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, 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 our vision for the future and our strategy to be a leading university in science, technology and innovation, with real impact that transforms industries, shapes lives and communities through the Research and Innovation Strategy 2020 [PDF 5.4MB].
Our research achievements and rankings
$47.1m external research income1
191 research degree completions2
1,832 indexed publications in 20203
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, such as our Innovation Precinct, the Design Factory Melbourne and Factory of the Future, support and enable innovative, cutting-edge research.
They are used by our own academics and in partnership with industry, government and other research organisations and universities to 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
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Indigenous research
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Ethics and integrity
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Research publications
Join our research community
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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.
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
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- Astronomy
New stars create space pollution, research confirms
Using new space imaging technology, researchers have confirmed that the creation of new stars drives a huge amount of material back into the universe, comprising over half the Periodic Table.
Tuesday 31 August 2021 -
- Astronomy
- Science
- Engineering
Swinburne scores world-leading tech for space manufacturing
A multimillion-dollar collaboration between Swinburne and additive manufacturing company Titomic, will enable the creation of lighter, stronger and more capable structures for space, including rocket nozzles and satellite components using ‘green’ titanium.
Friday 27 August 2021 -
- University
Swinburne early career researchers win ARC funding
Two of Swinburne’s early career researchers have won significant research grants to explore origami structures and materials, and supporting child victims from re-victimisation and offending.
Friday 20 August 2021 -
- University
Swinburne climbs global academic rankings
Swinburne has continued to rise in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), placing in the top 300 of the world’s best universities for 2021.
Monday 16 August 2021 -
- University
Four ARC Future Fellowships for Swinburne researchers
Four Swinburne researchers have received prestigious ARC Future Fellowships to support work in sexual health, solar fuels, nanoprinting and climate resilient cities.
Wednesday 11 August 2021
Our latest research events
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Research
- Sustainability
- Digital Literacy
- Film and Television
- Media and Communication
Mobile Studies Congress - Innovative Planet: Go Mobile - Stay Sustainable
Join us for the second Mobile Studies Congress, which will take place at Swinburne University of Technology (Melbourne) and the University of Nottingham Ningbo China. This virtual conference will feature paper presentations, panel discussions, project showcases and workshops.
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Research
- Innovation
- Entrepreneurship
- Business
Swinburne Demo Night 2021
Be inspired by Swinburne's newest and most outstanding startups.
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Research
- Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
- Built Environment and Architecture
- Design
- Engineering
Cities as Complex Systems
Join us for a panel session to consider the question: does viewing the city as a complex system more effectively facilitate a common understanding with which to scaffold a different type of conversation around sustainable urbanisation.
Register now (Cities as Complex Systems) -
Research
- Innovation
- Technology
- Sustainability
- Engineering
National Science Week: Women in STEMM Networking
Join us for a Women in STEMM panel discussion, exploring technology, sustainability and leadership.
Register now (National Science Week: Women in STEMM Networking ) -
Research
- Health
- Science
National Science Week: Swinburne Science Futures Panel
Join us to hear from Swinburne Science students as they share insights on their study journey.
Register now (National Science Week: Swinburne Science Futures Panel )
1 Total external research income for 2020
2 Higher degree by research completions (Oct 2019 – Oct 2020)
3 Scopus indexed publications in 2020
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 5547 or email research@swinburne.edu.au to speak with the team.