With outstanding researchers and facilities, specialist institutes and centres, strategic platforms and initiatives, and a focus on high-quality and ethically sound research, Swinburne is ranked among the top 300 research-intensive universities in the world.

We’re focused on delivering research that creates economic and social impact, and our researchers are producing innovative solutions to real-world problems across a range of disciplines and sectors. Our research degrees give students access to world-class researchers, first-rate facilities, training and support. 

Learn more about Swinburne Horizon 2025 and our vision to bring people and technology together to build a better world. We are building Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – on that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship, and proud of it. 

Swinburne Research Strategy 2025

Swinburne Research Strategy 2025

In pursuit of our Horizon 2025 moon shots, the Swinburne Research Strategy 2025 articulates how our integrated research ecosystem and broad community of renowned experts is powered by a strong culture of collaboration, co-creation and a unique whole-of-system approach.

Our research achievements and rankings

$44m external research income1

228 research degree completions2

1,963 indexed publications in 20233

16 five-star discipline areas4

Find out more

Our research ecosystem

Swinburne's research ecosystem includes six flagship research areas which are linked to either a research institute or research platform. These key entities are integrated within the university's innovation and commercialisation capabilities and the broader Swinburne research community.

Space and Aerospace

Swinburne is applying novel materials with bespoke design to deliver cutting-edge space and aerospace solutions. We are providing innovative solutions for communities and industry through our capabilities in astrophysics, astronomy, aerospace, aviation, advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence.

Innovative Planet

Swinburne strives to meet the challenges of the modern world by embracing and accelerating urban technology, design, computer and data science, health and psychology, social science, and the hydrogen economy. We bring together industry and researchers to work towards a sustainable future to all.

  • Melbourne city skyline enhanced with beams. Photo credit Archie Morley

    Innovative Planet Research Institute

    The Innovative Planet Research Institute applies innovative and socio-technical approaches to address challenges facing the world’s fast-growing cities.

  • Modern hydrogen energy storage system accompaind by large solar power plant and wind turbine park in sunny summer afteroon light with blue sky and scattered clouds. 3d rendering.

    Victorian Hydrogen Hub

    In partnership with CSIRO and ARENA 2036, Swinburne’s Victorian Hydrogen Hub brings together the community to support sustainable manufacturing practices.

Med Tech and Health Innovation

With a view to creating a healthy and inclusive future, Swinburne is focusing on real-world health challenges by exploiting our deep expertise in mental health, neuroscience, ageing, bioengineering, medical and assistive technology, data science, digital technologies, design and social science.

  • Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute

    Discover Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute's research program, focusing on real-world health challenges across the lifespan.
  • Illustration of two people having a conversation seated at a table with documents on it. One has glasses, the other has a prosthetic arm.

    MedTechVic

    Medical Technology Victoria (MedTechVic) brings together design, digitalisation, manufacturing and people to co-create medical and assistive technologies of the future. 

Innovative Society

We are creating a community of social innovators through research that tackles complex societal issues and utilises the potential of technology to strive for greater social equity. Swinburne has a history of academic and industry leadership in reconciliation and explores the challenges relating to Australia’s reconciliation journey through a program of engagement, research and education. 

Digital Capability

Utilising our high-level digital research capabilities, Swinburne is striving to be a world-leader in digital disruption and innovation. We address the grand challenges of industry with expertise in big data, cybersecurity, advanced visualisation, data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI).

  • Programming code abstract technology background of software deve

    Digital Capability Research Platform

    The Digital Capability Research Platform positions Swinburne as an internationally renowned organisation in digital research, digital disruption and accelerating innovation.

Manufacturing Futures

Acting as a conduit between research and industry, Swinburne is utilising advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 to ensure Australia’s industrial future. We have world-leading expertise in advanced materials, industrial automation and robotics, advanced manufacturing, design, engineering, and data science. 

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Our research infrastructure

We have set up world-class infrastructure that is leading the way in creating successful partnerships and positive outcomes across industry. 

  • Research centres, groups and clinics

    Our research centres, groups and clinics cultivate strength in specialist areas by concentrating resources in one place. All research centres have an excellent record of scholarship, publication and research funding.

  • Platforms and initiatives

    Swinburne has a number of strategic platforms and research initiatives that are designed to help partners find innovative solutions to their real-world problems. 

  • Facilities and equipment

    We have a wide-range of hireable facilities and equipment including world-class research laboratories, labs, telescopes and theatres.

Explore our research community

  • Book cover image for History, Politics & Knowledge: Essays in Australian Indigenous studies.

