Research priorities
We've identified and invested in areas of research identified as priorities for the world, the nation and the state. In each of these areas we're continuing to build on the strength and experience of our experts.
Progress in biomedical engineering is powerful and life changing. We collaborate with engineers and medical professionals to progress new materials, procedures and medical devices.
Many of the big steps forward in health will start with tiny discoveries. We use technology to investigate the molecular basis of disease, enabling better diagnostics and therapeutics.
Digital disruption is an opportunity. We're analysing the capacity for organisations to progress through technological advances and capitalise on new market opportunities.
We're developing new approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of chronic diseases including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and neurological disorders.
We dig through mountains of data and find new ways to refine its revolutionary power through mathematics, machine learning and statistics driven by world class computing and visualisation capabilities.
The transformation of communication channels is progressing faster than ever before. Our large-scale and methodologically innovative research investigates the ramifications and opportunities of this transformation.
How will education help the next generation to progress? We're focused on STEM education, student engagement, early childhood, autism research, Indigenous education, literacies for the 21st century and teacher education.
As society changes, healthcare choices need to adapt. We're identifying differences in information between healthcare providers and consumer, and investigating possible incentives so that the system can continue to progress
As assistive and augmenting technologies continue to evolve, consumer behavior is changing. We're researching how we interact with this technology and uncovering fresh insights that will help new commercial strategies to progress.
A new material can lead to major technological breakthroughs. That’s why we're working in nanomaterials, surface engineering and molecular materials that encompass synthesis, characterisation and application in diverse situations.
Sustainability of agricultural and energy resources is a national priority. Our research aims to reduce threats to food, health and water supply, to minimise the impacts of climate change and to innovate biofuel production.
Progress in the development of intelligent robotic systems is exciting. We're exploring ways for robots to visually sense, understand and interact with complex and unstructured real-world environments.
As the pace of technological change continues to progress, we're investigating the complex legal, regulatory, ethical and social implications for health care, communications, transportation and the nature of work and relationships.
Faculties
Business
Collaborate with government and industry to find innovative solutions that benefit business and community at a local, national and global level.
Explore areas like:
- accountability, regulation and governance
- consumers, markets and stakeholders
- economics and finance
- entrepreneurship, innovation and strategy
- non-profit and social enterprise
- organisation and work
Creative industries
Join our progressive and collaborative postgraduate community and make an original contribution to media, design or creative arts research. We believe in fostering a supportive intellectual environment that encourages our researchers to address real world problems in areas like:
- digital media, communication and culture
- innovation in the performing and digital arts
- sustainability and innovation in design.
Learn more about research in our Faculty of Creative Industries
Education
Recognised internationally as a leader in education research with a global outlook, we provide the right environment for our researchers and research students to make real progress and generate real world impact. Our research is leading the way in areas like:
- childhood in changing contexts
- teacher education and professional learning
- literacies, language, texts and technologies
- STEM education
- student engagement, learning and behaviour.
Health
Get hands-on experience with patients and students, and collaborate with government, community groups, hospitals and institutions from around the world. Your work has the potential to advance healthcare in areas including:
- behavioural neuroscience and mental health
- chronic conditions, including cancer
- healthy lifestyles, ageing and environments
- emergency care and health services
- infection and injury prevention.
Law
As our commercial, social and digital worlds continue to evolve, our laws and justice system must progress with them. Our research is helping to shape the law and guide policy reform in areas like:
- commercial and property law
- crime and justice
- health law
- intellectual property and innovation law
- international law and global governance.
Science and engineering
From robotics to biomedical engineering, we are leading the way with research that will contribute significantly to the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of people across the globe. It’s exciting, world-changing work happening in areas like:
- chemistry, physics and mechanical engineering
- civil engineering and built environment
- earth environmental and biological sciences
- electrical engineering and computer science
- information systems
- mathematical sciences.
Learn more about research in our Science and Engineering Faculty
Institutes
Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation
The Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI) creates an open, collaborative environment, fostering excellence in biomedical, health and engineering innovation.
Institute for Future Environments
Institute for Future Environments (IFE) brings together hundreds of experts from STEM fields, business and law, working to solve the world's grand challenges.
Indigenous research
Indigenous Studies Research Network
The Indigenous Studies Research Network is a multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary network of Indigenous researchers, research affiliates and Indigenous postgraduate students. Through the network, researchers can share ideas, specialised skills, resources and information to build strong links around the world and promote international collaboration.
National Indigenous Research and Knowledges Network
The National Indigenous Research and Knowledges Network is a national, inclusive, multidisciplinary hub and spokesmodel network of Indigenous researchers at various stages of their careers. The network is led by Indigenous senior scholars with strong research track records who bring extensive experience in collaborative and community-based research.
Research projects
We're making real progress
We're delivering solutions to the challenges of today and the future. Be part of research that has real impact, locally and on a global scale. See just some of the current projects that are establishing our researchers as international research leaders.