Enriching our regions
The University of Newcastle research priorities reflect the mission-driven issues we have the capacity, expertise and civic responsibility to address.
A focus on the future
Whether it’s improving the health of people and communities, forging new connections, unearthing renewable energy solutions or driving growth and investment across our regions – our researchers are working towards a healthier, sustainable and connected future.
Our Looking Ahead Strategic Plan outlines four Engagement Priorities that guide our research, education and partnership efforts. By leveraging our unique heritage – and our academic and research excellence – we will create the ultimate test bed for innovation.
Better, healthier living
We will deliver better health outcomes and contribute to improving the wellbeing of our communities.
Using the cold virus to kill cancer cells
Professor Darren Shafren’s research into the common cold virus has led to a major cancer treatment breakthrough and one of the largest biotech acquisitions in Australian history.
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Concussion research proves game-changing
Considered one of Australia’s top concussion researchers, Associate Professor Andrew Gardner is leading one of the world’s largest longitudinal studies to help reduce the risk of concussive injury in sport and improve care for current and retired athletes.
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How 57,000 women are shaping health policy in Australia
University of Newcastle researchers helped create the largest and longest-running women’s health study in Australian history. With more than 20 years of insights already in hand and a long track record of impact, the team received a major funding boost in late 2020 to keep the insights coming.
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Connected communities
We will create a stronger, more inclusive society by collaborating with communities to build local capacity, social connectedness, and sense of belonging.
Australia's frontier violence exposed
Researchers have created a world-first digital map to expose massacres on Australia’s Colonial Frontier.
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Transforming quality teaching to improve student outcomes
University of Newcastle education researchers have transformed teaching practices and student outcomes in more than 2,500 schools – and they’re just getting started.
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Virtual reality unearths ancient Indigenous artefacts
Modern technology is providing a glimpse into the world’s oldest surviving culture, with 3D digital scanning and virtual reality re-creating a 6,500-year-old archaeological site in Newcastle, Australia.
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Next generation resources
We will bring the world closer to a sustainable future with solutions for the use of natural resources and the development of new energy technologies.
Creating a new energy future
Australia is turning to hydrogen as part of a new energy mix. As a research and innovation powerhouse, we are collaborating with industry and government partners to drive hydrogen opportunities that will make a positive difference to our regions and our world.
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New tropical cyclone outlook model could save lives in the Pacific
People in Fiji, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and other island nations in the Southwest Pacific will have months more to prepare for tropical cyclones, thanks to a new outlook model published today in Scientific Reports.
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The missing block to build an all-renewable electric grid
A new type of thermal storage material, housed in blocks like LEGO®, could see coal-fired power stations converted to run entirely fossil-fuel free.
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Growing Industries
We will harness our regions' innovative spirit and history of transformation to help grow our current industries and drive investment into future opportunities.
Food and Agribusiness Doctoral Training Centre established on the Central Coast
As the first centre of its kind on the Central Coast, the Food and Agribusiness DTC will provide a platform for inter-disciplinary research and training in an industry that has strong regional ties, and is committed to collaboration and innovation through education and research.
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Collaboration across the defence and aerospace sectors
Not only do we have a breadth of research and teaching expertise, our location is ideal for pursuing close collaborations with the Hunter region's thriving and diverse Defence sector.
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Hunter Region Nominated as a Hydrogen Technology Cluster
The Hunter Hydrogen Technology Cluster, as the only Regional Cluster for NSW, is supported by several local industry associations, businesses, TAFE and The University of Newcastle, and spans the Hunter, Central Coast and Orana regions of the state.
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Partnerships
We have strong partnerships with government and industry to drive innovation across areas of national and global significance. Our University is working with a variety of stakeholders to begin the attraction of new industries and investment, and lead hydrogen research development and demonstration.
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.