Our researchers drive innovation for future industries across eight key research strengths, addressing critical industrial and societal challenges. Our multidisciplinary approach combines deep expertise in data science, quantum technologies, materials science and space exploration to develop cutting-edge solutions for future industries.
We are pioneering breakthroughs in quantum computing, secure communication networks and next-generation materials, developing innovations with applications ranging sustainable energy solutions to medical devices. Our work in data science and decision-making is applied in industries from finance to healthcare, while our advances in earth and space technologies support global environmental monitoring and resource management.
We are directly contributing to the global challenge of creating a net-zero future through our innovations in renewable energy, carbon sequestration, developing sustainable food systems and agricultural technologies. Our innovations are essential to ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.
Our research spans eight strengths across multidisciplinary research
In today’s work of technology and analytics, data science is critical to developing valuable insights which inform decisions every day. With so many industries now relying on data and data-driven technologies, this research has never been more critical. Working across disciplines in data science, mathematics and deep learning, our research contributes both to developing novel ways in which we work data and expanding the evidence base necessary for leading decision-makers to address global challenges. Our work in cognitive and decision sciences investigates how human cognition and decision-making can be optimised, integrating our findings in artificial intelligence and machine learning. This research has an incredible breadth of applications, ranging industries such as finance, health and medicine, defence, transport, politics, food and next-generation technologies.
Our research in quantum technologies, photonics, data science, nanoscience and precision sensing has wide-ranging applications in national security and defence. Our scientists are developing quantum-based sensing systems, which can detect and process information with the precision necessary for surveillance applications. Researchers in photonics and optical science are advancing secure communication networks through light-based technologies, crucial for safeguarding data integrity in critical infrastructures. In quantum cryptography, our mathematicians and physicists are creating ultra-secure encryption methods, addressing challenges in cybersecurity and ensuring national security in the digital age. These technologies are crucial to ensuring and growing Australia’s sovereign capability.
Our deep understanding of the properties of both hard and soft materials allows us to develop cutting-edge materials and nanomaterials for a variety of applications ranging sustainability solutions, health monitoring and medical devices and advanced manufacturing. Our scientists work across disciplines including materials science, materials design, applied and plasma physics and photonics toward improving the efficiency and capacity of photovoltaics, light-harvesting systems and batteries, enhancing sensing systems and enabling the more efficient use of natural resources. Our researchers also develop novel coatings and develop new ways to manufacture coatings, enhancing the biocompatibility of implants, medical devices, drug design and delivery and sensing systems, contributing to improved health monitoring and patient outcomes.
Earth and space exploration and technologies are critical to a sustainable future. These technologies help us monitor climate change, transport activity, forecast energy production, improve agricultural efficiency and equip leaders with the information they need for managing complex challenges and crises. Our research in earth and space exploration and technologies spans disciplines including physics, geophysics, physical geography and space science, and their work has an incredible range of applications.
We develop satellites and technologies which can be used for atmospheric studies, communications, and remote sensing. Our innovations in hyperspectral imaging provide detailed environmental monitoring with real-world applications in agriculture, forestry, and mineral exploration. Our researchers also investigate space weather, satellite communication, and planetary exploration technologies, contributing to defence capabilities and resource management on Earth.
This research not only enhances our understanding of the space environment but also supports sustainable practices and technological advancements for future space missions.
There is a global race to develop the first commercially viable quantum computer. Through research in both theoretical and experimental quantum physics, chemistry, nanoscience and material science, we’re working across disciplines toward developing scalable quantum computing and quantum control systems. Our researchers are developing designer quantum materials for next-generation computing and communication technologies, with significant innovation breakthroughs in cryogenic quantum chips, enabling precision manipulation of quantum states. Industries spanning defence to healthcare adopt our quantum innovations, with a wide range of applications, from secure communications and advanced computation, to transforming technological infrastructure.
Working across several disciplines our research advances communication technologies, with significant contributions from researchers in optics, photonics, data science, and quantum science.
Breakthroughs in these areas enable the development of integrated photonics for high-speed, energy-efficient data transmission and communication technologies with direct applications in enhancing data security. Our work in nanophotonics enables faster optical communication, while improving optical fibre technology and our understanding of free-space optical communication ensures secure satellite and terrestrial data links.
These technologies have vast applications in telecommunications, satellite communications, and global network security, contributing to secure, high-speed communication systems.
The global ambition to tackle carbon emissions by transitioning to net zero technologies demands a uniquely interdisciplinary approach, with our contribution spanning geoscience, chemistry and physics. Our innovations in geoscience support the sustainable extraction of resources critical for renewable energy, while our researchers in chemistry are leading catalyst design and developing innovative materials for hydrogen production and storage, novel electrodes and electrolytes for future batteries, as well as developing novel coatings which cool buildings and conserve energy.
In physics, our research focusses on solar energy and developing energy efficient communication and food systems that reduce our carbon footprint. In the life sciences, our experts in ecology investigate natural ecosystems to promote carbon sequestration, ensuring sustainability across diverse environments. Together, these disciplines address key challenges in the transition to a net zero and a carbon neutral future.
Our multidisciplinary research in food science and technologies directly contributes to the global effort in creating and sustaining nutritious and resilient food systems, addressing environmental and population challenges.
Our researchers in veterinary science focus on enhancing livestock health and productivity to build safe, resilient, sustainable food systems, while our agricultural scientists work on breeding disease- resistant and temperature-tolerant crops.
Our food scientists find ways to create innovative, healthy foods and minimise food waste. Leveraging our unique research-intensive farms and agricultural facilities, our researchers also develop new plant-based proteins, responding to the increasing need for sustainable and environmentally friendly food sources. As we navigate a world characterised by greater climate uncertainty, this work is critical to reducing our reliance on traditional livestock and ensures we can sustainably feed and nourish future generations.
