Research in the news

According to Professor Philip Oldfield from the School of Built Environment, proximity to the city is a key consideration when it comes to housing preferences. He advises, "ask yourself whether you want to live in a smaller place in a dense area closer to the city, or further away in a bigger place."

Professor Philip Oldfield from the School of Built Environment discusses the benefits and challenges of the state's new housing pattern book. He explains that while it provides developers and architects greater certainty, the real challenge is applying pre-defined designs to areas with "diverse characters, contexts and topographies."

How can innovative design solutions address the housing crisis in NSW? Professor Philip Oldfield from the School of Built Environment speaks on the winning designs in the NSW Pattern Book Design Competition, highlighting the considered use of natural shade, light, ventilation and materiality.

Dr Caitlin Buckle from the School of Built Environment unpacks new research showing that housing affordability is a key driver for people moving from urban to regional areas. She notes, "we might even see it continue to be a big factor in decision making as house prices have stayed so high" [timestamp 05:46].

Why are more Australians choosing to live regionally? Dr Caitlin Buckle from the School of Built Environment points out that the high cost of housing is a major factor, making regional areas appear “quite desirable” for both renting and home ownership [timestamp 59:10].

Dr Alexander Korolev from the School of Social Sciences discusses the potential impact of last week’s US election on international alliances, noting that “I wouldn’t exaggerate the significance of Trump’s return to office.” He also highlights the economic implications for Australia arising from the “great power rivalry” between the US and China.

Associate Professor Pan Wang from the School of Humanities & Languages weighs in on emerging reports of age discrimination in Chinese workplaces. Speaking to this trend, she points out that "younger workers are thought of as 'human resources' whereas workers above 35 are viewed as 'human costs.'"

Recent research has revealed a growing trend of Australians moving to regional and remote areas. Dr Caitlin Buckle from the School of Built Environment attributes this shift to rising living costs, housing and lifestyle considerations, and a broader "reconsideration about life priorities". 

Can 3D printing solve Australia's housing crisis? Associate Professor Matthias Hank Haeusler from the School of Built Environment shares his research into the opportunities and limitations of 3D printing technology, particularly as it concerns "communicating and collaborating with other trades" [timestamp 41:01]. 

Is a high-speed train to Newcastle the key to alleviating housing pressure in Sydney? According to Professor Bill Randolph from the City Futures Research Centre, improving rail connectivity could be “very effective” in shifting population spread however, the government would need to consider the cost to travellers.

Recent research has shed light on the increasing demand for social housing in Australia and its deepening impacts 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".