Deakin's Centre for Resilient and Inclusive Societies (CRIS), led by the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation (ADI), addresses societal challenges like racism, systemic bias, extremism and economic inequities.
We are committed to fostering positive social change by producing rigorous analysis and robust evidence that informs meaningful solutions, engaging communities at all stages of the research process.
We focus on fostering resilient, inclusive societies through four key research themes, each addressing critical social challenges and promoting positive change.
We investigate significant threats to social cohesion posed by racism and hate. Our research empowers communities with insights and strategies to foster resilience and implement positive, community-based interventions that enhance social belonging.
We investigate community-driven approaches to resilience against social harms, including violent extremism. Our projects emphasise co-design and co-delivery, working with communities to build trust and foster engagement with government initiatives for more effective outcomes.
Our research explores the issues faced by diverse young people in today's digital landscape. We examine their roles as civic leaders and the impact of digital media on their wellbeing, striving to enhance social cohesion and resilience through youth engagement and empowerment.
We analyse the tactics of extremist groups and their motivations, focusing on the dynamics between the far right and radical left. Our goal is to provide empirical insights that inform strategies for countering extremism and promoting understanding across ideological divides.
Be part of our mission to drive meaningful change and enhance social cohesion. Together, we can build resilient, vibrant societies for all.
We create a space and a relationship between government, academic researchers and communities that will further strengthen social and cultural wellbeing and safety for all Victorians.
Professor Michele Grossman
Director, Centre for Resilient and Inclusive Societies
The Centre for Resilient and Inclusive Societies is home to a diverse team dedicated to addressing social challenges and enhancing community resilience.
Professor Michele Grossman is director of CRIS and research chair in diversity and community resilience at the Alfred Deakin Institute. A terrorism studies researcher, she focuses on preventing violent extremism through community engagement and has developed the BRAVE measure for understanding vulnerability factors.
Professor Shahram Akbarzadeh is the deputy director of CRIS, specialising in Middle East and Central Asian politics. His research explores the role of Islam in foreign policy and sectarianism, contributing to discussions on democracy and Muslim integration in Australia.
Our researchers are tackling critical societal challenges through innovative initiatives that promote resilience and inclusion.
This project builds on previous findings to address the online challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. By countering misinformation that strains social cohesion, we aim to enhance civic trust and support the mental health of Australians.
This project explores the connections between anti-women ideologies and violent extremism. By investigating how these sentiments contribute to real-world harm, we aim to develop targeted counter-extremism strategies that protect vulnerable groups and promote community safety.
We partner with universities and communities to tackle issues like racism, extremism and systemic bias. Our key collaborators include Deakin University, Western Sydney University and the Australian Multicultural Foundation.
We engage communities throughout the research process, prioritising inclusive practices. Through initiatives like Explore, we foster the next generation of youth researchers, working together to create meaningful social change and promote resilience.
We’d love to hear from you! If you have questions about our research, wish to collaborate or have feedback to share, reach out to our team.
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Visit the Centre for Resilient and Inclusive Societies website
