How the Monash Warwick Alliance is driving innovative research in multicultural sport - Monash University

27 Mar 2025 9:09 AM

Research funded by the Monash Warwick Alliance has revealed the many challenges multicultural cricket teams face when trying to integrate into society.

The collaborative project, spearheaded by Dr Lucas Santos, Lecturer at the Monash University Intercultural Lab, and Dr Kieran File, Associate Professor, The University of Warwick, examined the behaviours and interactions within teams, particularly those involving South Asian migrant players.

They discovered that everyday interactions were the key to fostering belonging and tackling exclusion.

A special event at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, England, showcased Phase 1 of the findings, further amplifying the real-world impact of the Monash Warwick Alliance’s support. 

“This research demonstrates how sports organisations and diverse stakeholders can contribute positively to establishing and sustaining inclusive sporting cultures that welcome individuals from all backgrounds,” Dr Santos said. 

“When the practical resource is released it will provide multicultural cricket teams with vital strategies to help them integrate into society.”

Dr File said the research will not only provide strategies for players, coaches, and sports administrators but will also contribute to broader discussions about community integration in diverse societies.

“Our research revealed that many challenges to inclusion in multicultural teams arise from every day, taken-for-granted actions and behaviours,” Dr File said.

“These everyday actions and behaviours can unintentionally lead to exclusion, but when thoughtfully addressed and/or adjusted, they can foster a stronger sense of belonging.

“To help multicultural cricket teams tackle inclusion challenges, we’ve highlighted these everyday actions and behaviours, uncovering practical insights on building inclusive environments where everyone can have a chance to thrive.”

-ENDS- 

 

About us:

About the Monash Warwick Alliance

The Monash Warwick Alliance is a strategic partnership between Monash University and the University of Warwick. Established in 2012, the Alliance unites two prestigious institutions with a shared commitment to excellence in global research and education. The partnership empowers innovative research and education collaborations, a joint doctoral student community and transformative student experience programs.

By cultivating a global network of expertise and resources, the Alliance unlocks unique opportunities for growth and impact. Alliance-funded projects empower researchers, students, and educators to expand their perspectives and push the boundaries of their fields.

These projects have yielded diverse outcomes, including the development of Anti-Microbial Resistance training programs to combat emerging superbug threats, the creation of an award-winning augmented reality application for cardiology education, and the launch of the Action Translate project, which engaged over 600 student volunteers across five continents to translate content related to grassroots climate change initiatives.

The Alliance amplifies these contributions through international partnerships, delivering scientific, social, economic, and cultural benefits to local, regional, and global communities.

Learn more at: https://www.monash.edu/international/monash-warwick

Contact details:

Andrew Groves
Media and Communications Manager, Monash University
E: [email protected]
T: +61 406 790 599

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