Research in the news

Gubbi Gubbi man Associate Professor Kevin Lowe from the School of Education shares insights into the development of his project aimed at improving the education engagement of First Nations students. He unpacks certain systemic barriers (such as teacher capacity) and the strategies employed to overcome them (like cultural mentors). 

Following the success of the 15th International Congress of Mathematics, conference convenor Professor Kim Beswick from the Gonski Institute for Education reflects on the day's highlights. She also unpacks the important role of events like ICME in fostering diverse perspectives and enhancing innovative thinking [segment starting 0:50:06]. 

From stigmatised stereotypes to poor pay, a new Netflix docuseries has shone a light on the gruelling world of professional cheerleading. Associate Professor Emma Jane from the School of Arts and the Media breaks down how these factors “contribute to making cheerleading more physically dangerous."

Despite long social housing waitlists, new data has revealed that thousands of Melbourne homes sat completely empty or were barely used last year. Speaking to this issue, Dr Chris Martin from the City Futures Research Centre makes a case for implementing land tax to encourage greater housing supply and affordability.

A new campaign calling for a national sexual offenders register has prompted questions around the efficacy of "public naming and shaming". Professor Michael Salter from the School of Social Sciences weighs up the potential benefits and risks, from a "counter-intuitive impact" to an "unjustified sense of security in the public.”

Recent tests on wastewater have revealed a rise in the presence of methylamphetamine, cocaine and nicotine. Professor Alison Ritter from the Drug Policy Modelling Program explains what these results means for decision makers, particularly in identifying areas to target prevention and treatment activities. 

A survey by the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) has found 26% of men aged between 18 and 45 have perpetrated sexual violence in their lifetime. Professor Michael Salter from the School of Social Sciences explains how insights gleaned from this data will inform future policymakers.

What obligations do landlords have to provide comfortable conditions for their tenants? Dr Chris Martin from the City Futures Research Centre unpacks the minimum standards of "fit for habitation" rental properties, including examples of breaches and potential legal remedies. 

Dr Chris Martin from the City Futures Research Centre weighs in on a new federal bill proposing a 10-year national housing and homelessness plan. He describes some of the complex challenges and the ways it could enhance future government decision-making processes and accountability [segment starting 40:18]. 

Four years on and the Culturally Nourishing Schooling project has been successfully cultivating cultural understanding through community immersion. Lead investigator and Gubbi Gubbi man Associate Professor Kevin Lowe from the School of Education details how the program is enriching the lives of educators and students alike. 

What would a national truth-telling process mean for Australia? Gomeroi Professor Heidi Norman and Dr Anne Maree Payne from the School of Humanities & Languages share their research findings into the activities and processes of truth-telling, explaining how it's "not a panacea that will fix every problem facing Indigenous communities". 

Dr Miri Raven from the Social Policy Research Centre discusses the significance of a new international treaty introduced to prevent the for-profit piracy of traditional knowledge. She explains the scope of the treaty, its limitations, and the ethical implications for Indigenous People [segment starting 07:22].