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.
Our research achievements and rankings
$44m external research income1
228 research degree completions2
1,963 indexed publications in 20233
16 five-star discipline areas4
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.
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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.
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Aerostructures Innovation Research 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.
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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.
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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.
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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. 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.
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Social Innovation Research Institute
The Social Innovation Research Institute addresses the intersection between social elements and technology.
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National Centre for Reconciliation Practice
Leading national academic, industry and community understandings of reconciliation, and helping to lead national systemic change in reconciliation.
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).
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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.
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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
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Entry into research degrees
Our research degrees give you access to specialist facilities, world-class researchers, training and support.
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Research engagement
We collaborate and consult with business, community and industry to solve practical problems through our consulting services.
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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.
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Research centres, groups and clinics
Our research centres, groups and clinics cultivate strength in specialist areas by concentrating resources in one place.
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Research platforms and initiatives
Our strategic platforms and initiatives are designed to help partners – locally and globally – find innovative solutions to real-world problems.
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Research facilities and equipment
We have a wide range of hireable research facilities and equipment, including world-class laboratories, telescopes and theatres.
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Research institutes
Our research institutes drive multidisciplinary collaboration – linking researchers with industry, business and community to maximise impact.
Our research community
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Indigenous Research
Discover more about our research collaborations and achievements.
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Defence research
Swinburne is committed to maintaining and enhancing Australia’s national defence and security through a holistic, dual-layer approach – detect and protect.
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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
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Are we ready for a world more connected in the Internet of Things?
- Technology
We are already connected in many ways through technology, and we’re about to get more connected.Friday 20 November 2015 -
New Digital Manufacturing Hub launches at Swinburne to level up Australian industry
- University
- Engineering
- Sustainability
Australian manufacturing productivity and resilience could rise by as much 30 per cent, thanks to a new Digital Manufacturing Hub led by Swinburne.
Monday 17 March 2025 -
Swinburne researchers succeed in latest ARC Discovery Projects
- Science
Swinburne University researchers have been awarded more than $6.1 million in funding, across 12 projects, within the 2024 Australian Research Council Discovery Projects scheme.
Wednesday 08 November 2023 -
Chew more, stress less
- Health
New Swinburne research suggests chewing sugarfree gum reduces anxiety.Wednesday 12 August 2015 -
Anorexia sufferers see things differently
- Health
Researchers at Swinburne discover an unusual new biomarker for anorexia.Monday 26 January 2015
Our research events
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Technology x Society Forum: Implementing Australia's AI Ethics Principles
Research- Technology
- Information Technology
- Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
We invite you to join Rita Arrigo, Strategic Engagement Manager at CSIRO National AI Centre and Professor Lawrie Zion, Associate Dean, Research and Industry Engagement, La Trobe University in conversation about implementing Australia's AI Ethics Principles.
Register now (Technology x Society Forum: Implementing Australia's AI Ethics Principles) -
Nanostructured materials for energy and environmental catalysis
Research- Innovation
- Technology
- Research Impact
- Science
Join this lecture on catalyst materials and carbon nitride-based photocatalysts, which have demonstrated potential in solar energy utilisation for future energy sustainability and environment remediation, featuring Professor Hongqi Sun (Edith Cowan University, Australia).
Register now (Nanostructured materials for energy and environmental catalysis) -
Digital cultures and sexual health: research and practice roundtable
Research- Health
- Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
This roundtable conversation brings together social researchers, and sexual health promotion experts to share their insights into emerging research and practical responses at the intersection of digital cultures and sexual health in Australia.
Register now (Digital cultures and sexual health: research and practice roundtable) -
Virtual Reality: Doubled Embodiment
Research- Technology
- Research Impact
- Film and Television
Please join the Centre for Transformative Technologies for an exciting session on probably the most hyperbolised and alluring condition of virtual worlds; their ability to fully immerse participants.
Featuring Miriam Ross, Senior Lecturer in the Film Programme at Victoria University of Wellington.
Register now (Virtual Reality: Doubled Embodiment) -
Global health and equity: Research that is positively impacting humanity
Research- Research Impact
You will hear about the Centre for Global Health and Equity's inspirational research and global engagement journey, including how it has generated many widely used products and tools.
Register now (Global health and equity: Research that is positively impacting humanity)
1 Total external research income for 2023
2 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.
