The Social Innovation Research Institute is leading social innovation in the digital economy. We create solutions to complex social problems using co-design, new technologies and data analytics techniques. We work at the intersection between social challenges and the potential of technology, striving for greater social equity.  

Drive innovative social practice through new methods, data and networks

Generate evidence and insights that address real-life social problems

Catalyse a community of innovators dedicated to social good

Our research programs

Finding solutions to complex social problems

Our people

Blending expertise across social and data science.

Our key capabilities

Work with us

Whether you’re a community, government or corporate organisation, we want to work with you to drive innovative practice and help solve your complex problems! We have a great team of researchers across a variety of disciplines who can work across projects of all sizes. Get your project started by following these steps: 

  • Talk

    Step 1

    Let us know the challenges you’re facing, your ideas or your questions and we’ll work out how to align our research expertise. Call us on +61 3 9214 8180 or email sii@swinburne.edu.au.

  • Co-design

    Step 2

    We get together for a co-design workshop, to brainstorm ideas and solutions.

  • Funding

    Step 3

    If the project needs funding, there are various opportunities we can tap into, including applying for external grant funding.

  • Take off

    Step 4

    We’ll work with you to design a full pilot project that includes appropriate ethical approval and evidence summaries. 

  • Society 4.0

    Society 4.0 reflects the societal implications of living with and adapting to an increasingly digital and connected world. Our Institute is exploring the positive change that can come from this. We hold an annual forum focused on Society 4.0, exploring People and Technology and current thinking around digitisation, new technologies and society.

    Discover more (Society 4.0)

  • "The work [with SIRI] informed our strategy on the future of humanitarian action as the evidence demonstrated the value of volunteering yet how vital it is that we also invest rapidly in new ways to support people and communities to act. We aim to continue to work with Swinburne and use the technique to inform our future work.”

    Penny Harrison , Director, Volunteering, Australian Red Cross

Our latest news

Find more news articles about the Social Innovation Research Institute. 

Upcoming events

  • Research
    • Technology
    • Health
    • Psychology
    • Science

    Constructing and Deconstructing Public Interest Technology: Insights from the Development of ORBIT

    In this workshop, we draw on the experience of Professor Greg Murray, who led the development of ORBIT (Online Recovery- focused Bipolar Individual Tool), an online, guided self-help intervention that aims to improve quality of life in people with late- stage bipolar disorder.

    Wed 17 November
    1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
    Online Webinar
    Free
    Register now (Constructing and Deconstructing Public Interest Technology: Insights from the Development of ORBIT)
  • 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.

    Fri 12 November to Sun 14 November
    12:30 PM to 9:30 PM
    Online Webinar
    Fees apply
    Register now (Mobile Studies Congress - Innovative Planet: Go Mobile - Stay Sustainable)
  • Research
    • Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

    Digital Cultures of Care: Affective Resonance on Facebook and TikTok

    Our August webinar focuses on everyday affective and political practices of care on TikTok and Facebook.

    Wed 11 August
    3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
    Online
    Free
    Register now (Digital Cultures of Care: Affective Resonance on Facebook and TikTok)

Our collaborating research centres

Discover our other research institutes

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Contact the Social Innovation 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 8180 or emailing sii@swinburne.edu.au.

Contact us