Impact case studies

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The UNSW mission is to advance Progress for All globally, through transformative education, innovative research and meaningful engagement with people, communities and partners in Australia and around the world.

Explore how we contribute to positive societal change through our impact case studies that showcase where knowledge meets action, innovation sparks change, and progress is driven by our commitment to improve life on Earth for all.

Professor Martin Green portrait at UNSW SYDNEY.

Solar technology: a powerful force to combat climate change

Learn about UNSW Scientia Professor Martin Green and his development of the world’s most commercially viable solar cell technology.

A heart in a box being kept alive by a machine

‘Heart in a Box’ technology increases heart transplants by 25% in 8 years

UNSW Professors Peter Macdonald and Dr Yashutosh Joshi pioneered Heart in a Box technology in 2014 that allows surgeons to transplant donor hearts that have stopped beating after death, also known as donation after cardiac death hearts (DCD hearts).

Two people standing beside the UV-C Water Treatment Unit.

UNSW students provide safe drinking water in Uganda

UNSW Engineering students have worked with Gulu University &  ASEI  to provide safe drinking water to schools & healthcare facilities in Northern & Western Uganda.

Indigenous man spreading ochre on woman's face

Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education through cultural

We're dedicated to recognising that the knowledges and cultures of Indigenous peoples are a resource all Australians can learn from. Discover the Culturally Nourishing Schooling and Cultural Residents Project led by UNSW’s School of Education in the faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture.

UNSW students give free tax advice to financially vulnerable people

UNSW Tax and Business Advisory Clinic offers a free, year-round, state-wide business clinic for people in serious financial hardship.

Campus mall walkway aerial shot showing solar panels and green trees lining the main mall

Towards Net Zero: UNSW runs on 100% renewable electricity

Globally, the shift towards producing and using renewable energy is increasing. Over the past decade the production of renewable energy has more than doubled, and its share of total primary energy consumption has grown from 9% to 13%. However, despite this growth, the use of fossil fuels is still increasing to meet energy demands.

UNSW’s SMaRT Centre

Developing innovative solutions for waste challenges.

UNSW RNA Institute

Linking multidisciplinary teams in RNA biology, RNA chemistry and RNA medicine to solve complex challenges.

Pioneering a quantum future

Creating the world’s first commercially viable quantum computer.

Restoring platypuses to the Royal National Park

Platypuses return after being locally extinct for over 50 years.

iFire

AI-driven visualisations to transform our preparation for and response to extreme fires.

Enhancing ecosystems: Living Sea Walls

The Living Seawalls project aims to investigate methods to enhance the ecological value of artificial structures in the marine environment such as seawalls and pilings.

Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy

The UNSW SMaRT Centre is the recycling stream lead for the $277 million Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) Program.

Gateway Program: Low SES pathway to UNSW

Our Gateway Admission Pathway gives you the opportunity to receive an early offer and lowers the required ATAR for your chosen degree.

Uluru Statement from the Heart

UNSW supports Indigenous constitutional recognition and self-determination.

Matraville Education Partnership

The UNSW Matraville Education Partnership is an ongoing community engagement initiative between the UNSW School of Education and Matraville Sports High School (MSHS), and the broader Little Bay Community of Schools (LBCoS) serving children in southeast Sydney.

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Impact case studies

Learn more about our impactful work at UNSW

UNSW’s SMaRT Centre

UNSW RNA Institute

Pioneering a quantum future