Institute for Regional Futures
Institute for Regional Futures
The Institute for Regional Futures recognises the significant social, cultural, spatial and economic contribution of regional Australia to the nation and is invested in realising its vast potential. Based in the Hunter, our Institute is of and for regions. Our focus is on regions and regionalism nationally and internationally.
About the Institute
The Institute for Regional Futures is one of the University’s flagship research institutes. For decades, the Institute has partnered with governments, industries and communities providing evidence and strategy to support them to make the best decisions for their future and the future of their regions.
Priority focus areas
Why do regions matter? 1:24min
Hear first-hand from the community about why regions matter.
Services
Optimising your organisation
Our team will partner with you to enhance your organisation across priority areas to improve performance and delivery, and strengthen capability.
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Planning inspired by fresh thinking
Our team of qualitative and quantitative experts will partner with you to build the evidence-base and provide the insights you need to underpin quality planning and delivery.
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Fostering real connections
Our team comprises leaders in communication and engagement. They design and deliver innovative methodologies across a range of sectors. We have extensive experience working with communities and stakeholders in contested and sensitive areas.
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Publications
Our research projects generate insights and impact for our government, industry and community partners. A collection of publications showcasing our work is available on Open Research Newcastle, the University of Newcastle's open access repository.
Hunter Insight Dashboard
Hunter Insight Dashboard
Economic Update - July 2025
Hunter Insight Series
The Hunter Insight Series brings together the Hunter Research Foundation Centre's wealth of data and the latest research from the Institute for Regional Futures. Through this series, we delve into the social, economic and environmental factors at play in the Hunter and other regions. We highlight key considerations for decision-makers, and the challenges and opportunities for the road ahead.
Wine Studies Research Network
Supporting future investments and growth
News
Community collaboration takes flight in bird opera workshop
University of Newcastle researchers have hosted an inaugural Bird Opera Workshop with more than 120 school students from across the region. Together they explored creativity, storytelling and cultural expression through music, movement and language.
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Beauty without barriers
At Startup Stories on Wednesday 4 September, Storm described how a broken hand exposed the hidden design flaws in everyday makeup products.
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Beauty without barriers
At Startup Stories on Wednesday 4 September, Storm described how a broken hand exposed the hidden design flaws in everyday makeup products.
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Collaboration commitment to support Hunter wine industry’s future
A bold vision to secure the long-term sustainability of the Hunter Valley wine industry was the focus of the first Hunter Insights Series event for 2025, hosted by the University of Newcastle’s Institute for Regional Futures.
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University of Newcastle ranked 2nd in World for Climate Action
The University of Newcastle’s strong commitment to sustainability has been recognised globally, with the university ranking second in the world for Climate Action in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
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I2N Pre-Accelerator expands to Central Coast
The University of Newcastle is expanding its successful I2N Pre-Accelerator program into the Central Coast, providing two location options for the 2025 intake.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.