Our research

Through our research the School of Social and Political Sciences aims to redefine the world, changing what matters. We undertake disciplinary and multi-disciplinary research which is underpinned by our shared values of intellectual freedom, integrity, social justice, diversity, and environmental sustainability.

Featured projects

Our world class research is influential in many fields beyond academia and our social and political scientists make a significant difference to people’s lives both nationally and internationally. Explore our broad range of current and completed research projects.

  • Community employment partnerships

    This project investigated how a successful model for promoting employment for people with disabilities could be adapted for implementation in Australia.

  • Women’s collective action and the village law in Indonesia

    How women are driving change and shaping pathways for gender-inclusive development in rural Indonesia.

  • Minutes of Evidence

    A collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers, education experts, performance artists, community members, government and community organisations that sheds light on the little-known history of the 1881 Victorian Parliamentary Coranderrk Inquiry.

  • Nga Tūmanakotanga

    Nga Tūmanakotanga (Turning the Tide on Prison Violence) is a project investigating the commissioning of institutional violence and how it might best be prevented.

  • The future cemetery

    This research investigates the potential of new and innovative technologies to be incorporated into Australian cemeteries and memorial spaces.

Explore our projects

Collaborations and partnerships

Our collaborations and partnerships are truly global in nature and generate significant impact both in academic and non-academic contexts.

Research networks

  • Comparative Network on Refugee Externalisation Policies (CONREP)

    CONREP is an international, interdisciplinary six-university network that researches the impact and effects of the externalisation of refugee policies in two regions.

  • Justice-involved Young People (JYP) Network

    Connecting people working for better outcomes for justice-involved young people in Victoria.

  • Medicinal Psychedelics Research Network (MPRN)

    The Medicinal Psychedelics Research Network (MPRN) brings together multidisciplinary researchers, policymakers and regulators to focus on the emerging field of medicinal psychedelics.

  • Myanmar Research Network

    Myanmar Research Network (MRN) is a network of academics, practitioners and students within and beyond the University of Melbourne. The Myanmar Research Network regularly engages in cutting edge research, seminars and events focusing on socio-political, historical, economic, development and other issues in Myanmar or affecting Myanmar communities.

  • Narrative Network

    The Narrative Network is a network for academics at the University of Melbourne interested in narrative research, founded by Ashley Barnwell and Signe Ravn. The network comprises 70+ members from across the Faculty of Arts and beyond.

  • Disability, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative

    Centering the voices, experiences and expertise of people with disability across the life through research, training, engagement, and service activities

  • MPLAST Research Network

    The Melbourne Political, Legal and Social Theory Network (MPLAST), established in 2018, is a Melbourne-wide forum that brings together theorists based at multiple Melbourne universities, campuses, and departments, working across intersecting disciplinary research fields.

Contact us

The School welcomes research collaboration.
Contact us to learn more about partnering opportunities with the School of Social and Political Sciences.

Contact us