Creating impact video series

Discover, be inspired by, and learn more about the problems we are solving in ADA.

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Our researchers think differently and engage widely. 

Be inspired by some of their creative, collaborative and inclusive approaches in this series of videos produced by Elliott Small, and with thanks to all our featured researchers and their research partners. 

Our academics are open to working in new teams, with new partners to solve complex challenges.

Creating impact by revitalising Indigenous languages

UNSW Indigenous Scientia Fellow and Birrbay woman Dr Liza-Mare Syron is leveraging the transformative power of creative practice to help revitalise Indigenous languages through theatre. Together with Lily Shearer, fellow co-founder of Moogahlin Performing Arts, Liza-Mare illustrates the impact of Water Speaks, a creative collaboration between First Peoples theatre companies from Australia and Turtle Island (Canada). For more information and credits on the work shown in this video, visit Moogahlin Performing Arts

Creating impact by designing immersive experiences

ARC Laureate & UNSW Scientia Professor Jill Bennett and her team co-design immersive art projects with individuals and communities with lived experience of trauma across regional, rural and remote Australia. Founder of the Big Anxiety Festival and the UNSW Big Anxiety Research Centre, Jill shares insights into the kinds of impact immersive art can have, and on the ways we think about mental health services, pointing to new ways of supporting people from the perspective of lived experience. For more information and credits on the projects shown in this video, visit the felt Experience & Empathy Lab (fEEL) and the Big Anxiety Research Centre

Creating impact by co-designing technologies

UNSW Professor of Urban Science Chris Pettit and researchers from the City Analytics Lab co-design tools and technologies that work collaboratively with planners and key decision-makers to shape the future or our cities. Director of the UNSW City Futures Research Centre, Chris explains how through the power of big data, machine learning and visualisation, experts and policymakers can explore what is possible in shaping more liveable, sustainable, resilient, productive, and inclusive cities. For more information on the tools and technologies shown in this video, visit the UNSW City Futures Research Centre.

Creating impact by collaborating with local communities

Dr Marilu Melo Zurita from the School of Humanities & Languages is leading a team of social scientists and water engineers to work with local communities to maintain the health of their waterways. Partnering with Riverwood Community Centre in Canterbury Bankstown and Georges Riverkeeper, the project aims at developing a community engagement model for local councils to improve community water knowledge and promote meaningful long-term connections with water.

Creating impact by speaking uncomfortable truths

Scientia Associate Professor Michael Salter from the UNSW School of Social Sciences is an expert in complex trauma and child sexual exploitation. He collaborates with international peak bodies and advises governments on how survivor-focused research can be integrated into prevention, public policy and practice. Michael shares how researchers have a unique role in pushing for change and opening new opportunities for intervention and investigation.

Creating impact by advocating for equity

UNSW Professor in Special Education and Disability Studies Iva Strnadová and UNSW Adjunct Lecturer Julie Loblinzk OAM from Self Advocacy Sydney are committed to positive change for people with intellectual disabilities through inclusive research, education and respect. Iva and Julie explain how their work has particularly helped to support self-determination and improve the education and health outcomes of students with intellectual disabilities and on the autism spectrum.