Institutes and centres / Research / The University of Newcastle, Australia

Major Centres

Hunter Medical Research Institute

The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) supports the Hunter's internationally recognised health and medical research, education and training. HMRI is a multidisciplinary partnership between the University of Newcastle and Hunter New England Local Health District and the community. Established in 1998, HMRI facilitates collaborations between researchers translating scientific advances into better clinical care, competitive commercial products and improved health care guidelines.

Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources

At the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER), multidisciplinary teams are driving productivity and sustainability gains through applied research focused on innovation that is delivering transformational solutions in sectors of national significance.

Priority Research Centres

Advanced Particle Processing and Transport

The Priority Research Centre for Advanced Particle Processing and Transport is concerned with the science and engineering of particulate systems relevant to industries of national significance, such as in the mineral resources area. We seek to develop faster and more efficient separation technologies, and technologies for the manufacture, storage, and transport of particles.

Brain and Mental Health Research

The Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research (CBMHR) is focused on increasing our understanding of the brain and mind across the lifespan, in the absence and presence of disease. The Centre hosts three platforms for research: Preclinical Neurobiology, Psychological Processes, and Mental and Physical Health.

Cancer Research, Innovation and Translation

The Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation and Translation aims to integrate basic science & clinical research bi-directionally, to facilitate rapid development and implementation of our research discoveries, and to stimulate lab research on priority questions generated from the clinic.

Cardiovascular Health

The Priority Clinical Centre for Cardiovascular Health aims to utilise a comprehensive approach to investigate the underlying mechanisms of various cardiovascular diseases. Research within the centre will span basic science, clinical and translational studies to identify therapeutic targets and enhance clinical outcomes for cardiovascular health across the Hunter region.

Complex Dynamic Systems and Control

The Priority Research Centre for Complex Dynamic Systems and Control specialises in design, control and analysis, as well as performance optimisation for complex dynamic systems.

Computer Assisted Research Mathematics and its Applications

The Priority Research Centre for Computer Assisted Research Mathematics and its Applications (CARMA) explores the development of techniques and tools for computer-assisted discovery and data-mining, including mathematical visualisation.

Digestive Health and Neurogastroenterology

The Priority Research Centre for Digestive Health and Neurogastroenterology brings together multi-disciplinary team which aims to effectively diagnose and treat common functional gut disorders (dyspepsia and IBS), neuromuscular diseases of the gut and eosinophil-driven chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions through technologically advanced research which has identified novel pathophysiological mechanisms.

Drug Development

The Priority Research Centre for Drug Development seeks to unravel the causes of disease by identifying crucial biological targets and pioneering the rapid development of novel drugs for the fight against disease.

Frontier Energy Technologies and Utilisation

The Priority Research Centre for Frontier Energy Technologies and Utilisation conducts cutting edge research on emerging energy technologies, with particular focus on the abatement of greenhouse gases, and clean and sustainable energy production.

Generational Health and Ageing

The Priority Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing investigates health and wellbeing across the life course and over successive generations including social determinants, and the use and effectiveness of health and other services.

Geotechnical Science and Engineering

The Priority Research Centre for Geotechnical Science and Engineering develops new models and innovative computational methods for predicting the behaviour of geomaterials, metals and composites. Advanced computational methods, coupled with laboratory and field testing are key tools in this pursuit.

Grow Up Well

The Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell® focuses on improving child health through discovery and translational research that generates measurable health impacts of significance to our community.

Health Behaviour

The Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour (PRCHB) uses intervention and service delivery to promote healthy behaviours and good quality healthcare across communities.

Healthy Lungs

The Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular processes that are associated with the development and progression of respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Organic Electronics

The Priority Research Centre for Organic Electronics is focused on the scientific challenges in the development of organic photovoltaics for the next generation of environmentally friendly energy sources, photonics and biosensors.

Physical Activity and Nutrition

The Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition investigates physical activity and nutrition for population health, with particular emphasis on education and health promotion strategies for chronic disease prevention, treatment and wellbeing.

Reproductive Science

The Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science conducts research that assists in the molecular understanding of key cellular processes that underpin germ cell differentiation and growth. The Centre is internationally recognised for its contribution to studies of human pregnancy and providing key information on a healthy start to life.

