Deakin Science and Society Network
Science-literate social research and socially-engaged science
How our research bridges disciplinary divides
The Deakin Science and Society Network is an engine for interdisciplinary research at Deakin. Together we address the world’s biggest challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, health, and food and water security. We reach across the disciplinary divides of universities and institutions, as well as the divides between research, policy and practice, to meet these challenges.
Our research streams
Our projects and activities are organised around four streams of research led by an interdisciplinary team of scholars.
Transitioning to a net zero future
Science and research will help Australia take the technological leaps needed to achieve a net zero economy by 2050, with emissions levels 43% below 2005 levels by 2030.
Building a secure and resilient nation
Through research, Australia will strengthen its democratic institutions and freedoms while addressing challenges from foreign interference, misinformation and disinformation, and polarisation.
Elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems
The science and research system will evolve to protect and elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges. It will build practices that can weave in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges.
Protecting and restoring Australia’s environment
We will harness the potential of Australia’s science and research system to protect our unique environments from the impacts of climate change and other threats. Australia will use advances in knowledge and techniques to monitor, restore and preserve biodiversity, landscapes and ecosystems.
Supporting healthy and thriving communities
Scientists and researchers will work with communities and individuals to develop the technologies, tools and techniques for more Australians to enjoy healthier lives from birth well into old age. New treatments, medicines and therapies will help the healthcare system to better adapt to and support our ageing population.
Help us tackle important global challenges
Join the Deakin Science and Society Network to engage in vital global research through seminars and discussions, and support early- and mid-career researchers in developing ideas, finding partners and securing funding.
We have funded interdisciplinary projects ranging from well-being in space to developing a new bowel cancer screening tool to decolonising the secondary science curriculum. Many of our grantees go on to win further grants and international acclaim.
Convenor, Deakin Science and Society Network
Our leaders
Each research stream is co-led by two academics – typically one from humanities and social sciences and one from science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.
Associate Professor Radhika Gorur is the convenor of the Deakin Science and Society Network and a member of the School of Education and the Centre for Research for Educational Impact. Her research interests include education policy, regulation and reform, global networks, and the social studies of science and technology, particularly critical data studies.
Associate Professor Vicki Huang is the deputy convenor of the Deakin Science and Society Network and a faculty member at Deakin Law School. She utilises quantitative empirical methods to challenge assumptions in law, focusing on the intersections between patents and gender, and trademarks and race.
Featured projects
The Deakin Science and Society Network Incubator scheme supports interdisciplinary collaborative research led by Deakin early- and mid-career academics to address significant social issues. Our projects achieve an impressive 4:1 return on investment, with researchers leveraging their work to secure external funding, inform policy and build partnerships across various sectors.
Commercial determinants of Indigenous health
Led by Dr Jennifer Browne, this project identifies the commercial drivers that influence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing. Initially conceived as a 2022 incubator grant, it has successfully secured a Victorian Health Ideas grant and received $1.2 million in funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
Sustainable art from textile wastes
This project, led by Associate Professor Rangam Rajkhowa, focuses on capturing coloured fibre from end-of-life textiles for reuse as pigments in Australian Indigenous art. Following a 2023 Incubator grant, the team secured additional funding from Sustainability Victoria and won gold at the prestigious 2023 Anthem Awards.
Contact us
We’d love to hear from you! If you’re interested in our research, funding opportunities or want to stay updated on the latest developments, reach out to the team.
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