
Innovative Planet Research Institute
Innovating for a sustainable future.
At Swinburne’s Innovative Planet Research Institute, we connect people, planet and purpose to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. Our mission is to deliver transformative insights, develop cutting-edge solutions and accelerate pathways towards a sustainable, resilient future.
From building resilient communities and designing future cities to advancing sustainable energy, reimagining transport and mobility and addressing health and ageing populations, we work to solve the real-world disruptions impacting lives at home, work and beyond.
We believe collaboration is key to achieving a sustainable future. By partnering with leading global organisations and uniting experts from diverse disciplines, we are creating a focused, coordinated approach to tackle the interconnected challenges of sustainable development.
Our research programs
Our research is transdisciplinary — encompassing urban technology, design and communication, computer and data science, health and psychology, and social science — and always includes at least one external partner.
Our people
Our team brings together expertise in urban environment design and management, transport and mobility solutions, new building infrastructure, and new distributed technologies for energy, water, waste and transport.
Our key capabilities and activities
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Our highlights
Read about events we’ve been part of, significant partnerships and important outcomes from the Innovative Planet Research Institute.
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Supply chain decarbonisation
This research project reviews and analyses the stages required to decarbonise Australia’s freight transport fleet.
Work with us
We have a talented team of researchers across a variety of disciplines who can work with you to solve complex problems of all sizes. Get your project started by following these steps:
Discuss
Step 1
Let us know what challenges you are experiencing, your ideas or your questions and we’ll align our research expertise. Call us on +61 3 9214 5177 or email scri@swinburne.edu.au.
Develop
Step 2
Relevant experts from our team will work with you to create ideas and identify possible solutions to the challenges we are facing.
Resource
Step 3
If the project needs funding, there are various opportunities we can tap into, including applying for external grant funding.
Implement
Step 4
We will design and implement a research project to address the issues at hand and deliver answers.
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Discuss
Step 1
Let us know what challenges you are experiencing, your ideas or your questions and we’ll align our research expertise. Call us on +61 3 9214 5177 or email scri@swinburne.edu.au.
-
Develop
Step 2
Relevant experts from our team will work with you to create ideas and identify possible solutions to the challenges we are facing.
-
Resource
Step 3
If the project needs funding, there are various opportunities we can tap into, including applying for external grant funding.
-
Implement
Step 4
We will design and implement a research project to address the issues at hand and deliver answers.
Our latest news
Discover how we’re driving sustainability through cutting-edge technologies, cross-disciplinary research, and innovative solutions. Explore the impactful work our team is delivering.

- Science
- Sustainability
- Engineering
International project to support Australia’s transition to clean energy with next-gen electrolysers
Swinburne researchers are part of an international team is developing new electrolysers to support Australia’s transition to clean energy.

- Science
- University
- Sustainability
Swinburne announces Professor Joy Sumner as FACET Co-Director
Swinburne has announced Professor Joy Sumner as the new Co-Director of the Franco-Australian Centre for Energy Transition (FACET)

- Engineering
As earthquakes continue to destroy infrastructure around the world, these researchers are making our buildings more earthquake resistant
Infrastructure around the world is not made to cope with earthquakes, but Swinburne researchers are paving the way to make buildings earthquake resistant, thanks to their work in concrete engineering.

- Science
- Sustainability
Swinburne joins global Green Steel Alliance to advance carbon-neutral ironmaking and steelmaking
Swinburne has become a founding member of the global Green Steel Alliance. The Green Steel Alliance brings together leading research and industry stakeholders from around the world to advance the transition to a green economy.

- Technology
- Engineering
5G garbage trucks driving the future of smart cities
A pioneering Swinburne partnership with Brimbank City Council will help identify roadside issues and slash maintenance costs, supported by the Federal Government.
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- Science
- Sustainability
- Engineering
International project to support Australia’s transition to clean energy with next-gen electrolysers
Swinburne researchers are part of an international team is developing new electrolysers to support Australia’s transition to clean energy.
Wednesday 05 February 2025 -
- Science
- University
- Sustainability
Swinburne announces Professor Joy Sumner as FACET Co-Director
Swinburne has announced Professor Joy Sumner as the new Co-Director of the Franco-Australian Centre for Energy Transition (FACET)
Monday 28 April 2025 -
- Engineering
As earthquakes continue to destroy infrastructure around the world, these researchers are making our buildings more earthquake resistant
Infrastructure around the world is not made to cope with earthquakes, but Swinburne researchers are paving the way to make buildings earthquake resistant, thanks to their work in concrete engineering.
Thursday 19 December 2024 -
- Science
- Sustainability
Swinburne joins global Green Steel Alliance to advance carbon-neutral ironmaking and steelmaking
Swinburne has become a founding member of the global Green Steel Alliance. The Green Steel Alliance brings together leading research and industry stakeholders from around the world to advance the transition to a green economy.
Wednesday 12 March 2025 -
- Technology
- Engineering
5G garbage trucks driving the future of smart cities
A pioneering Swinburne partnership with Brimbank City Council will help identify roadside issues and slash maintenance costs, supported by the Federal Government.
Friday 04 February 2022
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Contact the Innovative Planet Research Institute
If your organisation would like to collaborate with us to solve a complex problem, or you simply want to contact our team, get in touch by calling +61 3 9214 5177 or emailing IPRI@swinburne.edu.au.