Research in the news

As the NDIS moves to algorithm-generated plans with reduced human oversight, Dr Georgia van Toorn from the School of Social Sciences warns errors in assessments could be “baked in” to budgets with potentially "dire consequences" for participants. She adds that poor transparency and limited appeal rights make implementing safeguards essential.

Dr Georgia van Toorn from the School of Social Sciences discusses the NDIA’s move to reduce human oversight in NDIS plans and budgets generated by AI software. She notes “a computer-generated support plan may not actually produce a very good outcome,” and cautions that budgets risk being misaligned with participants’ needs. [Timestamp 2:31:37]

From mid-2026, NDIS plans will be computer-generated, leaving staff with limited discretion to adjust them. Dr Georgia van Toorn from the School of Social Sciences warns that greater reliance on automated tools and reduced human oversight could “amplify some of the problems" already seen with inadequate plans. [Timestamp 0:21:07]

As Christmas parties and end-of-year events proliferate, many people struggle to reduce their alcohol intake. Dr Katinka Van De Ven from the Social Policy Research Centre offers practical strategies and stresses avoiding “all or nothing thinking” as smaller steps are more likely to support long-term goals. [Timestamp 1:21:20]

Dr Katinka Van De Ven from the Social Policy Research Centre outlines seven practical tips to cut back on alcohol during December. She notes the benefits of reducing or stopping begin immediately, and reminds listeners that “a slip is a slip, not a failure”. [Timestamp 2:42:16]

As AI music platforms like Suno expand through partnerships with major record labels, Professor Emery Schubert from the School of the Arts & Media joins Life Matters for a panel discussion exploring how AI is reshaping creativity, authorship and the blurred boundaries of music-making.

KFC’s new bánh mì-style sandwich has drawn criticism for missing the cultural essence of the Vietnamese classic. Dr Sukhmani Khorana from the School of the Arts & Media notes it is “not just about the ownership of specific recipes and cultural appropriation,” but signals a broader shift toward mass-produced convenience.

A new clinical trial has found that a common antidepressant significantly reduced domestic violence reoffending. Professor Michael Salter from the School of Social Sciences calls the findings a “signal” to health departments and urges a "multi-sectoral response" that treats health as one of many entry points for tailored DV interventions.

Experts have raised concerns over privacy and accuracy after social media platform X introduced a new location feature. Dr Elaine Jing Zhao from the School of the Arts & Media notes VPNs are widely used for many reasons, limiting the tool’s reliability, and warns misinterpretation can lead to “unintended consequences”.

Recent changes to NSW planning laws could see multistorey housing built above some Sydney retail precincts. As population and commute times rise, Professor Chris Pettit from the City Futures Research Centre notes the developments reflect shifting expectations as people increasingly “value proximity to amenities and shops.”

China’s hit dating show has returned to Australia for the fourth time to recruit contestants. With marriage rates falling in China, Professor Pan Wang from the School of Humanities & Languages highlights the program offers viewers “insights into gender relations, social change and the broader forces shaping China today.”

What makes a song feel happy or sad? Beyond tempo, pitch and key, Professor Emery Schubert from the School of the Arts & Media explains that research points to resemblance theory, cultural context and "episodic memory" – links to personal memories – as possible influences on emotional response. [Timestamp 2:04:00]

A QLD study testing illegal steroids for dangerous contaminants has been halted by the state’s drug-checking ban. Dr Katinka van de Ven from the Social Policy Research Centre encourages continued research in the area, emphasising: “we do need to highlight the real risks people face when they buy steroids from the black market.”

The Trump administration has proposed 50-year mortgages to boost housing affordability. Professor Christian Nygaard from the City Futures Research Centre warns the move could affect the economy and tempt borrowers into larger loans, which would “quickly erode” any benefits.

Documents have revealed machine learning is being used to draft plans for NDIS participants. While the NDIA maintains final decisions rest with staff, Dr Georgia Van Toorn from the School of Social Sciences warns of "automation bias" and the risk algorithms may overlook the complex needs of those seeking support.

Since April 2024, two 19-year-old Palestinians have documented daily life in Gaza through Instagram’s #DailyRoutine. Dr Ayesha Jehangir from the School of the Arts & Media emphasises such videos are vital for "watching [the war] without any gatekeeping” from traditional broadcasters and invite global audiences to "take action". [Timestamp 1:54]

Sydney’s first build-to-rent (BTR) apartment building is offering tenants long-term leases, full amenities and freedom to personalise their homes. Dr Chris Martin from the City Futures Research Centre notes BTR may enhance rental security, but warns of overseas cases where “the rise of large corporate landlords has been detrimental to housing.”

Professor Christopher Pettit from the City Futures Research Centre discusses the benefits of a high-speed rail network along Australia’s east coast. From its potential to ease population pressures in Sydney and Melbourne to driving regional development, he notes the project is a “no brainer” for Australia’s future infrastructure.

Professor Christopher Pettit from the City Futures Research Centre discusses the Housing Analytics Lab’s Precinct Feasibility Explorer (PFE) – a real-time tool that models how zoning changes affect development. He notes the PFE helps bridge information gaps between developers and planners, reducing the "fragmented" approach to city planning.

Demand for tiny homes is rising as young Australians are increasingly priced out of traditional housing. While suitable for some, Associate Professor Laura Crommelin from the School of Built Environment warns they don't solve generational inequity, urging: “We need to look much more holistically at how housing markets are working."

A month after the federal government expanded its first homebuyer scheme, some Australians fear it won’t improve their chances of buying. As analysts warn the initiative will increase demand and prices, Dr Chris Martin from the City Futures Research Centre highlights the "increased purchasing power" mainly benefits existing property owners.

Should fatalities and injuries in horseracing be cut from replay footage? Associate Professor Nick Apoifis from the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture notes that while editing “may seem compassionate,” it also risks concealing "uncomfortable truths" about the industry from the public.

One of Sydney’s most celebrated eco-friendly skyscrapers is showing defects a decade after construction. Associate Professor Paul Osmond from the School of Built Environment notes the building has been "quite inspirational" in sparking discussion on green design, but warns more attention is needed on the "lifecycle of ... green infrastructure."

Documents have revealed over 100 NSW childcare centres have reported 118 incidents of child-on-child sexual abuse. Professor Michael Salter from the School of Social Sciences highlights that this type of abuse is often not taken seriously due to "a lack of ... broad-ranging protections for kids".