Smart Cities Research Institute
Scoping future urban living, mobility, decision-making and infrastructure to respond to the challenges of digitalised urban futures.
The Smart Cities Research Institute applies innovative and socio-technical approaches to address the challenges facing the world’s fast-growing cities — challenges such as climate change, altered energy, food or water security, issues of mobility and health, ageing population and disruptions to the nature of work and home. We are striving to meet these challenges head-on through the development of ‘smart cities’.
Our research programs
Our research is transdisciplinary — encompassing urban technology, design and communication, computer and data science, health and psychology, and social science — and always includes at least one external partner.
Our people
Our team brings together expertise in urban environment design and management, transport and mobility solutions, new building infrastructure, and new distributed technologies for energy, water, waste and transport.
Insights and analysis
A ‘smart city’ uses information and communication technology to provide innovative and efficient services, raising the standard of living for all while promoting sustainability and reducing human impact on the environment. It also introduces opportunities for citizens to participate in design decisions that directly affect them. Read the latest insights and analysis in this space from our team.
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- Technology
- Sustainability
We must rapidly decarbonise road transport – but hydrogen’s not the answer
In order to combat the impacts of climate change, decarbonising transport is crucial. However, the focus on hydrogen in road transport is misplaced. Analysis for The Conversation by Robin Smit and Enoch Zhao, University of Technology Sydney and Hussein Dia, Swinburne University of Technology.
Friday 19 November 2021 -
- Sustainability
Swinburne partners with Scope3 on world-first logistics emissions project
Swinburne and Scope3 are developing a system to collect and report real-time greenhouse gas emissions in the transport and logistics supply chain.Monday 27 April 2020 -
- Technology
‘Self-driving’ cars are still a long way off. Here are three reasons why
Three key barriers must be overcome before they can be safely introduced to the market: technology, regulations and public acceptance. Analysis for The Conversation by Professor Hussein Dia, Swinburne University of Technology.
Thursday 22 April 2021 -
- University
West Gate Tunnel delays show risks of mega-projects
Mega-projects display risk of being locked in delays and extra costs.Tuesday 18 February 2020 -
- Design
Human-centred design for future mobility
Dr Jo Kuys says human behaviours need to be considered throughout the entire design process of a sustainable public transport systemThursday 13 February 2020
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Our highlights
Read about events we’ve been part of, significant partnerships and important outcomes from the Smart Cities Research Institute.
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Article: Sagrada Familiar model restoration
Prof Mark Burry discusses modeling complex parametric design principles for the ongoing construction of Sagrada Familiar with Communications of the ACM.
Work with us
We have a talented team of researchers across a variety of disciplines who can work with you to solve complex problems of all sizes. Get your project started by following these steps:
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Discuss
Step 1
Let us know what challenges you are experiencing, your ideas or your questions and we’ll align our research expertise. Call us on +61 3 9214 5177 or email scri@swinburne.edu.au.
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Develop
Step 2
Relevant experts from our team will work with you to create ideas and identify possible solutions to the challenges we are facing.
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Resource
Step 3
If the project needs funding, there are various opportunities we can tap into, including applying for external grant funding.
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Implement
Step 4
We will design and implement a research project to address the issues at hand and deliver answers.
Upcoming 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.
Register now (Mobile Studies Congress - Innovative Planet: Go Mobile - Stay Sustainable) -
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
- Built Environment and Architecture
Workshop: It’s Time: Transitioning onto a Smarter Campus
In this session we will focus on contributions that individuals can make in establishing transdisciplinary research opportunities around a smarter, sustainable campus, as we transition back to a campus operating under the “new normal”.
Register now (Workshop: It’s Time: Transitioning onto a Smarter Campus)
Our latest news
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- Sustainability
Swinburne partners with Scope3 on world-first logistics emissions project
Swinburne and Scope3 are developing a system to collect and report real-time greenhouse gas emissions in the transport and logistics supply chain.Monday 27 April 2020 -
- Social Affairs
Coronavirus recovery: public transport is key to avoid repeating old and unsustainable mistakes
Professor of Future Urban Mobility, Hussein Dia examines the challenges and opportunities facing public transport following the COVID-19 lockdownTuesday 26 May 2020 -
- Social Affairs
If more of us work from home after coronavirus we’ll need to rethink city planning
If we many of us continue to work from home after coronavirus, we'll need to rethink city planning writes Dr John HopkinsWednesday 29 April 2020 -
- Technology
From monologue to dialogue: towards playable cities
How do we open up the city for dialogue? We have to get smart with play.Tuesday 29 October 2019 -
- Technology
Smart tech systems cut congestion for a fraction of what new roads cost
Faced with the eye-watering costs of building infrastructure, it makes sense to turn to much more cost-effective smart technology to get traffic flowing.Monday 11 November 2019
Find more news articles about the Smart Cities Research Institute.
Our collaborating research centres and hubs
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By signing up, you consent to MailChimp collecting your data, which is treated in accordance with Swinburne's Privacy Statement. You can unsubscribe at any time.Contact the Smart Cities Research Institute
If your organisation would like to collaborate with us to solve a complex problem, or you simply want to contact our team, get in touch by calling +61 3 9214 5177 or emailing scri@swinburne.edu.au.