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’s Spotlight on STEM: A Night of Space Innovation with Shelli Brunswick

    • Astronomy
    • Technology
    • Science
    Swinburne’s Spotlight on STEM: A Night of Space Innovation with Shelli Brunswick

    Swinburne University hosted a Spotlight on STEM event with space innovator Shelli Brunswick, exploring space technology, leadership, and career opportunities in the space industry

    Read more (Swinburne’s Spotlight on STEM: A Night of Space Innovation with Shelli Brunswick )
    Friday 21 March 2025

  • Swinburne to advance cardiac care and asbestos detection with industry-engaged grants

    • Health
    • Science
    Swinburne to advance cardiac care and asbestos detection with industry-engaged grants

    Swinburne has secured two grants from Australia's Economic Accelerator Ignite program to support innovative commercialisation projects. 

    Read more (Swinburne to advance cardiac care and asbestos detection with industry-engaged grants )
    Wednesday 12 March 2025

  • Medical cannabis mysteries to be unlocked by new five-year NHMRC project

    • Health
    • Science
    Medical cannabis mysteries to be unlocked by new five-year NHMRC project

    A new Swinburne-led medical cannabis investigation aims to help close the knowledge gap surrounding the drug and its potential in society.

    Read more (Medical cannabis mysteries to be unlocked by new five-year NHMRC project )
    Wednesday 26 February 2025

  • Swinburne educator excellence recognised in Australian Awards for University Teaching

    • Health
    • University
    Swinburne educator excellence recognised in Australian Awards for University Teaching

    Swinburne educators Dr Faith Kwa, Associate Professor Junhua Xiao, Dr Jessica Mackelprang and Dr James Williams were recognised for their teaching excellence in Health Sciences for thr 2024 Australian Awards for University Teaching.

    Read more (Swinburne educator excellence recognised in Australian Awards for University Teaching )
    Tuesday 25 February 2025

  • Swinburne’s 2025 MedTechVic showcase celebrates innovation in collaboration

    • Health
    • Science
    • University
    • Technology
    Swinburne’s 2025 MedTechVic showcase celebrates innovation in collaboration

    Swinburne University of Technology’s MedTechVic hub brought together researchers, industry partners and end users of medical and assistive devices at their recent 2025 annual showcase.

    Read more (Swinburne’s 2025 MedTechVic showcase celebrates innovation in collaboration )
    Thursday 20 February 2025

  • Research impact

    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