Stroke and Brain Injury

The Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury includes researchers spanning multiple disciplines and faculties, and a strong partnership with the health service to integrate research culture directly into clinical application. The Centre’s focus is on research translation to improve outcomes for patients with stroke and brain injury, locally, nationally and internationally.

Teachers and Teaching Priority Research Centre

The Teachers and Teaching Priority Research Centre aims to achieve high quality research, training and knowledge translation in the development and testing of interventions and innovations that will be used and sustained in the practice of teaching and teacher development across a broad range of contexts.

Australian Research Council (ARC) centres and hubs

Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals

This Centre will transform the minerals industry, establishing a new generation of research leaders to support the innovation needed in creating a green economy for future generations.

Research Hub for Advanced Technologies for Australian Iron ore

Associate Professor Tom Honeyands is the Director of the ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Advanced Technologies for Australian Iron Ore, funded under the Australian Research Council's (ARC) Industrial Transformation Research Program, which is based at the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) at the University of Newcastle. It brings together three internationally recognised areas of research strength—beneficiation, raw materials handling and iron ore characterisation.

Training Centre for Food and Beverage Supply Chain Optimisation

Professor Rick Middleton is leading the ARC Training Centre for Food & Beverage Supply Chain Optimisation in training the next generation of multi-disciplinary researchers capable of designing, building, and managing safe, sustainable, and cost-effective food supply chains, which are vital for growing Australia's food industry and for increasing Australia's food exports.

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) centres and programs

Centre of Excellence in Severe Asthma

The NHMRC Centre of Excellence in Severe Asthma brings together researchers and clinicians from across Australia. Together, we are developing innovative approaches to understand why severe asthma occurs, improve disease diagnosis and management and inform the use of new therapies. The Centre will generate new knowledge about severe asthma, tools and programmes for disease management, test strategies that combine multidisciplinary teams with personalised diagnosis, inform uptake and access of new targeted therapies and translate these initiatives into practice.

Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) for Venom and Antivenom

Centre of Research Excellence for Venom and Antivenom

The Centre of Research Excellence in Translational Venom and Antivenom Research is a collaboration of five Australian universities and two Sri Lankan universities and brings together experts in the fields of venom and antivenom research. The Centre will focus on snake envenoming and the effectiveness and safety of antivenom. Central to improving the treatment of snake bite is the early identification of envenoming as there is increasing evidence that early administration of antivenom is the key to good outcomes. Key to achieving this aim is the development of a cheap, quick bedside test for envenoming and this will be one of the main objectives of the Centre.

Cooperative Research Centres (CRC)

Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment

The CRC for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CARE) develops technologies and policies that improve the way we prevent, assess and clean up contamination of soil, water and air. CRC CARE was initiated and is led by Professor Ravi Naidu, an internationally renowned leader in contamination studies, who also has the roles of Global Innovation Chair and Director of UON’s Global Centre for Environmental Research. Under Professor Naidu’s leadership, CRC CARE has secured $330 million in Commonwealth and industry funding from its launch in 2005 through to 2020, and its extensive international collaboration ensures that Australia both benefits from and contributes to the daunting global challenge of dealing with environmental contamination.

Invasive Animals

The Invasive Animals CRC is focussed on combatting the threat of invasive animals by developing new technologies and integrated strategies that are more humane, target specific, and effective to reduce the impact of invasive animals on Australia's economy, environment and people. Laureate Professor John Aitken from the Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science is leading a program of research investigating non-surgical sterilisation of invasive species.

Soil CRC

The Cooperative Research Centre for High Performance Soils (Soil CRC) is bringing together scientists, industry and farmers to find practical solutions for Australia’s underperforming soils. The Soil CRC aims to enable farmers to increase their productivity and profitability by providing them with knowledge and tools to improve the performance of their soils. It is the biggest collaborative soil research effort in Australia’s history, with 39 Participants that contribute to the Soil CRC through both cash and in-kind contributions.

Multi-Institutional Research Centres

Australia-China Research Centre for Crop Improvement

The Australia-China Research Centre for Crop Improvement focuses on discovering key genes and biological processes controlling plant development and stress tolerance. Improving crop productivity and stress tolerance is crucial to underpin sustainable agriculture and social stability worldwide, so the Centre develops innovative applications to improve food security and agricultural sustainability by bringing together research teams of international excellence in plant biology.

