Research in the news

Professor Michael Salter from the School of Social Sciences has commented on the state of the childcare sector following multiple sexual assault charges against a Victorian man. He highlights that "regulation is a huge issue here" and stresses the urgent need for a national inquiry to better protect this "particularly vulnerable group of victims." 

Professor Simon Pinnegar from the City Futures Research Centre shares insights from his research into resident-led collective property sales. He observes that this emerging trend "points to the need for stronger urban policy levers... to ensure Sydney gets the housing outcomes it needs."

According to Dr Kate Dunn from the School of Built Environment, "there are really big benefits to 3D printing and sustainability in construction." She explains that this approach requires less material than traditional construction methods and is often considered a more affordable option.

According to Dr Chris Martin from the City Futures Research Centre, his latest research highlights "the really dreadful state of our tenancy market" and underscores the need for better education around rental rights. He notes that while some support services do exist, they're "spread too thin." [Timestamp 2:03:51]

From rental increases to maintenance issues, a new joint report by ACOSS and UNSW has highlighted the key stressors renters are facing. According to Dr Chris Martin from the City Futures Research Centre, "there's this pervasive worry” among the vast majority of renters that raising concerns with landlords could put their housing at risk.

Lead author Dr Chris Martin from the City Futures Research Centre shares insights from his report, which surveyed 1,000 renters nationwide. He highlights several factors contributing to why "it's so tough for renters right now," pointing to the prevalence of rental hikes and the continued use of no-grounds evictions. [Timestamp 25:20]

In a stressed rental market, can tenants comfortably assert their rights? Dr Chris Martin from the City Futures Research Centre shares his research findings and underscores the need to better resource support services—"to make tennants feel more secure at home and raise problems with their landlords." [Timestamp 08:37]

Amid soaring median rental prices and a highly competitive housing market, Dr Chris Martin from the City Futures Research Centre highlights the fear and insecurity many tenants feel when asserting their rights—such as requesting repairs. He notes that this anxiety is even more acute among unemployed renters and people with disabilities.

Professor Jae Jung from the School of Education weighs in on the state government's pledge to roll out gifted education programs in every NSW public school. He highlights the need for educators to be supported in implementing this initiative, noting that gifted education is not yet a "mandated part of teacher training programs."

Scientia Associate Professor Sukhmani Khorana from the School of the Arts & Media has condemned the wave of racist commentary on social media following the Air India plane crash, describing it as "dehumanising." She calls for greater transparency in content moderation practices and advocates for stronger digital safeguards.

Dr Timothy Heffernan from the School of Built Environment highlights the escalating threat of climate disasters amid Australia's ongoing housing crisis. He warns that there are "not enough solutions for when housing is disrupted," leading to vulnerable Australians being "pushed into quite insecure housing situations or even homelessness."

Associate Professor Wang Pan from the School of Humanities & Languages weighs in on the Chinese government's recent crackdown on 'boys’ love' fiction. She unpacks the public backlash to this act of targeted censorship, highlighting the harmful consequences for the genre’s predominantly female authors.

New research has highlighted a growing gender gap in reading rates, contributing to poorer long term outcomes for young boys. Scientia Professor Andrew Martin from the School of Education explores the lasting impact of Whitlam-era policies and underscores the critical role of literacy which "cuts across the entire curriculum." 

According to Professor Michael Salter from the School of Social Sciences, “the emergence of AI has been something of a vortex of doom in the online child protection space.” He explains how this technology is being exploited by abusers to commercialise child sexual abuse material and acknowledges critical gaps in current detection technologies.

Amid new figures revealing the extent of Sydney's housing affordability crisis, Professor Hal Pawson from the City Futures Research Centre warns that "homeownership is becoming hereditary" and assesses the effectiveness of current government support schemes.