Our research strengths

Our combination of focused research, valuable industry collaborations and investment in cutting-edge technologies, has driven significant research achievements and attracted recognition from around the world. Our four dedicated research institutes, two research platforms and 10 research centres ensure we are at the forefront of discovery.

A growing list of important research findings, business partnerships and spin-off companies, along with a steady increase in government grants and international rankings, puts Swinburne in an advantageous position for the future.

$44m external research income1

228 research degree completions2

1,963 indexed publications in 20233

16 five-star discipline areas4

Highly cited researchers

Eight Swinburne researchers appearing across 11 fields of research were identified as leading researchers placed globally in the top 1% in their respective disciplines in 2024 by Clarivate Analytics Web of Science Group.

Top worldwide rankings

Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings has listed Swinburne in the top 300 of the world’s best universities, while Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings has listed Swinburne in the top 25 of the world’s best young universities.

More than our rank

Swinburne is also participating in global initiative More Than Our Rank to showcase our research success beyond traditional rankings.

More about our research achievements

Significant research findings

Swinburne's research findings have a far-reaching impact on science, industry and the broader community. The university's researchers have made discoveries that have dramatically changed the face of fields ranging from medicine to social services, astronomy and aeronautical safety.

Explore some of our most recent research outcomes:

  • Swinburne researchers awarded over $6.6 million in ARC funding

    • University
    Boosting smartphone security and increasing digital inclusion are among the new Swinburne projects funded by the Australian Research Council.
    Read more (Swinburne researchers awarded over $6.6 million in ARC funding)
    Wednesday 04 December 2019

  • The mood and cognitive effects of curcumin from turmeric

    • Health
    The purported medical effects of curcumin have a long history, going back at least to the 18th century.
    Read more (The mood and cognitive effects of curcumin from turmeric)
    Wednesday 05 October 2016

  • Trials for smartphone app to combat loneliness begin

    • Health
    Swinburne is working with mental health service providers to trial a smartphone app and intervention program to combat loneliness in young people.
    Read more (Trials for smartphone app to combat loneliness begin )
    Friday 25 November 2016

  • New research shows how hangovers reduce brain function

    • Health
    Hangovers reduce brain function and memory, according to new Swinburne research.
    Read more (New research shows how hangovers reduce brain function)
    Thursday 01 August 2019

  • Bushfire research at Swinburne

    • University
    Research is underway to improve bushfire preparedness, response and recovery, and find innovative solutions to issues affecting communities across the count
    Read more (Bushfire research at Swinburne)
    Thursday 06 February 2020

  • Research impact

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

    Discover more (Research impact)

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 Swinburne Research

Whatever your query please direct your general enquiry to the research team on +61 3 9214 4859 or via research@swinburne.edu.au.

Contact us