Researching critical social issues

The Social Policy Research Centre makes a positive impact through independent and leading research that tackles critical social issues.

Our research

We're dedicated to tackling critical social issues through research with a focus on poverty, inequality, wellbeing and justice. Explore our research areas to learn more.

Our people

Our researchers are leaders in their fields, with a strong reputation in the academic community, lending authority to our work and influence to public debate.

Our projects

We focus on projects that enhance the lives and wellbeing of individuals and communities. Our research enlightens public debate and enhances policy formation, both nationally and internationally.

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Treatment for drug and alcohol misuse should involve families and communities

Alcohol and drug addiction impacts families as well as the people afflicted.

Apr 26, 2023

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Health and wellness Social Policy Research Centre

Prisons weakest link in the fight against blood borne viruses in Australia

Harm reduction programs in prisons will be key to achieving public health goals, says UNSW and sector experts.

Mar 14, 2023

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Public health Hepatitis C, HCV, hepC Social Affairs Prison Social Policy Research Centre

UNSW Professor Deborah Brennan co-leads inquiry into universal child care

Prof. Brennan is an international leader in families and work, comparative social policy, gender, and politics.

Feb 14, 2023

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Art, Architecture & Design

The rent crisis is set to spread: here's the case for doubling rent assistance

Rent assistance is only $10-14 per day, well below rent levels.

Jan 12, 2023

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Social Affairs Social Policy Research Centre

Lease your way to owning: how do rent-to-buy schemes work?

Fewer young people have the means to buy their first home, but is there a way to shortcut a failing system?

Jun 06, 2023

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Social Affairs Housing and urban planning policy School of Built Environment

A sustainable Australia depends on what happens in our cities – that's why we need a national urban policy

Our largest cities are central to achieving sustainability in a time of climate change. The federal government has begun to act on the need for coherent urban policies.

Jun 01, 2023

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Social Affairs Housing and urban planning policy School of Built Environment

Saving humanity: here’s a radical approach to building a sustainable and just society

Human civilisation is headed for collapse. Collectively, we are pushing planet Earth beyond the limits of endurance. There has to be a better way. Now a new book makes the case for systemic change.

May 19, 2023

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Social Affairs Climate Change Research Centre (CCRC) Economics Climate change Sustainability Population growth School of Economics Earth and Sustainability Science Research Centre (ESSRC)

Treatment for drug and alcohol misuse should involve families and communities

Alcohol and drug addiction impacts families as well as the people afflicted.

Apr 26, 2023

Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) Health and wellness Social Policy Research Centre

Social Policy Research Centre's acknowledgement

UNSW Sydney’s Kensington campus is built on the land of the Aboriginal people. We pay our respects to the Bedegal people of the Eora nation who are the Custodians of this land.

We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the First Australians, whose lands, winds and waters we all now share, and pay respect to their unique values, and their continuing and enduring cultures which deepen and enrich the life of our nation and communities.

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