Our research portfolio is organised around a number of themes reflecting our wide range of expertise
- the impacts of investment in public transport infrastructure
- using ecological engineering and built environment toolkit to rebuild ecosystems
- what works in travel behaviour change
- innovations in public participation in planning
- the scope for tiny houses to improve housing choice
- how to measure the value of social housing
- planning for climate change in coastal cities
- and...the opportunities offered by sea cities.
Explore each of our research themes below in more detail.
Sustainable Development Goals
Griffith University is aligned with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and committed to tackling global challenges around sustainable cities and communities, and climate action.
Major Research Initiatives
Planning for Resilience
We will foster resilience in the face of future emergencies and natural disasters by conducting research that leads to practical solutions and planning for resilience. Our transdisciplinary team will collaborate with industry, local government, and communities to address the challenges they face when deciding how to transition their infrastructure and behaviour in the future. Lead: Professor Cheryl Desha
Connecting Water, Waste Energy and Food (WWEF)
This effort intends to promote genuine collaboration between major industry stakeholders, applied researchers, and communities in order to produce results that are suitable not just for the purpose at hand, but also for the people involved and the environment in which they will be used. This will capitalise on work that has already been done or that is currently being done. Co-Leads: A/ Professor Cara Beal and Professor Anne Roiko
Transforming infrastructure
Our core interests are the re-conceptualisation, re-design, and re-use of existing infrastructure. Our goal is to improve the planning, design, building, operation, and decommissioning of infrastructure, as well as the utilisation of the entire system, in conjunction with our industry partners. Co-Leads: Professor Matthew Burke and Professor Rodney Stewart
Research themes
Adaptation science
This theme delves into the intricacies of climate adaptation, with a strong focus on long-term and robust decision-making processes in managing local and global change.
Building science and construction innovation
This theme generates important and relevant research for the construction sector, seeking to improve the integrity, robustness and safety of various building structures and approaches.
Digital earth and resilient infrastructure
Researchers in this theme are investigating decision-making pathways for complex built-environment concerns, with an emphasis on nature-inspired and place-based solutions.
Digital multi-utility transformation
This theme endeavours to seamlessly integrate 'big data' metering and monitoring technologies, along with their associated expert systems, into critical infrastructure.
Housing
This theme draws together our multifaceted housing research driven by an era of shifting demographics, economic disparities, and urbanisation, seeking to shape a more equitable and liveable future for all.
Sea cities
This theme examines the interplay between land and sea, forecasting future development scenarios through the application of hydrodynamic modelling.
Transport Research Group
Researchers within this theme collaborate closely with a diverse array of industry partners to facilitate strategic planning, construction, and effective management of transportation systems.
Water and waste management
This theme centres on collaborative design and practical implementation of applied research tailored for the water and waste management sector, bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and real-world applications.
Coastal and Marine Research Centre
The Coastal and Marine Research Centre integrates our coastal expertise with wider questions of city planning. Through rigorous research and community engagement, the Centre explores the vulnerabilities of Australian coastal cities helps them to be more resilient into the future.
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