Australian Gastrointestinal Research Alliance

The Australian Gastrointestinal Research Alliance (AGIRA), led by Laureate Professor Nick Talley and Professors Marjorie Walker (Newcastle) and Gerald Holtmann (Brisbane) is a coalition of researchers in gastrointestinal (GI) disease who have expertise in clinical medicine and gastroenterology, mucosal immunology, translational science, pathology, imaging, psychology, and epidemiology in aspects of GI disease in Australia.

Clinical Nutrition Research Centre

Professor Peter Howe from the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy is Director of the Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC). It offers Australia's foremost expertise in the design and conduct of human intervention trials to evaluate cardiovascular, metabolic, anti-inflammatory and mental health benefits of functional nutrients, foods and nutraceuticals.

University centres

Advanced Cyber Security Research Centre

The overall aim of the Advanced Cyber Security Research Centre (ACSRC) is to achieve fundamental advances in the theory, design and management of models and techniques that would enable secure and dependable computing information systems and services.

An important characteristic of ACSRC is its research capabilities and expertise covering both theory and practice in addressing the challenges that arise in achieving secure systems in a heterogeneous mobile distributed environment involving distributed systems, wireless, broadband and peer to peer networks, mobile devices and distributed information services.

African Research, Engagement and Partnerships

The focus of the Centre for African Research, Engagement and Partnerships (CARE-P) is to lead and further enhance the global research capacity, academic excellence, social reputation and humanity of the University of Newcastle through engaging in sustainable and high impact research, teaching and professional consultancy with world class African universities, educational providers, governments and non-government partners.

Australia-China Research Centre for Crop Improvement

Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies

The Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies (CBSPT) is actively involved in both fundamental and applied research on a range of problems associated with bulk solids and particulate technology. Research areas include storage, flow, processing and transportation of bulk solids. CBSPT also provides specialist courses for industry through its professional development programs.

Centre for 21st Century Humanities

The Centre for 21st Century Humanities is focussed on three key themes of e-research, impact, and crossing disciplines. Our vision is for the University of Newcastle to be known for excellence in the humanities to complement our distinction in science, engineering and medicine.

Centre for Drug Repurposing and Medicines Research

The Centre for Drug Repurposing & Medicines Research is committed to improve quality, safety, efficacy and timelines for bringing the most effective drug therapies to patients.

Centre for Innovative Technologies in Rehabilitation Services

CITRS is a research centre set to redefine how medical rehabilitation is delivered in Australia. CITRS’s mandate is to engage with industry and the health care sector to develop novel solutions that will help to prevent disease and facilitate individualised rehabilitation in residential and age care environments and rehabilitation settings.

Excellence for Equity in Higher Education

The Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education (CEEHE) undertakes interdisciplinary, international and collaborative research designed to create the highest standards in equity practice locally, nationally and globally. CEEHE combines the University of Newcastle's extensive experience of equity initiatives locally with the widely acknowledged research expertise of its staff in this field to offer global leadership.

Family Action Centre

The Family Action Centre (FAC) is a research, teaching and practice centre focused on families and their communities. The Centre has a 30 year track record of innovative, dynamic and enduring work that aims to strengthen family and community wellbeing. The assets and diverse resources of families and communities underpin vibrant, cohesive and resilient societies. The FAC is committed to addressing the factors that affect the health, wellbeing, social and educational paths of families, particularly for those challenged by increasingly complex vulnerabilities.

Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER)

The Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER) aims to safeguard people's social, economic and physical health and wellbeing by developing innovative, cost-effective and sustainable technologies and solutions that reduce the impact of pollutants on the environment.

Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN)

Innovation in materials science and research to develop advanced technologies and solutions for the global energy, environment and health sectors.

Health Professional Education

The Centre for Health Professional Education is committed to engaging in a systematic and rigorous program of research that will examine the effectiveness of curricula interventions as well as the impact of health professional education on patient outcomes.

Health Services

The Health Services Research and Innovation Centre (HSRIC) aims to improve the design and management health services with particular emphasis interdisciplinary approaches to addressing critical challenges.

Hunter Research Foundation Centre

The Hunter Research Foundation Centre (HRFC) is a multi-disciplinary research centre focused on building economic and social strength in cities and regions undergoing profound change. Leading researchers work with industry, government and the community to provide socio-economic research and analysis across sectors including health, engineering, energy and the environment. The Centre is the result of a partnership forged between the long-standing Hunter Research Foundation and Newcastle’s world-class university.

