The Innovative Planet Research Institute applies innovative and socio-technical approaches to address the challenges facing the world’s fast-growing cities — challenges such as climate change, altered energy, food or water security, issues of mobility and health, ageing population and disruptions to the nature of work and home. We are striving to meet these challenges head-on through the development of 'smart cities'. 

Our research programs

Our research is transdisciplinary — encompassing urban technology, design and communication, computer and data science, health and psychology, and social science — and always includes at least one external partner. 

Insights and analysis

A ‘smart city’ uses information and communication technology to provide innovative and efficient services, raising the standard of living for all while promoting sustainability and reducing human impact on the environment. It also introduces opportunities for citizens to participate in design decisions that directly affect them. Read the latest insights and analysis in this space from our team.

  • Aerial View of City Network, Beijing, China

    Our highlights

    Read about events we’ve been part of, significant partnerships and important outcomes from the Innovative Planet Research Institute.

  • Sagrada Familiar church under construction

    Article: Sagrada Familiar model restoration

    Professor Mark Burry discusses modeling complex parametric design principles for the ongoing construction of Sagrada Familiar with Communications of the ACM.

Work with us

We have a talented team of researchers across a variety of disciplines who can work with you to solve complex problems of all sizes. Get your project started by following these steps:

  • Discuss

    Step 1

    Let us know what challenges you are experiencing, your ideas or your questions and we’ll align our research expertise. Call us on +61 3 9214 5177 or email scri@swinburne.edu.au.

  • Develop

    Step 2 

    Relevant experts from our team will work with you to create ideas and identify possible solutions to the challenges we are facing. 

  • Resource

    Step 3

    If the project needs funding, there are various opportunities we can tap into, including applying for external grant funding.

  • Implement

    Step 4

    We will design and implement a research project to address the issues at hand and deliver answers.

Upcoming events

  • Research
    • Innovation
    • Sustainability

    Smart Cities Week: Australia and New Zealand

    Smart Cities Week offers sessions designed to bring demand and supply side stakeholders together in a way that incubates business opportunities and incubates the smart cities investment pipeline.

    Mon 6 February to Fri 10 February
    9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
    Hawthorn Campus / Online
    Fees apply
    Register now (Smart Cities Week: Australia and New Zealand)
  • Research

    So much smart city research, but where is the smart city?

    Join us for a panel discussion about the implementation of the smart city, its challenges and misunderstandings. 

    Thu 8 September
    12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
    Online
    Free
    Register now (So much smart city research, but where is the smart city?)
  • Research
    • Sustainability
    • Engineering

    Sea no evil: Can coastal communities plan for climate risk?

    Rather than reacting to extreme events, can communities be empowered to understand, and to plan? Join us - pose this question and more.

    Thu 14 July
    12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
    Online
    Free
    Register now (Sea no evil: Can coastal communities plan for climate risk?)

Our latest news

Find more news articles about the Innovative Planet Research Institute. 

Our collaborating research centres and hubs

Discover our other research institutes

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Contact the Innovative Planet Research Institute

If your organisation would like to collaborate with us to solve a complex problem, or you simply want to contact our team, get in touch by calling +61 3 9214 5177 or emailing IPRI@swinburne.edu.au.

Contact us