Resilient infrastructure and smart cities focuses on creating sustainable, resilient urban environments through innovation in infrastructure design and technology. This theme addresses how we build and manage cities to withstand climate impacts while improving liveability. Our researchers engineer climate-resilient buildings and infrastructure that can endure floods, heatwaves and other extreme events, and develop smart transport systems to reduce congestion and emissions. By integrating digital technology with urban planning, we aim to shape smarter cities that are efficient, connected and climate-adaptive.
Our research spans three subthemes across multidisciplinary research
The aim of this research theme is to develop innovative, equitable, and adaptive solutions to the increasing risks posed by climate-induced disasters. By integrating engineering, environmental science, policy, and community engagement, the research seeks to redesign infrastructure systems to be more inclusive, durable, and responsive to future climate conditions. This aligns with our broader research strategy, which prioritises interdisciplinary collaboration, sustainability, and real-world impact. The theme contributes to long-term resilience and social equity, ensuring that infrastructure not only withstands extreme events but also supports sustainable development and community wellbeing.
To achieve these goals, researchers are undertaking a range of interdisciplinary initiatives that combine engineering, climatology, data science, and urban planning. Key efforts include developing predictive models that incorporate climate projections into infrastructure design, testing advanced materials and construction techniques for resilience, and creating decision-support frameworks for risk-based planning. The research also explores digital twin technologies and modular construction methods to enhance adaptability and sustainability.
This research aims to improve infrastructure design and resilience with a focus on adapting to climate extremes, by integrating climate projections and engineering innovation, which enhances the durability and safety of critical infrastructure and helps communities stay connected and protected during floods, storms, and heatwaves, ensuring roads, bridges, and buildings continue to serve everyday needs even in a changing climate.
Professor Kim Rasmussen, Professor Gianluca Ranzi, Professor Jennifer Whyte, Associate Professor Nader Naderpajouh, Dr Neda Mohammadi
Arup, Stramit Building Products, Dematic Pty Ltd
The aim of this research theme is to revolutionise urban mobility by developing intelligent transport systems that enhance safety, sustainability, and efficiency. By focusing on technologies such as autonomous vehicles, cooperative intelligent transport systems and vehicle-to-everything communication, the research addresses critical urban challenges including congestion, pollution, and public trust in automation. This aligns closely with our broader research strategy, which emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration, real-world impact, and innovation in addressing global challenges.
To achieve these goals, researchers are developing and testing advanced autonomous vehicle technologies using real-world data from sensors like LiDAR, cameras, and GPS. The work includes designing cooperative systems that enable vehicles and infrastructure to communicate, improving traffic safety and efficiency. We are exploring traffic programming, intelligent safety, and transport economics to optimise mixed traffic environments. Collaborations with global and national partners support projects in safety assurance, data analytics, and market design for ride-hailing services, all aimed at enabling the safe and scalable deployment of intelligent transport systems in urban environments.
This research aims to improve urban transport systems with a focus on reducing congestion, emissions, and travel delays, by developing intelligent technologies such as autonomous vehicles, smart traffic management, and connected infrastructure, which make commuting safer and more efficient and help everyday people spend less time in traffic, breathe cleaner air, and enjoy more reliable public transport.
Professor David Levinson, Dr Andres Fielbaum, Dr Emily Moylan, Dr Mohsen Ramezani, Dr Stewart Worrall
Renault, Cornell University, Transport for NSW
The aim of our research theme is to develop integrated, forward-thinking solutions that enhance the liveability, resilience, and sustainability of urban environments. By combining civil engineering, intelligent transport systems, and strategic planning, the research addresses pressing challenges such as climate change, urban growth, and infrastructure demands. This theme aligns with our broader research strategy by promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, technological innovation, and real-world impact. It supports the creation of smarter, safer, and more inclusive cities that prioritise both environmental sustainability and societal wellbeing.
To achieve these goals, researchers are undertaking a range of interdisciplinary initiatives that integrate data-driven modelling, environmental engineering, and strategic urban design. We apply big data analytics, complex systems modelling, and machine learning to understand and improve urban systems. Key areas of focus include energy-efficient infrastructure, waste transformation for a circular economy, and sustainable water resource management. Collaborations with government, industry, and community stakeholders ensure that the research is grounded in real-world needs and contributes to the development of carbon-neutral, resilient urban environments.
This research aims to improve urban planning and infrastructure design with a focus on sustainability and liveability, by integrating civil engineering solutions with strategic project management. This enhances the resilience of cities and promotes greener living environments, helping communities enjoy cleaner air, reduced energy costs, and more accessible public spaces in their everyday lives. nbsp;
Professor Stuart Khan, Professor Jennifer Whyte, Associate Professor Michelle Barnes, Associate Professor Nader Naderpajouh, Dr Ali Amin, Dr Ali Hadigheh, Dr Jacqueline Thomas