HunterWiSE

HunterWiSE is an initiative that establishes mentorship avenues for women in STEM throughout the Hunter region; promoting positive collaboration and sharing of experiences.

Infrastructure Performance and Reliability

The Centre for Infrastructure Performance and Reliability (CIPAR) is at the international forefront in assessing the reliability, safety, durability and management of buildings, bridges, pipelines, aviation, and other infrastructure systems. The pioneering research at CIPAR includes risk and reliability assessment, corrosion of infrastructure, and structural masonry.

International Collaborative Centre for Carbon Futures

An international research collaboration network developing innovative technologies for a sustainable carbon economy.

International Network on Gender, Social Justice and Praxis

The Network is focused on promoting more equitable access to and participation in higher education and lifelong learning around the world, particularly for women.

Ironmaking Materials Research

The Centre for Ironmaking Materials Research (CIMR) is a partnership between NIER and BHP Billiton, aimed at defining the link between fundamental iron ore and metallurgical coal properties and their performance in the ironmaking process.

Literary and Linguistic Computing (CLLC)

The Centre for Literary and Linguistic Computing was established to continue the development and application of statistical and computing tools for the analysis of literary texts.

Mass and Thermal Transport in Engineering Materials

The Centre for Mass and Thermal Transport in Engineering Materials has a very strong research capability in the theory and simulation of mass and thermal transport in a wide variety of materials ranging from disordered and ordered multicomponent alloys to cation-mixed oxides, from metal/ceramic composites to fast ion conductors.

Medical Engineering Research

The Centre has a strong program of medical engineering research spanning applications including medical signal processing, image analysis, virtual reality in medical settings, artificial organs, precision mechatronics, personalised medicine and intelligent implants.

Multiphase Processes

The Centre for Multiphase Processes conducts research in the science and technology of fine particles and bubbles. Multiphase processes, which involve more than one phase of matter, form the basis for all Australian process industries including food, energy, agricultural, production and processing.

Optimal Planning and Operations

The Centre for Optimal Planning and Operations (C-OPT) brings together researchers with expertise in using quantitative methods to develop innovative, customised solutions that help businesses streamline their processes and enhance their decision making.

Plant Science

The Centre for Plant Science is focused on the physiological and molecular mechanisms associated with the regulation of nutrient transport in higher plants.

Purai - Global Indigenous and Diaspora Research

Plurai - Global Indigenous and Diaspora Research

Purai is an exciting research initiative to integrate global and transnational analytical perspectives and frameworks with research on Indigenous and diaspora studies, and other related topics of race and society.

Resources Health and Safety

The Centre for Resources Health and Safety draws on the multidisciplinary expertise of University researchers spanning disciplines including workplace health and safety, psychology, psychiatry, respiratory studies and environmental impacts, to meet sector demand in this area and facilitate industry and government collaborations for the benefit of communities in resource intensive regions.

Rural and Remote Mental Health

The Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH) aims to improve the provision of mental health services through the identification of and response to the needs of rural and remote communities. In particular, this includes the development of appropriate service models for rural mental health care, providing professional development opportunities for clinical staff and offering education and training.

Secure and Reliable Communications

The Centre for Secure and Reliable Communications contributes to developing telecommunication networks that are robust to eavesdropping attacks, interference, and noise.

Social Research and Regional Futures (CSRRF)

The Centre for Social Research and Regional Futures (CSRRF) examine the roles that policy, people and organisations play in changing and developing regional economies and communities, primary industries, energy and resource management, land use planning, and natural environments.

Space Physics

The Centre for Space Physics examines space weather to better understand its impact on billions of dollars’ worth of spacecraft and related infrastructure.

Study of Research Training and Impact (SORTI)

SORTI is focused on understanding and developing research and higher order problem solving skills, and the impact of research training and outcomes.

Study of Violence

The Centre for the Study of Violence is a world-first collaboration that applies new historical knowledge to advance humanity's understanding of violence. Members of the Centre explore every aspect of the history of violence, including concepts of violence, representations of violence, questions of interpersonal violence, and issues of political and cultural violence.

