIPS
Academic credentials and professional memberships
Bachelor of Health (Nursing)
Charles Darwin University I Clinical Placement in Alice Springs
Registered DIV1 Nurse
Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency I Mandatory Professional Code of Conduct
Australian Nursing Midwifery Federation
Professional Indemnity Insurance I Public Liability Insurance
Social Impact Measurement Network Australia
Social Impact Measurement I Research Evaluation
Current Research · 2027–2032
The impacts of hidden discrimination single-women face in accessing housing and finance services in Australia
Project details
University
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Department
Centre of Justice
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
Dr Lyndall Bryant
Type
Combined research project and pilot
In the current state of housing and finance services in Australia, there are multiple barriers to single-women accessing finance. Processes and policies are poorly designed and not reflective of the realities for women, which results in women not getting in or staying safe and secure in their own homes. During periods of hardship, women are falling ‘off the cliff’ because crisis services are not fit for purpose to support them.
This research investigates the problems being created by finance and housing initiatives in the industry, and how these are awarding discriminatory practices. It will look at the hidden gender-based discrimination and judgement impacting women and the misunderstood, unidentified direct impact of housing and finance services on housing security for women and increased rates of houselessness.
The research project will explore a future state where consumers participate in gathering evidence to inform a consumer-led pilot that includes training and certification of providers within the finance and housing services and ongoing evaluation that informs private industry policy change and service design. Highlighting consumer experiences and stories, I will aim to continue uncovering and bringing awareness to the hidden discrimination in the single-women experience.
Partnership Opportunity
Invest in this work
There is already strong support for this research, evidenced through a briefing paper presented to Social Ventures Australia in May 2026 — backed by numerous leaders in attendance.
The support of the briefing paper has demonstrated the need to further the study The impacts of systemic gendered barriers that women face in accessing housing and finance services in Australia. This new research will be under the guidance of Lyndall Bryant, as Academic Advisor from Centre of Justice (QUT).
I am now seeking private and industry partnerships and funders to support further research and a multi-year social innovation service pilot. This is a chance to drive very real change through piloting service delivery and innovation.
To arrange a meeting with Natalie and Dr Lyndall from QUT to discuss this opportunity, get in touch.
This is an opportunity to back research that has the potential to improve the financial and housing security of many Australian women.
Research principles in practice
Why do I follow these principles?
To gather rich, contextual realities of people's experiences we must start from a place of relationship, trust and respect.
These principles are lagging behind, and often skipped, for the sake of time and productivity and must be held to account.
Shortcuts on integrity go against credible, robust, research and that gives real knowledge into people's lives.
Research Awards
Recognition for approach and impact
Good Design Award · 2024
Best Research Approach
Led research design for VCAT's inclusive building project, applying CEnR principles to engage historically excluded communities and ensure their voices shaped architectural and service decisions.
—
Victorian Court Services (VCAT) engaged a team to design a research approach that wanted to understand the experience of community (users) more as part of developing a set of requirements to inform their new inclusive building design as part of their goals of improving access to justice. The work looked to understand the experiences of community who have historically been excluded and to design a building that enables services users to have their matter heard in a way that provides safety and comfort. I led the research design approach, bringing in principles of CEnR, to make sure community were engaged in a way that was respectful, collaborative and, as the consultants on the project, held ownership for action. Insights from the community were advocated for in conversation with VCAT staff, members (judges) and architects who were commissioned on the project.
ESOMAR Global Innovation Research Award · 2025
Most Innovative Research
Embedded CEnR across all evaluation activities for CF Together's program for young people, leading to the innovative approach of conducting the evaluation entirely via Snapchat — designed by the community itself. You can listen to Natalie Smith and Sarah Morrissey discussing how empathy can unlock deeper insights with teens on Esomar’s Talking Insights episode on YouTube.
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I was engaged by CF Together, a national charity not for profit supporting people living with cystic fibrosis (CF) to conduct an evaluation of their CF Strong lived experience program for young people. CEnR was embedded into the methodologies across all activities. The most pivotal introduction was in engagement, where young people (community) were asked how they want to engage, as part of the CEnR principle to design the approach in context to people and place. This led to an innovative approach of doing the evaluation using Snapchat!
Get in Touch
Let's talk about your next project
Whether you're interested in the current research, exploring a partnership, or would like to discuss working together — I'd love to hear from you.