    Indigenous research

    Swinburne is committed to collaborative, innovative, impactful and reciprocal indigenous research and enterprise partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
  • Defence radars

    Defence research

    Swinburne is committed to maintaining and enhancing Australia’s national defence and security through a holistic, dual-layer approach – detect and protect.

  • Professor Virginia Kilborn in the ATC building

    Swinburne's Chief Scientist

    Professor Virginia Kilborn is Swinburne’s Chief Scientist, leading Swinburne’s scientific community as a champion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and research across the University.

  • Entry into Research Degrees

    Our research degrees give you access to specialist facilities, world-class researchers, training and support. Learn more about what we offer and how to apply.  

  • Shot of a businesswoman and businessman shaking hands in a modern office

    Partnership opportunities

    Partner with Swinburne and access a range of services designed to help your business or organisation. 

  • A female with greying hair is wearing an orange shirt and stands against a dark background.

    Research impact

    Our researchers are dedicated to driving economic and social impact. We are searching for solutions at the intersection of technology and humanity, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and inventing the future.
  • PhD student at her internship smiling with her laptop.

    Ethics and integrity

    Swinburne research conforms to the highest ethical, professional and scholarly standards. Learn more about our commitment to research ethics and integrity.
  • Research publications

    Swinburne Research Bank is our official institutional repository. This is an open access collection of scholarly publications by Swinburne researchers.  

Our latest research news 

Our latest research events

  • Research
    • Research Impact
    • Health
    • Law
    • Psychology

    5th Australasian Youth Justice Conference 2024. Strengthening Connections: The Power of Relationships and Strong Service Partnerships

    In collaboration with the Department of Justice and Community Safety Victoria, the Australasian Youth Justice Administrators (AYJA) will partner with Swinburne University of Technology to deliver the 5th Australasian Youth Justice Conference: Strengthening Connections: The Power of Relationships and Strong Service Partnerships.  This three-day conference seeks to bring together policy contributors, clinicians, legal decision makers, advocates, researchers and those with lived experience to work together and learn from each other through presentations, keynote addresses, Q & A, and panel discussions.

  • Research
    • Research Impact
    • Innovation
    • Science

    Tom Spurling Oration 2024: Science, Specialisation and the American Innovation Ecosystem

    Join Professor Ashish Arora (Duke University) in our Tom Spurling Oration 2024 as he discusses despite sustained increases in the quantity of scientific knowledge, productivity growth in advanced economies has stagnated.

    Thu 8 February
    6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
    AMDC 301 Lecture Theatre, Hawthorn campus
    Free
    Register now (Tom Spurling Oration 2024: Science, Specialisation and the American Innovation Ecosystem)
  • Research
    • Research Impact
    • Health
    • Psychology

    Understanding, Assessing, and Treating Adult Firesetting

    This two day workshop will provide attendees with the latest knowledge on deliberate firesetting including common characteristics of and theoretical explanations for adult firesetting, current evidence-based approaches for assessment and treatment of adult deliberate firesetting including psychometric tools that can assist in identification of treatment needs, and current best practice in risk assessment. 

    Wed 31 January to Thu 1 February
    6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
    Online
    $500 AUD
    Register now (Understanding, Assessing, and Treating Adult Firesetting)
  • Research
    • Research Impact
    • Psychology

    Deliberate firesetting: An under-recognised and enduring problem

    The Centre for Forensic Behavioural ScienceWebinar Series presents Dr Nichola Tyler, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology. Dr Tyler will outline the issue posed by deliberate firesetting, the limitations of existing evidence in this area, and the impacts of this on the development and implementation of effective policy and practice.

    Thu 23 November
    4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
    Online
    Free
    Register now (Deliberate firesetting: An under-recognised and enduring problem)
  • Research
    • Science

    Earth Observation Data Analysis Short Course

    This short course will cover a hands-on introduction to satellite imagery, image processing, and Earth observation data analysis techniques.

    Tue 17 October to Fri 17 November
    1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
    Hawthorn Campus
    $1580
    Register now (Earth Observation Data Analysis Short Course)

1 Total external research income for 2023
Higher degree by research completions (Oct 2022 – Oct 2023)
3 Scopus indexed publications in 2023
4 16 discipline areas ranked 5 stars (well above world-standard), 2018 ERA report

Contact the Swinburne Research team

Want to know more about the world-class research taking place at Swinburne University of Technology? Call +61 3 9214 4859 or email research@swinburne.edu.au to speak with the team.  

 

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