Umulliko Indigenous Higher Education Centre

The Umulliko Indigenous Higher Education Centre seeks a deeper level of framework, in which the past, present and future are combined to form a holistic Indigenous understanding.

Urban and Regional Studies

The Centre for Urban and Regional Studies engages in research focused on the complex political, economic, social, cultural and environmental processes and relations transforming cities and regions.

Water Security and Environmental Sustainability

Water controls Australia’s well-being, environmental health and economy. The Centre for Water Security and Environmental Sustainability (CWSES) is a strategic initiative that builds upon research strengths of ERA 5 groups. It brings together key researchers in Civil, Surveying and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences.

Water, Climate and Land

The Centre for Water, Climate and Land focuses on understanding and dealing with the impacts of climate variability and change in the Asia-Pacific region. Of particular interest are hydrological extremes and how these may change in the future.

Centre for Advanced Energy Integration

The Centre for Advanced Energy Integration is focused on research that integrates new energy technologies and systems related to energy storage, grid systems, energy generation and alternative energy sources.

Faculty groups

Comparative and International Education (CIEGUN)

Comparative and International Education Group University of Newcastle (CIEGUN) brings together a critical mass of established comparative researchers exploring global educational policies and alternatives for contemporary times.

Early Childhood Studies

The Early Childhood Studies research cluster has a focus on research investigating children’s lives and experiences across a range of early childhood education and care contexts. This research focus includes the lives and work of adults who care for and educate young children, e.g. educators, helpers and parents. The early years of children’s lives has been a focus of significant policy and provision developments.

Global Education Research and Teaching (GERT)

The Global Education Research and Teaching (GERT) team specialises in teaching and researching the incorporation of Global Education within the teacher education programs at the University of Newcastle and researching its dissemination within the education system. We teach and research global conceptions of sustainability, human rights and social justice to develop active and informed global citizens.

Global Learning Equity Network (GLEN)

The Global Learning Equity Network (GLEN) aims to reinvent teacher education in the field of learning and the profound role teachers play in addressing issues of equity and student success.

Language and Literacies

The Languages and Literacies research group members come from a range of disciplinary backgrounds including linguistics, English, literacies, history, science, sociology, professional development and school change, and curriculum studies. Members research in the areas of languages pedagogy, assessment, curriculum theory and design, sociology, professional development and school change, inclusion, representation, and media and policy analysis.

Leadership and Management

The Leadership and Management research cluster focuses on how to best prepare teachers and school leaders. Working with the community, collaborating with school leaders to help drive change, enable and empower every child to have great life and ultimately create a better society.

Research Training and Transformational Knowledge

Research Training and Transformational Knowledge research is focused on understanding the development of research and higher order problem solving skills.

Special and Inclusive Education

The Special and Inclusive Education group focuses on the domains of student learning and behaviour as well as teacher education and professional standards for teachers. Our background is in special and inclusive education and support for people with additional needs including severe and multiple disability. Aspects of particular interest include quality of life, communication intervention, positive behavior support, learning difficulties, inclusive practices and teacher professional development.

Australian Journal of Educational and Developmental Psychology

The Australian Journal of Educational and Developmental Psychology (AJEDP) is a double blind peer reviewed online journal, publishing research and scholarly reports from the broad areas of educational and developmental psychology.

Faculty of Business and Law

Asset Pricing and Corporate Governance Studies

The Centre of Asset Pricing and Corporate Governance Studies is a collaborative research group that consists of academics from the University of Newcastle and internationally-recognised academics at other Australian and overseas institutions.

Complaints Management ROI

The Complaints Management Return on Investment (ROI) Research Group is an interdisciplinary team of University of Newcastle researchers whose goal is to improve customer complaint management practice.

Workshop on Institutions and Socio-Economic Development

Focusing on Institutional Design, Change, and Diversity and Socio-Economic Development, The Workshop on Institutions and Socio-economic Development (WISED) is an interdisciplinary research forum designed to contribute to a better understanding of socio-economic development and factors that impede the latter.

Faculty of Education and Arts

Alternative Futures and Regional Prospects Research Network

Alternative Futures Network a world-first collaboration that studies and promotes alternative modes of development beyond Carbon, Capital, and (extracted) Commodities with a focus on the prospects of urban development in Australian regional areas, particularly Hunter Region.

