Turning great ideas into impact

Deakin’s five impact themes are supported by researchers throughout the university who collaborate with industry, government and institutional networks to deliver a global research footprint. Together, we produce smarter industry tech, improve community health and wellbeing, support sustainable development, and advance education, citizenship and cultural understanding.

Our research institutes

Our research institutes

Deakin's research institutes and Strategic Research and Innovation Centres (SRICs) undertake large scale, world-class research across five impact themes. Each theme develops tangible outcomes for society, culture and the economy.

Our research collaborations 

Our externally funded research centres, hubs and networks collaborate with our national and international partners in universities, institutes, government and industry.

Faculty and school research

Groups work within Deakin’s faculties and associated schools to conduct research that reflects teaching expertise.

Find a research group

Our researchers explore global challenges and provide solutions to make a positive impact on the world. Research at Deakin is conducted across five themes that together advance knowledge, better humanity and preserve our planet.

Deakin’s strong research focus on contemporary histories, heritage, society and international development is achieving global outcomes.

Our research is producing smarter technologies for business and industry, improving the health and wellbeing of local and international communities, supporting sustainable development and advancing education, citizenship and cultural understanding.

Improved health and wellbeing underpins the success of any society and, at Deakin, we’re driving research that impacts lives – globally and locally – in meaningful ways

Be it robotics, big data or composite materials, Deakin researchers are solving 21st century problems with the aid of cutting-edge, smart technologies.

Deakin research is driving outcomes that provide solutions to global environmental and sustainability issues.

Covering the broad spectrum of health, Deakin research is helping to improve the health and wellbeing of people all around the world.

Institutes and centres

The Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation (ADI) is a leading humanities and social sciences research institute based at Deakin University, Australia. We create cutting-edge knowledge about citizenship, diversity, inclusion and globalisation which informs scholarship, debate and policy.
The Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation (ADI) is a leading humanities and social sciences research institute based at Deakin University, Australia. We create cutting-edge knowledge about citizenship, diversity, inclusion and globalisation which informs scholarship, debate and policy.
The Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute collaborates with industry to act as a catalyst for change through the use of artificial intelligence. The team contributes to the development of human-in-the-loop artificial intelligence and AI experimentation for sectors such as defence, health care, security, social media and advanced manufacturing.
The Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute collaborates with industry to act as a catalyst for change through the use of artificial intelligence. The team contributes to the development of human-in-the-loop artificial intelligence and AI experimentation for sectors such as defence, health care, security, social media and advanced manufacturing.
The Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute collaborates with industry to act as a catalyst for change through the use of artificial intelligence. The team contributes to the development of human-in-the-loop artificial intelligence and AI experimentation for sectors such as defence, health care, security, social media and advanced manufacturing.
IFM makes use of Deakin's strong research capability in materials science to tackle complex problems in the areas of energy, health, environment and manufacturing.
IFM makes use of Deakin's strong research capability in materials science to tackle complex problems in the areas of energy, health, environment and manufacturing.
IFM makes use of Deakin's strong research capability in materials science to tackle complex problems in the areas of energy, health, environment and manufacturing.
IFM makes use of Deakin's strong research capability in materials science to tackle complex problems in the areas of energy, health, environment and manufacturing.
IHT is a group of multi-disciplinary researchers working together to improve value, equity and impact in health and care.
IISRI contributes to the design of smarter technologies through the investigation and development of state-of-the-art algorithms and methodologies.
IISRI contributes to the design of smarter technologies through the investigation and development of state-of-the-art algorithms and methodologies.
IISRI contributes to the design of smarter technologies through the investigation and development of state-of-the-art algorithms and methodologies.
IPAN aims to improve health and quality of life using innovative, quality research, which seeks to significantly enhance health in Australia and reduce the rates of chronic disease.
CSRI undertakes research into the theoretical foundations of cyber security and develops innovative cyber security technologies by exploring the associated risks, governance and legal issues.
CSRI undertakes research into the theoretical foundations of cyber security and develops innovative cyber security technologies by exploring the associated risks, governance and legal issues.
CSRI undertakes research into the theoretical foundations of cyber security and develops innovative cyber security technologies by exploring the associated risks, governance and legal issues.
IMPACT aims to improve health and wellbeing by contributing to the understanding of the causes and impact of psychiatric, musculoskeletal, metabolic and other disorders.
IMPACT aims to improve health and wellbeing by contributing to the understanding of the causes and impact of psychiatric, musculoskeletal, metabolic and other disorders.
CIE focuses on creating a sustainable world by investigating the fundamental question of how life reacts to change on both short and long-term scales.
QPS strives to improve health and wellbeing through the development of a strong interface between research, education and practice, and progressing innovations in research and teaching.
CeRRF contributes to the design of smarter technologies that provide innovative solutions to regional and rural productivity problems.
CeRRF contributes to the design of smarter technologies that provide innovative solutions to regional and rural productivity problems.
SEED focuses on addressing mental health issues and neurological disorders such as depression, eating disorders and disability through prevention and intervention strategies.
CSR aims to use and promote sport and exercise as a vehicle to create healthy communities, and build governance and management capacity to support participation and involvement in sport.
REDI aims to be a leading national and international centre in educational research. Underpinned by strong equity principles, REDI has been formed around four distinctive programs that will address the key contemporary education issues.
No groups available.

