The Centre for Urban Transition leads research in the science of cities and urban sustainability transitions. Our research is applied, practical and policy-focused and recognises that innovation to live within planetary boundaries also requires new ways of living, building and governing urban areas.

We do this by using different lenses to investigate drivers, patterns and pathways of urban futures. These lenses produce systemic, integrative and actionable knowledge on cities, people and how they transform.

To enable just, healthy and resilient urban transitions, our research currently focuses on:

To drive this transformation, our research currently focuses on: 

Our strong history of urban research is bolstered by collaborations with the Social Innovation Research Institute, Data Science Research InstituteIverson Health Innovation Research InstituteiHUB National Urban Research Platform, Centre for Transformative Innovation, Centre for Sustainable Infrastructure and Digital Construction, Department of Management and Marketing, and the French-Australian Centre for Energy Transition (FACET).

Our study options

We place a strong priority on teaching and training undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as our early career researchers (ECRs). 

We provide:

  • experience with world-leading research on urban transitions

  • connection and exposure to international research collaborations

  • opportunities to work with industry partners

  • opportunities to communicate research to wide audiences

  • a gateway to contribute to contemporary public policy and practice-related debates.

Our teaching includes a subject within the Bachelor of Arts and two subjects within the Master of Architecture and Urban Design.

Research degrees

We offer excellent supervision and host weekly seminars (CUTransitions Talks) and social activities. As a research centre, we consider higher degree by research (HDR) candidates as young researchers in training and our future peers and have established tailored academic professionalisation seminars for them (Career StartUp Fridays), a representation committee (CUT PhD Voice) and a blog that skills and prepares PhD candidates to become future transition researchers. 

In our centre, PhD Candidates are encouraged to participate in international networks and attend conferences as well as participate in all research activities as part of their academic journey. We welcome enquiries from potential candidates in the behavioural and social sciences and are happy to discuss options for scholarships and funding. 

Find out more about Swinburne research degreesapply for one now or view our current HDR candidates and their thesis topics.

Our national research network

Centre news

How you can reach us

Location

Centre for Urban Transitions
Level 1, EW Building 
Swinburne University of Technology
Hawthorn, VIC 3122

Postal address

Mail 53, PO Box 218
Hawthorn, VIC 3122 

Contact the Centre for Urban Transitions

There are many ways to engage with us. If your organisation is dealing with a complex problem, get in touch to discuss how we can work together to provide solutions. Call us on +61 3 9214 5286 or email cutransitions@swinburne.edu.au.  

Contact us