Centre for Early Modern Studies

The Centre for Early Modern Studies brings together a new group of scholars specialising in research on the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, with a concentration of expertise in the literature of Renaissance England, France and North America.

Detective Fiction on the Move

The Detective Fiction on the Move Network at the University of Newcastle, Australia, aims to correct an enduring prejudice regarding detective fiction, namely that it is a static genre stifled by conventions and rules and consequently lacking the sophistication of literary fiction.

Digital Identity, Curation and Education (DICE)

Digital Identity, Curation and Education (DICE) is a network of scholars interested in digital identity, digital footprint, curation of online presence, and serious games for learning

Endangered Languages Documentation, Theory and Application (ELDTA)

ELDTA aims to bring the often institutionally-isolated scholars of early modern women's writing into dialogue with others in the field, both within Australia and internationally.

Early Modern Women Research Network (EMWRN)

Early Modern Women's Research Network

EMWRN aims to bring the often institutionally-isolated scholars of early modern women's writing into dialogue with others in the field, both within Australia and internationally.

Gender, Leadership and Social Sustainability

The GLASS faculty group undertakes high quality independent research to inform best practice policy development and encourage debate and activism for change. GLASS fills a critical gap in research based gender advocacy and policy development.

Global Newcastle Research Network

The Global Newcastle Research Network investigates Newcastle and its identity in the wider world, in the region, and in the city itself. Within it, historians, librarians, and cultural researchers are aiming to find out what makes Newcastle tick in the present, based on its rich past and heritage.

Historical Experience, Representation, Media, Education, Society (HERMES)

HERMES is a multi-institutional, interdisciplinary research network with two main lines of research: historical consciousness and history education.

NEW Writing Newcastle

NEW Writing Newcastle is a new network of Australian-based scholars and practitioners developed to examine creative writing and creative writing research. The centre is designed to harness the considerable successes of the creative writing program, from its multi-award winning teachers to the remarkable successes of its alumni, including national awards and commercial publication.

Newcastle Youth Studies Network

The Newcastle Youth Studies Network examines inequalities that affect young people's lives, with a particular focus on Australia, South-East Asia and the Pacific.

Social Work

The Social Work Research Program has established a strong track record informing social policy, social work education and practice.

Speech Pathology

The speech pathology discipline is distinctive in its diversity and focus on the impact of communication disorders and disabilities in everyday life, as well as on key stakeholders supporting them.

The Future of Madness

The Future of Madness Network aims to bring established, emerging and future scholars together at the University of Newcastle to provide a community of interest in the future of madness studies.

The Society, Health and Disability Research Group

The Society, Health and Disability Research Group comprises researchers from history, sociology, speech pathology, social work, as well as film, TV and media studies, connected by drivers for impact and change.

Wine Studies Research Network

The Wine Network includes scholars from history, social science, business and tourism. The University of Newcastle is the only Australian university actively undertaking interdisciplinary wine studies research in humanities and social science.

Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment

Applied Informatics Research

Informatics is the study of Information Technology and its uses. Applied Informatics emphasises its application to real world problems.

Distributed Computing

The Distributed Computing Research Group (DCRG) is focused on investigating distributed and network computing concepts and implementations.

Environmental Engineering

Engineers are developing new innovative computer and other models to provide methods of assessment of environmental impacts and management of disturbed ecosystems.

Fluid Mechanics and Turbulence

The Fluid Mechanics and Turbulence Research Group is applying an advanced understanding of the physics of turbulence to developments in turbulence computation, control and management.

Interdisciplinary Machine Learning

The Interdisciplinary Machine Learning Research Group (IMLRG) investigates aspects of machine learning, pattern recognition and data analysis in theory, experiments and applications. Particular emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary projects.

Knowledge Engineering Research Team

The Knowledge Engineering Research Team (KERT) brings together academics at the University of Newcastle who have research interests in knowledge engineering, smart knowledge management systems, multi-agent agents, knowledge-based embedded systems and augmented reality.

Hydrogen Technology and Materials

The Hydrogen Technology and Materials Group unites applied and theoretical expertise alike of several academics from the School of Engineering at the University of Newcastle. More specifically, our expertise comprises photocatalytic hydrogen generation, design of next-generation fuel cell stacks, infrastructure durability, advanced materials science, and manufacturing.

