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 Ad Astra_2030, building on Swinburne’s vision of people and technology working together for a better world. This strategy doubles down on our commitment to helping people, whatever their background or circumstance, to thrive in a tech-rich future.
Swinburne Research Strategy 2025
Be a researcher at Swinburne
-
Entry into research degrees
Our research degrees give you access to specialist facilities, world-class researchers, training and support.
-
Swinburne Talented Researcher Scheme (STaRS)
Learn about our strategic initiative designed to enhance our ability to attract and retain world-class research talent.
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.
-
Space Technology and Industry Institute
The Space Technology and Industry Institute solves company and community challenges with world-class space manufacturing, development and training capabilities.
-
Aerostructures Innovation Research (AIR) Hub
Swinburne’s AIR Hub is advancing the manufacturing of composite aerostructures, in partnership with CSIRO, Boeing and others.
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.
-
Innovative Planet Research Institute
The Innovative Planet Research Institute applies innovative and socio-technical approaches to connect people, planet and purpose for a sustainable future.
-
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. -
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. With our history of academic and industry leadership, we explore societal challenges through engagement, research and education.
-
Social Innovation Research Institute
The Social Innovation Research Institute addresses the intersection between social elements and technology.
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).
-
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.
-
Manufacturing Futures Research Platform
The Manufacturing Futures Research Platform integrates advanced manufacturing in the global value chain to secure Australia’s industrial future.
Experience research at Swinburne
-
Research achievements and recognition
Swinburne’s reputation as a leader in research and innovation is growing year-on-year.
-
Research engagement
We collaborate and consult with business, community and industry to solve practical problems through our consulting services.
-
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.
Our research standards
-
Research security
Swinburne is committed to enabling safe, secure and collaborative research that delivers real-world impact for society. Learn about our approach to research security.
-
Research ethics and integrity
Swinburne research conforms to the highest ethical, professional and scholarly 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.
-
Research centres, groups and clinics
Our research centres, groups and clinics cultivate strength in specialist areas by concentrating resources in one place.
-
Research platforms and initiatives
Our strategic platforms and initiatives are designed to help partners – locally and globally – find innovative solutions to real-world problems.
-
Research facilities and equipment
We have a wide range of hireable research facilities and equipment, including world-class laboratories, telescopes and theatres.
-
Research institutes
Our research institutes drive multidisciplinary collaboration – linking researchers with industry, business and community to maximise impact.
Our research community
-
Swinburne Quantum
We are harnessing our deep and diverse expertise in quantum science, technology, and adjacent fields to help shape the next generation of quantum-enabled industry.
-
Defence research
Swinburne is committed to maintaining and enhancing Australia’s national defence and security through a holistic, dual-layer approach – detect and protect.
-
Indigenous Research
Discover more about our research collaborations and achievements, as well as resources for Higher Degree by Research students.
-
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
-
Music therapy could help protect cognitive function in people living with dementia
- Science
Swinburne research explores how music therapy could support brain function, memory and cognition in people living with dementia and help delay its onset.Tuesday 10 November 2026 -
Swinburne spinout to cut AI’s energy demands with breakthrough chip
- Technology
A new Swinburne spinout is tackling one of AI’s biggest infrastructure challenges: moving more information through data centres while using less energy.
Friday 30 October 2026 -
Swinburne JWST collaboration to receive prestigious 2027 Berkeley Prize from American Astronomical Society
- Astronomy
- Science
- University
Swinburne leads the international team who have been awarded the American Astronomical Society’s 2027 Lancelot M. Berkeley Prize for the UNCOVER project
Friday 18 September 2026 -
Swinburne continues to rise in global subject rankings
- Technology
- Health
- Education
- Science
- University
- Engineering
Swinburne has achieved strong results across 26 subjects in the ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2026.
Thursday 17 September 2026 -
Swinburne joins global biomaterials research training program
- Technology
- Health
- Science
- University
- Engineering
Swinburne has joined the prestigious German Research Foundation-funded International Research Training Group (IRTG) on Multidimensional Biomaterials (MB)2 program
Monday 17 August 2026
Our research events
-
Prato 2027 Safer Communities: Trajectories & Turning Points
Research- Research Impact
- Engagement
- Health
- Law
The Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science is hosting the Safer Communities conference in Prato, Tuscany, in 2027. Join us for the 20th anniversary of the conference!
-
6th Australasian Youth Justice Conference. Better outcomes. Wherever you are. Whoever you are.
Research- Research Impact
- Engagement
- Indigenous
- Health
In collaboration with Department of Human Services SA, the Australasian Youth Justice Administrators (AYJA) will partner with the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science to deliver the 6th Australasian Youth Justice Conference: Better outcomes. Wherever you are. Whoever you are.
Register now (6th Australasian Youth Justice Conference. Better outcomes. Wherever you are. Whoever you are.) -
Seeds of Science Festival
Research- Aviation
- Engineering
- Health
- Nursing
Celebrate National Science Week at Swinburne's Seeds of Science Festival. Explore the immersive Virtual Universe, hear inspiring stories from researchers and alumni, connect with student clubs and discover the ideas behind breakthrough research. With interactive activities, refreshments and prizes to be won, there's something for curious minds of all ages.
Register now (Seeds of Science Festival) -
Seeds of Science – How Australian Seeds Travelled to Space and Back Again
- Science
Join Dr Sara Webb for a National Science Week livestream exploring Mission Sprouts, the Australian project that sent seeds to the International Space Station and back.
Register now (Seeds of Science – How Australian Seeds Travelled to Space and Back Again) -
Swinburne 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) and Visualise Your Research (VYR) University Final 2026
ResearchCome along and experience the ideas, stories, and people shaping research at Swinburne's communication competition final. This iconic event will showcase finalists competing in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) and Visualise Your Research (VYR) competitions, each bringing their work to life in different ways.
Register now (Swinburne 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) and Visualise Your Research (VYR) University Final 2026)
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.