Research in the news

Following recent anti-immigration protests in Belfast and other Western countries, Scientia Associate Professor Sukhmani Khorana from the School of the Arts & Media discusses how immigration policies and social media algorithms have combined to create a "very potent mix" that accelerates the spread of information and mobilisation of groups.

Hornsby Park is the latest Sydney project to transform a former industrial site into public green space. Dr Elisa Palazzo from the School of Built Environment says projects like these are increasingly important as Sydney grows and more people live in apartments, creating greater demand for public spaces.

Dr Georgia van Toorn from the School of Social Sciences discusses the impact of algorithmic tools in NDIS assessments. While designed to improve speed and consistency, she warns that "a standardised cookie cutter approach is never going to ensure fairness" and argues that fairness should not be confused with consistency.  [Timestamp 15:58]

Recent data has revealed almost 20% of Australian students don’t finish high school. Scientia Professor Andrew Martin from the School of Education explains how quality teaching, positive teacher-student relationships, and having predictable and safe classrooms are key to student retention. [Timestamp 32:21]

As cost-of-living pressures rise, Australian bowling clubs are attracting new and younger members. Professor Robert Freestone from the School of Built Environment explains how clubs that once faced closure have reinvented themselves through a range of changes, including relaxing membership rules and broadening their focus beyond lawn bowls.

Professor Alison Ritter from the Social Policy Research Centre discusses the evaluation of the ACT’s drug decriminalisation laws. She explains how the reforms have redirected people found with small amounts of drugs from the criminal justice system to health services, with the review finding the laws are “operating as intended”. [Timestamp 1:45:22]

Scientia Professor Andrew Martin from the School of Education discusses gap years and the research behind taking time away from study or work. He explains what defines a gap year, who is more likely to take one, and how it may improve motivation and engagement when students return to study. [Timestamp 05:16]

Researchers from the World Health Organization have linked alcohol to more than 60 diseases. Associate Professor Katinka van de Ven from the Social Policy Research Centre says alcohol is “one of the leading contributors” to preventable illness and warns that being legal does not make it less harmful than other drugs. [Timestamp 1:34:15]

As Sydney works to meet housing targets, the NSW Government is reconsidering plans to transform Newtown’s oldest tram depot into a cultural hub. Professor Philip Oldfield from the School of Built Environment says the project reflects how cities must "envision new ways to make spaces important for the community again."

As homelessness rises across Australia, some councils have responded by clearing rough sleeping camps and issuing fines. Dr Andrew Clarke from the School of Social Sciences says the housing crisis has made homelessness more visible in new communities, but emphasises that moving people on “doesn’t solve the problem”.

The NSW Government is revisiting plans to turn Newtown’s oldest tram depot into a community or creative hub. Professor Philip Oldfield from the School of Built Environment says the project gives old spaces new purpose: “Cities are not museums. They change over time.”

Professor Jeremy Moss from the School of Humanities & Languages says climate disasters are shaped as much by social inequality as extreme weather. Discussing climate ethics and “complex causal pathways”, he says climate harms depend on “who is vulnerable and exposed”, not just the physical event.

Dr Alexander Korolev from the School of Social Sciences says the timing of China’s recent meetings with Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin signals a deeper shift in global politics, with China increasingly positioning itself as the “central node” through which major power diplomacy must pass.

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping have signed 20 agreements across technology, trade and other sectors during a recent visit to Beijing. Dr Alexander Korolev from the School of Social Sciences describes the countries’ “no limits” partnership as “powerful rhetoric” rather than a “binding alliance in the traditional sense”.

Rising housing costs are pushing more Australians to live in vans and caravans. Dr Hazel Blunden from the Social Policy Research Centre warns against glamorising the trend, saying it risks “normalising people having to live in a vehicle” as many struggle to afford stable housing. [Timestamp: 12:32]

Australian councils are responding to rising rates of sleeping rough across the country. Dr Andrew Clarke from the School of Social Sciences explains how local governments are addressing the issue and the challenges they face.

A Sydney lawyer is among a growing number of working Australians choosing life on the road as housing and living costs rise. Dr Hazel Blunden from the Social Policy Research Centre warns the trend may “dress up homelessness as a lifestyle choice” and normalise vehicle living driven by financial pressure. 

A recent UNSW study found 67% of Australian councils now see homelessness as a significant local issue, up from 10% in 2010. Dr Andrew Clarke from the School of Social Sciences says councils are often the “first port of call” for communities, despite lacking formal responsibility or dedicated funding to respond. [Timestamp 1:18:37]