About the program
Innovative Planet’s Sustainability program envisions a future where environmental responsibility is embedded across all aspects of our operations, research, and education. We aim to drive systemic change by fostering innovation that advances climate resilience and circular resource use.
With a combination of research, education and practice – we aim to support programs across the university which align with our values and bring diverse groups across the university including students, operational staff and academics together to progress sustainability goals.
At its core, this program seeks to empower individuals and organisations to make informed, science-based decisions that practice and develop the technologies necessary for product stewardship and circularity.
Professor Rosalie Hocking leads the Sustainability program within the Innovative Planet Research Institute at Swinburne University of Technology.
Our goals
Our Sustainability research values are grounded in consideration of future generations. Every decision we make considers its long-term impact on people and the planet, guided by scientific integrity and a commitment to evidence-based solutions. We see science not only as a tool for discovery, but as a force for positive change – enabling us to address urgent environmental and social challenges while fostering innovation in technology, ecological health, climate resilience, and the responsible use of resources.
Our values
These values shape how we operate every day. From embedding sustainable practices across our campus, labs and research, to treating our university as a living laboratory for real-world solutions, we hold ourselves accountable to transparency, continuous improvement, and equity. Education plays a central role – empowering our students, staff, and collaborators to become leaders in sustainability. By working together across disciplines and communities, we build a culture of shared responsibility, where environmental stewardship goes hand in hand with social justice and inclusion.
Respect for future generations
We make decisions that consider long-term impacts on people and the planet.
Community and collaboration
We work together – across disciplines, departments, and with the broader community – to build a culture of sustainability and shared responsibility.
Environmental responsibility in practice and research
We integrate sustainable practices into campus operations, labs, and research, ensuring our actions reflect the values we teach and study.
Education for sustainability
We empower students and staff with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking needed to become sustainability leaders in science and society.
Innovating for environmental solutions
We foster innovation in science and technology that promotes ecological health, climate resilience, and responsible resource use.
Scientific integrity for a sustainable future
We apply rigorous, evidence-based approaches to address environmental and social challenges, using science as a tool for positive change.
Campus as a living lab
We view our campus as a testbed for sustainable practices, where students and researchers can develop and trial real-world environmental solutions.
Transparency and accountability
We openly share our sustainability goals, metrics, and progress, and we hold ourselves accountable to continuous improvement.
Equity and inclusion in sustainability
We ensure that our sustainability efforts are inclusive, addressing social justice and equity alongside environmental stewardship.
Our research
The aim of our programs is to create innovative, evidence-based solutions that support the transition to a more just, resilient, and environmentally responsible future that are distinct to Swinburne.
The goals of sustainability are related to our university which prides itself in industry engagement – while also prioritising education, collaboration, and equity – ensuring that students, researchers, industry, and communities work together to address shared challenges.
Ultimately, the program aspires to influence policy, inform practice, and contribute to the creation of new technologies for the future.
Explore our other research programs
Have a question?
For more information, please contact our research program leader Professor Rohan Bennett at rohanbennett@swinburne.edu.au.