
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.
Our research achievements and rankings
$66m external research income1
220 research degree completions2
2,088 indexed publications in 20213
16 five-star discipline areas4
Search for a researcher
Whether you’re looking for a potential collaborator, PhD supervisor or expert to provide a media comment, our database will help you find who you need.
Research institutes
Our six research institutes drive multidisciplinary collaborations with industry, business and community to maximise research impact. They tackle big challenges across the fields of health, data science, social innovation, smart cities, space technology and the future of manufacturing to produce innovative solutions to real-world problems. Building on the depth and excellence of our discipline-specific research activity, our research institutes are agile and aligned with state, national and global priorities for growth and development.

Using visual equipment to reach out to touch an object in augmented reality at the Factory of the Future.
Platforms and initiatives
Our research platforms and initiatives include flagship entities such as the Victorian Hydrogen Hub (VH2), MedTechVic and Aerostructures Innovation Research (AIR) Hub, as well as established parts of our ecosystem including the Innovation Precinct, Design Factory Melbourne and Factory of the Future.
These support and enable innovative, cutting-edge research. They are driven by our academics and in partnership with industry, government and other research organisations and universities directly benefit the local and global community.
Research centres and groups
Our faculty-based research centres drive deep, discipline-based research. They are the engine room of our research performance but are also collaborative environments that support and develop our research talent, from early career researchers through to senior professors and research leaders. They are integral in enabling Swinburne to achieve research excellence and international reputation.
Our research groups are the foundation level of our research ecosystem. They are established when the quality, scale and impact of research grows beyond the capacity of an individual researcher. Ongoing development and peer support is of paramount importance with our research groups.
Facilities and equipment
We have a range of state-of-the-art, specialist facilities and equipment that make discovery and impact possible. Some of our iconic labs include the Nanofabrication Laboratory, Neuroimaging facility and our Supercomputing OzSTAR Facility. Our researchers and students have the opportunity to work with these to find solutions to some of today's most pertinent questions, they are also available to partners to benefit their community, organisation or business.
Explore more of our research
-
Indigenous research
-
Ethics and integrity
-
Research publications
Join our research community
-
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.
-
Partnership opportunities
Partner with Swinburne and access a range of services designed to help your business or organisation.
Download your copy of the Research Impact magazine
Discover stories from a wide range of disciplines, including digital health, chemistry, artificial intelligence, materials science, urban sustainability and public policy.
Subscribe to Swinburne Research Quarterly
Keep up to date with all the latest Swinburne success stories by signing up to our quarterly newsletter.
Our latest research news
-
- Design
Motion art captures city life and multiple design awards
A Swinburne motion design team has taken data from the lives of everyday Melburnians and transformed it into award-winning living artwork.
Friday 17 March 2023 -
- Science
- University
More than $1.1mil in funding for Swinburne industry-linked projects
The projects will look at using recycled glass in roads, improving Australia’s 5G network, and boosting quality of life in aged care through technology.
Wednesday 08 February 2023 -
- Aviation
Zero-emissions aviation the focus for first Founder In Residence
Hydrogen and battery-powered air travel is on the horizon, thanks to Swinburne’s new Founder in Residence Rachael Barritt.
Tuesday 31 January 2023 -
- Astronomy
Star’s fatal encounter with black hole creates rare luminous flash
Halfway across the observable Universe, Swinburne researchers have aided the discovery of a bright optical flare caused by a supermassive black hole ripping a star apart.
Thursday 01 December 2022 -
- Astronomy
“Cosmic detective” Dr Sara Webb becomes a Superstar of STEM
Swinburne astrophysicist and cosmic detective Dr Sara Webb has been selected as a 2022 Superstar of STEM.
Friday 18 November 2022
Our latest research events
-
Research
- Technology
What's the value of voice?
In this discussion, US-based Fulbright Scholar Valerie Jones will share her research exploring how voice-powered virtual assistants such as Google’s Assistant or Amazon’s Alexa might provide new opportunities for new ways of feeling connected, focusing on ageing adults.
-
Research
- Research Impact
- Science
The Hubble Tension: How we try to solve this astronomy crisis
Join our discussion around The Hubble Tension – the disagreement between the two methods to measure the speed at which the Universe expands.
-
Research
- Research Impact
Global health and equity: Research that is positively impacting humanity
You will hear about the Centre for Global Health and Equity's inspirational research and global engagement journey, including how it has generated many widely used products and tools.
-
Research
- Technology
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Engineering
- Science
Space Industry Supply Chain Readiness Course
Listen to experts. Become the expert. Learn how to secure contracts and improve your space instrumentation capabilities.
Register now (Space Industry Supply Chain Readiness Course) -
Research
- Innovation
- Research Impact
Varieties of regional innovation systems around the world and catch up by latecomers: Analysing RIS with patent citation data and policy implications
Join Distinguished Professor Keun Lee (Seoul National University) to discuss the varieties of regional innovation systems around the world and the catch up by latecomers, the importance of economic development in providing employment and incomes, and the policies that can address poor regional economic development.
Register now (Varieties of regional innovation systems around the world and catch up by latecomers: Analysing RIS with patent citation data and policy implications)
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.