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. 

Swinburne Research Strategy 2025

Swinburne Research Strategy 2025

In pursuit of our Horizon 2025 moon shots, the Swinburne Research Strategy 2025 articulates how our integrated research ecosystem and broad community of renowned experts is powered by a strong culture of collaboration, co-creation and a unique whole-of-system approach.

Our research achievements and rankings

$44m external research income1

228 research degree completions2

1,963 indexed publications in 20233

16 five-star discipline areas4

Find out more

Our research ecosystem

Swinburne's research ecosystem includes six flagship research areas which are linked to either a research institute or research platform. These key entities are integrated within the university's innovation and commercialisation capabilities and the broader Swinburne research community.

Space and Aerospace

Swinburne is applying novel materials with bespoke design to deliver cutting-edge space and aerospace solutions. We are providing innovative solutions for communities and industry through our capabilities in astrophysics, astronomy, aerospace, aviation, advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence.

Innovative Planet

Swinburne strives to meet the challenges of the modern world by embracing and accelerating urban technology, design, computer and data science, health and psychology, social science, and the hydrogen economy. We bring together industry and researchers to work towards a sustainable future to all.

  • Melbourne city skyline enhanced with beams. Photo credit Archie Morley

    Innovative Planet Research Institute

    The Innovative Planet Research Institute applies innovative and socio-technical approaches to address challenges facing the world’s fast-growing cities.

  • Modern hydrogen energy storage system accompaind by large solar power plant and wind turbine park in sunny summer afteroon light with blue sky and scattered clouds. 3d rendering.

    Victorian Hydrogen Hub

    In partnership with CSIRO and ARENA 2036, Swinburne’s Victorian Hydrogen Hub brings together the community to support sustainable manufacturing practices.

Med Tech and Health Innovation

With a view to creating a healthy and inclusive future, Swinburne is focusing on real-world health challenges by exploiting our deep expertise in mental health, neuroscience, ageing, bioengineering, medical and assistive technology, data science, digital technologies, design and social science.

  • Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute

    Discover Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute's research program, focusing on real-world health challenges across the lifespan.
  • Illustration of two people having a conversation seated at a table with documents on it. One has glasses, the other has a prosthetic arm.

    MedTechVic

    Medical Technology Victoria (MedTechVic) brings together design, digitalisation, manufacturing and people to co-create medical and assistive technologies of the future. 

Innovative Society

We are creating a community of social innovators through research that tackles complex societal issues and utilises the potential of technology to strive for greater social equity. Swinburne has a history of academic and industry leadership in reconciliation and explores the challenges relating to Australia’s reconciliation journey through a program of engagement, research and education. 

Digital Capability

Utilising our high-level digital research capabilities, Swinburne is striving to be a world-leader in digital disruption and innovation. We address the grand challenges of industry with expertise in big data, cybersecurity, advanced visualisation, data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI).

  • Programming code abstract technology background of software deve

    Digital Capability Research Platform

    The Digital Capability Research Platform positions Swinburne as an internationally renowned organisation in digital research, digital disruption and innovation acceleration.

Manufacturing Futures

Acting as a conduit between research and industry, Swinburne is utilising advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 to ensure Australia’s industrial future. We have world-leading expertise in advanced materials, industrial automation and robotics, advanced manufacturing, design, engineering, and data science. 

Experience research at Swinburne

  • Entry into research degrees

    Our research degrees give you access to specialist facilities, world-class researchers, training and support.

  • Hipster young man showing female colleague laptop

    Research engagement

    We collaborate and consult with business, community and industry to solve practical problems through our consulting services.

  • A female with greying hair is wearing an orange shirt and stands against a dark background.

    Research impact

    Our researchers are producing innovative research solutions to real-world problems across a range of disciplines and sectors.

Access research repository

Explore open access collection of scholarly works in our institutional repository.

Search for a researcher

Find potential collaborators, PhD supervisors or experts to provide a media comment.

Discover our standards

Learn more about our commitment to research ethics and integrity.

Our research infrastructure

We have set up world-class infrastructure that is leading the way in creating successful partnerships and positive outcomes across industry. 

Our research community

  • 'Connection' mural by artist Mandi Barton on Swinburne's Hawthorn campus.

    Indigenous research

    Discover more about our research collaborations and achievements.

  • Defence radars

    Defence research

    Swinburne is committed to maintaining and enhancing Australia’s national defence and security through a holistic, dual-layer approach – detect and protect.

  • Professor Virginia Kilborn in the ATC building

    Swinburne's Chief Scientist

    Professor Virginia Kilborn is Swinburne’s Chief Scientist, leading Swinburne’s scientific community as a champion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and research across the University.

Our latest research news 

Our research events

  • Research
    • Research Impact
    • Engagement

    Prato 2025 – Safer Communities: Creating better outcomes for justice involved people

    This Prato 2025 ‘Safer Communities’ conference is designed to bring together practitioners, legal decision makers, advocates, researchers and policy contributors to explore new and different ways of responding to criminal behaviour and the people who commit criminal acts, creating lasting positive impacts for people of all ages. 

    Tue 30 September to Thu 2 October
    12:00 AM — 11:59 PM
    Monash University Prato Centre, Italy
    TBC
  • Research
    • Technology
    • Science

    Earth Observation Data Analysis Short Course

    This short course will cover a hands-on introduction to satellite imagery, image processing, and Earth observation data analysis techniques.

    Tue 15 October to Thu 14 November
    1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
    Hawthorn Campus
    $1,230.50 (incl. GST) for a single ticket, or $923.00 (incl. GST) for multi-ticket purchases (two or more)
  • Research
    • Technology
    • Health
    • Information Technology
    • Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

    AI in Healthcare: Navigating the Human Experience

    Presented by the Social Innovation Research Institute at Swinburne.

    This event will showcase cutting-edge research on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on healthcare professionals, students, and consumers, including how AI is used in healthcare, AI ethics, patient trust in AI, and students’ knowledge and attitudes towards AI in healthcare.

    Fri 11 October
    9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
    Hawthorn Campus
    Free
  • Research
    • Indigenous
    • Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

    First Nations Research at Swinburne and Beyond - Enabling Ethical Research Across Continents

    This panel event provides an opportunity for participants to hear from research active scholars in Swinburne University, Australia and from Umea University, Sweden about a range of initiatives and current research activities they relate to that focus on First Nations values and priorities. 

    Fri 13 September
    11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
    Hawthorn Campus
    Free
    Register now (First Nations Research at Swinburne and Beyond - Enabling Ethical Research Across Continents)
  • Research
    • Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

    Fostering Social Cohesion: Intercultural Strategies for Strengthening Australian Multiculturalism

    Co-hosted with Swinburne University of Technology and iGen Foundation, this webinar will explore the role of intercultural strategies in fostering social cohesion and inclusion in Australia.

    Tue 10 September
    3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
    Online
    Free
    Register now (Fostering Social Cohesion: Intercultural Strategies for Strengthening Australian Multiculturalism)

1 Total external research income for 2023
Higher degree by research completions (Oct 2022 – Oct 2023)
3 Scopus indexed publications in 2023
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.  

 

Contact us