Newcastle Robotics Laboratory

The Newcastle Robotics Laboratory is an interdisciplinary research and training initiative of several robotics related research teams from different research areas including applied mathematics, architecture, computer science, control, electrical engineering, neuroscience, mechatronics and software engineering.

Precision Mechatronics Lab

A multidisciplinary group of electrical engineers, mechanical engineers and physicists developing new mechatronic and robotic technologies for fabrication, imaging, and health care

Surveying

The Surveying Research Group is conducting research in the photogrammetry and special information area, in applications of automated image matching and surface shape registration, without the use of control points.

Telecommunications Networks

The Telecommunications Networks Research Group is engaged in research and development across a range of new telecommunications technology, in areas such as 4G wireless communication systems, channel coding techniques, Smart Grid Technology, and machine-to-machine communications.

Water Resources Engineering

The Water Resources Engineering Research Group are developing innovative computer models to provide methods of assessment of environmental impacts and management of disturbed ecosystems.

Wind Energy

The Wind Energy Research Group focuses on the continued design and development of highly-efficient, low-cost small wind turbines.

i3Lab – Interaction, Interfaces, Invention

Human-Computer Interaction research that explores how advanced interactive technologies are applied to real-world problems. The i3 Lab addresses industry-relevant problems where significant value can be gained by the invention of new solutions related to the complex interactions that occur between the humans, computers and data.

Disaster and Development

To advance knowledge and understanding on disaster resilience and sustainable development.

Faculty of Health and Medicine

Adult Lifestyle Incentives for Vitality and Energy

ALIVE is a cross-disciplinary collaboration among our University community that supports health professionals to assist their clients with weight management through lifestyle changes. The group is affiliated with the PRC for Physical Activity and Nutrition (PAN) and The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).

Australian Centre for Evidence Based Nutrition and Dietetics

ACEBaND participates in the University of Newcastle evidence-based synthesis group; which is an affiliated centre of the University of Western Sydney in collaboration with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). It is the only centre with an exclusive focus on nutrition internationally.

Cancer Metastasis Research

The Cancer Metastasis Research Unit is a research-only division of medical biochemistry devoted to research into the biology of cancer metastasis. The Unit provides laboratory training at post-graduate and post-doctoral level.

Chlamydia Research

The Chlamydia Research Group (CRG) is a major research group in the Discipline of Immunology and Microbiology. The group is funded by research grants from the NHMRC, the ARC, the HRC (NZ) and has substantial industry funding and is also part of the HMRI VIVA research group.

Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics

The Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (CCEB) provides national and international education programs in public health for health professionals and the promotion and delivery of trans-disciplinary research into health and health care.

Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

The Discipline of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology is a multidisciplinary group of medicines experts spanning the scientific, clinical and social science aspects of medicines development, clinical trials regulation, pricing, clinical use of medicines and pharmaceutical policy.

Clinical Radiation Research

In Radiation Oncology, one patient's care is managed by many: radiation oncologists (doctors), medical physics specialists, radiation therapists and nurses. Administration staff manage the complex task of fitting in so many people to receive their treatment and follow-up, and Clinical Trials Coordinators make sure that when study participants agree to take part in a trial, they know what to expect.

Clinical Toxicology

The Clinical Toxicology Research Group focuses on improving understanding of poisoning and envenoming in patients and undertaking studies to determine the effectiveness of antidotes and antivenoms in treatment of these conditions.

Education and Nursing Research in Child Health

The Centre for Education and Nursing Research in Child Health's aim is to support and encourage nurses working in child and family health, neonatal, paediatric and adolescent health (hereafter termed child health nursing/nurses) to undertake research, ensure nursing practice in these specialty areas is evidence based and build nurses' post graduate education and professional development.

Fathers and Families

The Fathers and Families Research Program (F&FRP) is a unique Australian research team exploring paternal functions, roles and relationships. The research program is part of the Family Action Centre. The Fathers and Families Research Program links practice, education and research to strengthen families, improve professional practice and increase the capability of communities to work with family systems.

Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy

The Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Research group focuses on research into the use of both ionising and non-ionising radiation in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Mental Health Nursing Research and Practice Development

The Nursing Research and Practice Development Unit (NRPDU) exists within the Priority Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research. The program of research operating from the NRPDU locates research into mental health nursing within a broad framework of mental health services research. The main focus of the program is to assess the effectiveness of nursing led psychological and psychosocial interventions using qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.