Faculties and schools

The art and performance research group generates knowledge through creative, critical and theoretical inquiries in the fields of dance, drama, visual art, public and installation art and photography.
The communication research group explore journalism, public relations and professional writing.
The literature and writing research group explores how public cultures of critique and experimentation reinvent forms of cultural innovation, social inclusion and democratic citizenship.
The persona, celebrity, publics research group is a group of interdisciplinary scholars, creative practitioners and research students committed to examining the way public and private life is historically and presently constituted.
The screen and design research group generates studies of the film archive and of auteurship, studies of the film industry and analyses of particular films, and the production of experimental, documentary and feature films.
The science and fiction research group is developing a dynamic research culture that examines and explores future-dreaming and world-building texts and contexts.
ALPET explores research and teaching in the areas of applied learning. This includes adult education, lifelong learning and professional learning in workplaces, VET, and education in community settings.
The Arts Education Teaching and Research Group works to engage and educate in order to promote arts literacy, aesthetic and creative practice.
The CPPL Teaching and Research Group is committed to research-led pedagogy, curriculum design and implementation.
The Early Childhood Teaching and Research Group is engaged in dialogue and enquiry related to early childhood education and care sector.
The EPPLI Teaching and Research Group develop and apply theories dealing with education practice.
The Health and Physical Education Teaching and Research Group engages with conceptual, methodological and practice-orientated approaches to health, physical education, sport and wellbeing.
The Humanities Teaching and Research Group has deep teaching and research expertise in the core aspects of the humanities curriculum.
The Inclusive Education Teaching and Research Group emphasises the provision of educational accessibility and equitable learning for all students.
The LLL Teaching and Research Group brings together educators whose research and expertise spans early childhood, primary, secondary and higher education.
The Mathematics Education Teaching and Research Group brings a global perspective to mathematics education.
The Science, Technology and Environmental Education Teaching and Research Group focuses on delivering high-quality education and research outcomes relating to science, technology and environmental science.
The TESOL, EAL/D and Languages Teaching and Research Group focuses on developing transformative teaching and learning in Australia and overseas.
The Contemporary Histories Research Group focuses primarily on 20th century history, historical episodes, life stories and interpretations that reverberate in the present, for public debate and policy.
The Centre for Financial Econometrics recognises, develops and promotes research activities in financial econometrics.
CSaRO researchers focus on corporate social responsibility, as well as ethical, responsible and sustainable governance.
DeLMAR brings together scholars across Deakin involved with meta-analysis and research synthesis.
The IPA-Deakin SME Research Centre conducts multidisciplinary research on small and medium-sized private businesses and not-for-profit enterprises.
CEEND focuses on contemporary debates on energy, the environment and natural disasters.
COLP aspires to build a bridge between the legal profession and the school.
BCRG brings together a range of expertise and resources with the aim to support and facilitate bioinformatics at Deakin University.
DBSU provides research support to the Faculty of Health research programs, and also collaborates with external providers.
The 3D Gait Lab is the only lab in Australia to partner with the developers of 3D GAIT, enabling access to the world's largest database of 3D biomechanical walking and running data.
The CASS Food Research Centre aims to make sustainable and healthier foods the preferred choice of consumers.
WNCIT is a cross-institutional team who produce innovative resources for health educators to incorporate more nutrition into their medical courses.
CHASE promotes social inclusion and works collaboratively with communities, organisations and governments.
HNSRG studies the relationship between health and the natural environment.
OCPH provides education and training, and uses translational research to influence change in policy and the culture of healthcare systems.
OCPH provides education and training, and uses translational research to influence change in policy and the culture of healthcare systems.
CREM focuses on the coordination and delivery of effective emergency medical services in rural south-west Victoria.
MRU looks at how metabolic diseases develop, and research the compounds that could treat them.
NCFH leads the way in improving the health, wellbeing and safety of farmers, farm workers and their families across Australia.
CNU is a research group that uses cutting-edge technologies to explore the relationship between the brain, behaviour and cognition.
CEDAAR conducts research into the psychological, biological, sociopolitical, and clinical aspects of Alcohol and other Drug use, other addictive behaviours, and consequent harm.
