Research in the news

Recent research has shed light on the increasing demand for social housing in Australia and its significant effects on regional communities. Professor kylie valentine from the Social Policy Research Centre notes that regional providers are seeing more working families apply, many of whom are considering social housing for the first time [57:18].

A new three-year wage deal is set to transform the working conditions of NSW's public school teachers. Dr Meghan Stacey from the School of Education unpacks the long-term benefits of this agreement, emphasising that it's “absolutely essential if we’re going to attract future teachers, and keep the ones we already have in the classroom."

This year saw a record number of students submitting for early entry into universities. Scientia Professor Andrew Martin from the School of Education shares his research into this phenomenon as it relates to a student's sense of motivation, engagement and "academic buoyancy" [timestamp 08:06]. 

A year ago, the ACT became the first Australian jurisdiction to decriminalise personal possession of small amounts of illicit drugs. According to Dr Paul Kelaita from the Social Policy Research Centre, this approach recognises the importance of "health and social responses which are evidence-based and cost effective" [timestamp 1:52:01]. 

Experts and advocates have expressed concerns over the knock-on effects of Australia's declining mathematics enrolments. According to Emeritus Professor John Sweller from the School of Education, the crux of this crisis can be addressed by inspiring "a student’s feeling of competence". 

As competition for gifted students to get admitted into selective schools becomes more rigorous and demanding, Professor Jae Jung from the School of Education calls for the Department of Education to increase the number of places available.

Professor Jill Bennett from the Big Anxiety Research Centre discusses a new partnership between UNSW and Youturn that will see the roll-out of a pioneering mental health intervention. She explains how this opportunity will offer "a practical and inspiring resource for young people who may struggle with traditional therapy methods.”

Experts have raised concerns over the disturbing trend of children accessing sugar dating platforms. Professor Michael Salter from the School of Social Sciences shares how exposure to consumer lifestyle and sexual content on social media contributes to this "very dark" issue, and emphasises the need for age-verification technology. 

Are exams the best measure of success in learning? Scientia Professor Andrew Martin from the School of Education explains how testing, when the outcome is focused on learning and learner development, is an effective tool not only students but equally for educators to "see what adjustments in instruction and teaching can happen".

Professor Chris Pettit from the City Futures Research Centre discusses the potential of a high speed rail build between Sydney and Newcastle. He explains how it "could help address a number of challenges around affordable housing and how we plan for future growth across Australia" [timestamp 2:03:04].

Experts have expressed concerns that the current government will not deliver national housing targets. According to Professor Chyi Lin Lee from the School of Built Environment, while housing affordability is unlikely to improve in the short term without significant intervention, higher density housing could provide some relief. 

What causes earworms? Professor Emery Schubert from the School of Arts & Media shares what makes a song "a good candidate" and explains how research into earworms has shifted, suggesting "a more nuanced story" than previously thought [timestamp 1:44:31].

According to Professor Bill Randolph from City Futures Research Centre, housing markets are primarily responsible for creating defined job clusters across Sydney. He emphasises that “unless you start to build affordable homes in unaffordable places that polarisation can’t go backwards."  

Professor Bill Randolph from City Futures Research Centre weighs in on new research revealing occupation clusters across Sydney suburbs. He identifies housing affordability as a determining factor and unpacks some of the issues arising from a less "egalitarian spread of people" [timestamp 1:42:29].  

Professor Philip Oldfield from the School of Built Environment says a proposal to scrap the “solar access” requirement for apartments could usher in a generation of poor-quality, uncomfortable and lower-amenity homes.