Research in the news

Professor Brigitta Olubas from the School of the Arts & Media discusses her new co-authored book of letters penned over forty years by two of Australia's literary greats. She details the origins of their unique friendship and reflects on what we can learn from their prolific correspondence. 

The government has announced new funding and measures aimed at tackling intimate partner violence. Dr Michael Salter from the School of Social Sciences weighs in on the efficacy of these commitments, describing them as "a step in the right direction" [segment starting 06:45].

Australia is facing a teacher shortage, with droves of experienced educators leaving the profession. Professor Scott Eacott from the Gonski Institute and School of Education explains how “outside of school factors” like housing and transportation costs have exacerbated this issue.

In response to a series of gendered violence deaths, protests demanding stronger government action have erupted around the country. Dr Michael Salter from the School of Social Sciences explains how we might embrace innovative models to "get the focus of prevention right". 

New national guidelines are being rolled out to schools to support teachers better manage classrooms. Highlighting the importance of this initiative, Professor Rebecca Collie from the School of Education outlines the prevalence of disruptive student behaviour and the implications to teacher capacity and wellbeing. 

The latest data has revealed that 27 women have been killed in Australia this year alone. Dr Michael Salter from the School of Social Sciences discusses his co-authored paper detailing the current approach to domestic violence and the ways that "collective guilt and collective action" are failing to address prevention meaningfully. 

The growing trend of adaptive reuse is transforming old buildings and giving them "a new lease of life". Professor Philip Oldfield from the School of Built Environment explains the benefits of this carbon-saving approach calling for creative design "to care for and reimagine" existing structures. 

Scientia Professor Carla Treloar from the Social Policy Research Centre unpacks some of the key findings from her landmark report on poverty and inequality in Australia, produced in partnership with ACOSS. She explains some "difference patterns" in wealth growth across age groups and how policies have shaped the widening gap [starting 50:57].

What can we do to enable meaningful and safe participation in truth-telling? Co-lead researchers Dr Anne Maree Payne and Professor Heidi Norman from the School of Humanities & Languages discuss their findings and how to support capacity building. 

Professor Emery Schubert from the School of Arts & Media explains how his latest study represents "the first empirical evidence that sadness can positively affect the enjoyment of music, directly."

About half of high-school students surveyed as part of a new report either ate a breakfast deemed unhealthy or skipped it altogether. Scientia Professor Andrew Martin from the School of Education explains the implications of these findings and the role of schools in promoting healthier choices.

A recent report has found that the average household wealth of the top 10% has grown much faster since 2003 than the lowest 60%. Professor Carla Treloar from the Social Policy Research Centre unpacks these findings and what they mean.