CEDAAR conducts research into the psychological, biological, sociopolitical, and clinical aspects of Alcohol and other Drug use, other addictive behaviours, and consequent harm.
DCSC is a multidisciplinary research centre with a focus on understanding neurodevelopment from the early years of childhood through to adolescence.
DCSC is a multidisciplinary research centre with a focus on understanding neurodevelopment from the early years of childhood through to adolescence.
SoAR focuses on understanding the underlying systems that regulate the way people interact in their relationships.
SCL is an academic research centre that seeks to answer pressing questions about the design and management of supply chain and logistical networks.
CSCL is an academic research centre that seeks to answer pressing questions about the design and management of supply chain and logistical networks.
Advanced design and engineering researchers collaborate with local and international design and manufacturing sectors to create new alternatives for customised design, manufacturing practices and product applications.
Advanced design and engineering researchers collaborate with local and international design and manufacturing sectors to create new alternatives for customised design, manufacturing practices and product applications.
DEER aims to deliver high-impact collaborative research in the areas of design-based learning, project-based learning, distance and cloud-based education and educational technologies.
DEER aims to deliver high-impact collaborative research in the areas of design-based learning, project-based learning, distance and cloud-based education and educational technologies.
Sustainable infrastructure researchers deliver high-impact, applied and fundamental collaborative research in the areas of structure engineering, corrosion and water management.
Sustainable infrastructure researchers deliver high-impact, applied and fundamental collaborative research in the areas of structure engineering, corrosion and water management.
AIDA carries out and promotes top-quality research in data science, machine learning, optimisation and artificial intelligence.
AIDA carries out and promotes top-quality research in data science, machine learning, optimisation and artificial intelligence.
DIoT aims to radically rethink life as embedded in the growing and emerging IoT, and to create innovative IoT to enrich and change our work and daily lives.
DIoT aims to radically rethink life as embedded in the growing and emerging IoT, and to create innovative IoT to enrich and change our work and daily lives.
HIVE focuses on creating novel design, understanding user behaviour and experience, and evaluating interactive and collaborative creative technologies.
HIVE focuses on creating novel design, understanding user behaviour and experience, and evaluating interactive and collaborative creative technologies.
ITFE aims to promote computing education as a core literacy, educating students and professionals on digital technologies.
ITFE aims to promote computing education as a core literacy, educating students and professionals on digital technologies.
SERCh conducts research in multiple areas of software engineering including model-driven engineering, data visualisation, human-centric computing and IoT (Internet of Things).
SERCh conducts research in multiple areas of software engineering including model-driven engineering, data visualisation, human-centric computing and IoT (Internet of Things).
Behaviour, ecology, evolution and ecophysiology research covers a broad range of biological problems spanning behaviour, ecology, evolution and ecophysiology.
CCMB aims to solve both fundamental and practical problems relating to health and the environment, and carries out research to the highest international standards.
Chemistry, biotechnology and forensic sciences researchers focus on applying state-of-the-art science to solve real-world problems in a range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, policing, agricultural biotechnology, biomedical detection and materials science.
Chemistry, biotechnology and forensic sciences researchers focus on applying state-of-the-art science to solve real-world problems in a range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, policing, agricultural biotechnology, biomedical detection and materials science.
Environmental management and sustainability research covers a broad interdisciplinary area of applied environmental science, including indigenous education, waste management, and freshwater and coastal planning and management.
Environmental management and sustainability research covers a broad interdisciplinary area of applied environmental science, including indigenous education, waste management, and freshwater and coastal planning and management.
Integrative physiology and biochemistry researchers address key questions in organismal biology by using cutting-edge methodologies to study a wide range of animal and plant species at genomic, proteomic, cellular and physiological levels.
Marine, freshwater and aquaculture sciences research focuses on aquatic areas including marine biology, aquatic wildlife and aquaculture, ecology and coastal, estuarine and freshwater ecosystems management.
Palaeobiology and global change research uses fossil records to understand and examine key questions about the evolution, development and extinction of the planet and its organisms.
Wildlife and conservation biology research focuses on understanding the processes that influence the distribution and abundance of plants and animals, in order to enhance biodiversity conservation outcomes.
No groups available.

