Research
Discover more about our dedication to producing internationally recognised research with a focus on transforming industries, shaping lives and creating positive change.
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
Our research achievements and rankings
$66m external research income1
220 research degree completions2
2,088 indexed publications in 20223
16 five-star discipline areas4
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.
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Space Technology and Industry Institute
The Space Technology and Industry Institute solves company and community challenges with world-class space manufacturing, development and training capabilities.
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Aerostructures Innovation Research Hub
Swinburne’s AIR Hub is advancing the manufacturing of composite aerostructures, in partnership with CSIRO, Boeing and others.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute
Discover Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute's research program, focusing on real-world health challenges across the lifespan. -
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.
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Social Innovation Research Institute
The Social Innovation Research Institute addresses the intersection between social elements and technology.
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National Centre for Reconciliation Practice
Leading national academic, industry and community understandings of reconciliation, and helping to lead national systemic change in reconciliation.
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).
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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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Manufacturing Futures Research Platform
The Manufacturing Futures Research Platform integrates advanced manufacturing in the global value chain to secure Australia’s industrial future.
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Find a potential collaborator, PhD supervisor or expert to provide a media comment
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Indigenous research
Swinburne is committed to collaborative, innovative, impactful and reciprocal indigenous research and enterprise partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. -
Defence research
Swinburne is committed to maintaining and enhancing Australia’s national defence and security through a holistic, dual-layer approach – detect and protect.
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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.
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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.
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Partnership opportunities
Partner with Swinburne and access a range of services designed to help your business or organisation.
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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. -
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
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- Health
New report reveals shocking state of prisoner health. Here’s what needs to be done
A new Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report on the health of people in Australian prisons makes for sobering reading. It reveals that compared to the general population, people in prison have higher rates of mental health conditions, chronic disease, communicable disease, and acquired brain injury. This is despite the fact the prison population is relatively young.
Wednesday 15 November 2023 -
- Science
Swinburne researchers succeed in latest ARC Discovery Projects
Swinburne University researchers have been awarded more than $6.1 million in funding, across 12 projects, within the 2024 Australian Research Council Discovery Projects scheme.
Wednesday 08 November 2023 -
- Business
New Swinburne industry partners transforms business students’ career
Swinburne University of Technology’s new partnerships will deliver hands-on undergraduate and postgraduate learning outcomes.
Monday 30 October 2023 -
- Technology
- Business
Accelerator Program paves the path to entrepreneurship excellence
After an intensive 12-week journey in the Accelerator Program 2023, five startups took the stage and presented their awe-inspiring pitches at Swinburne's Demo Night.
Thursday 14 September 2023 -
- University
Australia just won the netball world cup. Why isn’t there room for multiple women’s world cups in our sports media?
With the Matlidas progressing to the quarter finals of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Australia’s sports media is focussed on this global mega event and the potential it has to change the women’s game.
Friday 11 August 2023
Our latest research events
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Register now (Earth Observation Data Analysis Short Course) -
Research
- Research Impact
Archimedes Lecture 2023, Mathematical Biology
A talk about how Maths can be used in Biology to fight against diseases
Register now (Archimedes Lecture 2023, Mathematical Biology)
1 Total external research income for 2022
2 Higher degree by research completions (Oct 2021 – Oct 2022)
3 Scopus indexed publications in 2022
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.