Midwifery

The Midwifery Research Group is lead by Dr Virginia Skinner who has worked as a Research Project Officer for Associate Professor Martin Veysey for the previous five years on two studies, one assessing cardiovascular health in an elderly population and the other assessing the relationship between bitter taste, folate intake and the development of bowel polyps before commencing work at the University of Newcastle.

Mothers and Babies

The Mothers and Babies Research Centre is a multidisciplinary group working on maternal, foetal and neonatal health problems.

Newcastle University Evidence-Based Nutrition and Dietetics

NUEBaND is a collaboration that is designed to build the capacity and hence research capacity of the academic and conjoint staff of the University of Newcastle. In Nutrition and Dietetics this is done through collaboration amongst our University community and outreach to the professional practising community, unifying and moving forward.

Nutraceuticals Research

The area of Nutraceuticals has long been the focus of the research group headed by Professor Manohar Garg. Nutraceuticals, dietary supplements and functional foods have been the research focus of the many successful research higher degree students and postdoctoral fellows. This group brings together a number of academic staff members and their research personnel from the Faculty of Health and Medicine, Faculty of Science & IT and Faculty of Education & Arts under one umbrella.

Professional Issues and Acute Care

Researchers involved in Professional Issues and Acute Care are focused on making a difference in the delivery of health services and for health professionals in the clinical environment, often using a multidisciplinary approach.

Youth Outreach for Diabetes

Young people with type 1 diabetes are transferred from comprehensive outreach paediatric services to adult services at around 18 years of age. Many rural adult services have few resources to specifically support them, and the culture is more focused on compliance and long term complications. Young people are expected to have competent self management skills, which is often not the case as there are limited transition programs within Hunter New England Health. This issue is important as they are life longer users of the health care system.

Faculty of Science

Coastal and Marine Science

The Coastal and Marine Science (CaMS) Research Group is a cross-disciplinary team dedicated to improving the health and sustainability of our coastal and marine environments and the societies that depend upon them. The research spans across urban catchment environments, coastal waterways and lakes to the ocean; extending geographically from tropical to temperate locales.

Cognitive Psychology

Cognitive Psychology takes a broad and integrative approach to understanding mental processes. We have particular strength in mathematical modeling and pursue research that integrates behavioural and neuroscience measures.

Conservation Science

The Conservation Science Research Group at The University of Newcastle consists of a team of internationally recognised experts in biodiversity conservation with project experience in the natural environment and biodiversity; environmental monitoring, restoration ecology, behavioural ecology and cognition, instrumentation and analysis; marine pollution impacts; and sustainable adaptation in agriculture and forestry.

Environment and Climate

The Environment and Climate Research Group conduct internationally significant research in hydrology, climatology, palaeoclimatology and landscape modelling. We develop the science and translate it into information or tools that are useful for industry stakeholders or policy makers.

Environmental Water Science

Our research group study water’s importance to ecosystems and humans, its use and management as a resource, and its modification through contamination and pollution.

Exercise and Sport Science

Research within Exercise and Sport Science is interdisciplinary and diverse. Our research covers topics ranging from improving elite sports performance to the positive effects of exercise for both general and clinical populations.

Food Science

The University of Newcastle’s Food Science Research Group combines active research scientists involved in food, plant and marine science, human nutrition and agribusiness, delivering quality research and research education opportunities of relevance to the sector.

Health and Clinical Psychology

The Health and Clinical Psychology Research Group conducts fundamental and applied research into factors associated with psychological wellbeing and physical health across the lifespan.

Marine Natural Products and Chemical Ecology

Marine Natural Products Chemistry is the study of the structure and chemistry of compounds produced by marine plants and animals such as algae and sponges, and their role in nature.

Medical Physics

The Medical Physics Research Group comprises physicists based within the Radiation Oncology Department, Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital. We are a member of the Centre for Information Based Medicine, University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute. We are closely aligned with the Prostate Cancer Trials Group and the Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG) which organise and conduct clinical trials throughout Australasia.

Metabolic Research

The Metabolic Research Group comprises academics studying metabolism at the cellular, tissue and body levels. Research focuses on measuring alterations to homeostasis at the cellular level in the case of bacteria and the whole body in relation to responding to external stimuli.