Collaborations

ACES was established to turn Australia's knowledge of materials into the next generation of 'smart devices' to create new health and energy solutions and improve people's lives.
The ARC Future Fibres Hub strives to accelerate the transformation of the Australian manufacturing industry.
ACBRD leads and collaborates on a wide variety of research designed to improve support for and outcomes among people with diabetes and their families.
ACID provides an integrated, national platform for industry to connect with leading researchers across key sectors such as oil and gas, mining, transport and structures, defence and aerospace, and water and desalination.
ACQol studies evidence-based measures for quality of life, and is committed to improving our understanding of life quality through both theory development and empirical research.
AFFRIC is a collaboration between Deakin University and CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering and services the fibre, textile, composite, automotive and aerospace industries.
BatTRI-Hub is a unique, world-class research and innovation centre, focused on advanced battery prototyping and the commercialisation of energy storage technologies.
The Blue Carbon Lab is a research group that specialises in devising ways to maximise blue carbon gains and minimise blue carbon loss.
The Cultural Heritage Asia-Pacific Group specialises in museum and heritage studies, with a special focus on the Asia-Pacific region.
D2D CRC bings together leading edge research and development, innovation, and education and training to tackle big data challenges in Australia.
The Deakin Science and Society Network reaches across the divides between research, policy and practice, and emphasises the effective communication and translation of research.
The Energy Pipelines CRC provides research and education to support and benefit the energy pipelines industry in Australia.
The PHI team explore how various philosophical ideas have shaped wider cultures in different periods and, in turn, how they've been shaped by wider institutional, economic, political, and social forces.
The Food and Mood Centre is a collaborative research team studying the ways in which what we eat influences our brain, mood and mental health.
The GCEID's 'One Health' approach delivers innovative research outcomes, providing practical solutions to the risks posed by emerging infectious diseases to our region, nationally and internationally.
GLOBE is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre, designated by the Director-General of WHO to carry out activities in support of the organisation's programs.
HOME brings together experts from architecture and urban planning, the humanities and social sciences, and health and social development to address the causes and outcomes of social polarisation in the built environment.
HOME brings together experts from architecture and urban planning, the humanities and social sciences, and health and social development to address the causes and outcomes of social polarisation in the built environment.
The IMCRC is a cooperative research centre that helps Australian companies increase their global relevance through research-led innovation in manufacturing products, processes and services.
IRNM is an academic forum aimed at promoting a multicultural research agenda, and examines multicultural, intercultural and interreligious policies, practices, theories, histories and controversies.
MESF is a network of world-class researchers and lecturers in the field of Middle East and Central Asia studies and languages.
mineAlloy aims to make Australian manufacturers dominant in the multi-billion dollar mining equipment sector by training innovators to design the world's best highly-customised long-life, wear-resistant components.
POLIS is a research network of political science and international relations scholars who seek to understand and interpret political phenomena, driven by a willingness to move beyond traditional conceptual and empirical boundaries.
SPARK aims to connect Deakin students, staff and alumni to the worldwide start-up community, and give entrepreneurs the best possible start by providing funding, co-working space, industry connections and mentorship.
SPARK aims to connect Deakin students, staff and alumni to the worldwide start-up community, and give entrepreneurs the best possible start by providing funding, co-working space, industry connections and mentorship.
SPARK aims to connect Deakin students, staff and alumni to the worldwide start-up community, and give entrepreneurs the best possible start by providing funding, co-working space, industry connections and mentorship.
SPARK aims to connect Deakin students, staff and alumni to the worldwide start-up community, and give entrepreneurs the best possible start by providing funding, co-working space, industry connections and mentorship.
TDNBC's mandate is to develop innovative nanobiotechnology-based solutions to address current challenges in the field of agriculture and environment.
TDNBC's mandate is to develop innovative nanobiotechnology-based solutions to address current challenges in the field of agriculture and environment.
Western Alliance aims to improve the impact, quality and quantity of health research, education and training in the western region.
No groups available.

Our research strengths

Guided by our five impact themes, we bring together different schools of thinking to help us solve some of the biggest, most complex global challenges. This application of shared knowledge keeps people at the centre our research.

Learn more about our research strengths

Advancing society and culture

Our research helps strengthen society, culture and the economy through creative, contemporary and intercultural approaches to education, the arts and business.

Building safe and secure communities

From strengthening community resilience to the development of cutting-edge cyber security, our cross-disciplinary research builds ethical and innovative solutions to global security problems.

Improving health and wellbeing

Improved health and wellbeing underpins the success of any society, and at Deakin, we’re driving research that impacts lives – globally and locally – in meaningful ways.

Enabling a sustainable world

Sustainable outcomes guide our research from idea to solution and application. We protect and manage our land, air and marine ecosystems; use innovative resource management technologies; and support the transition to sustainable energy solutions.

Designing smarter technologies

We’re developing practical technology with ethical foundations to support a sustainable, progressive society.