Flinders Wicked Problems Report
Australians have once again voiced their Top 15 Wicked Problems
Following the inaugural Flinders Wicked Problems Report released in 2025, we once again invited Australians from across the nation to share the issues that matter most to them in their local communities. These voices shape the 2026 edition of the Flinders Wicked Problems Report.
Australians continue to share many of the same concerns, but there are some interesting differences depending on who they are and where they live.
Flinders is bringing together a broad range of expertise, working in collaboration with government, industry and community, creating new knowledge to tackle the problems that Australians care about the most.
Working together to make the world a fairer, healthier and more prosperous place for generations to come.
For further information about this report, and for all media enquiries, including speaking to our experts, please get in touch:
Are you a Flinders staff member? Access the data and resources from the staff page here
Making a difference with research that matters.
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Australians reveal the impact of wicked problems
Which generation is happier? How are the different states grappling with cost-of-living and other top concerns?
Why people turn to extremism
New research shows it’s driven by two very different mindsets.
Breathlessness is affecting sex, but no one talks about it
Being constantly short of breath doesn’t just limit how far you can walk.
The mystery behind COVID vaccine blood clots
Researchers have uncovered the cause of lethal blood clots linked to certain vaccines.
Breakthrough could transform cancer care
A simple chemistry breakthrough is setting off a chain reaction with enormous potential
Science proves emotional eating is not your fault
Research shows why dieters often break their healthy‑eating goals
Why youth are more likely to believe conspiracies
Their belief might not be for the reasons people assume.
How microbes control our bodies, brains & the planet
They may be invisible to the naked eye, but microbes are making a big impact.
Home is where the care is: rethinking ageing in Aus
OPINION: For Professor Maria Inacio, aged care is more than a profession - it’s personal.
Devices bringing life-saving care to isolated areas
Technology helping overcome the challenge of distance to deliver life-saving care.
Cultural knowledge meets conservation
Many of Australia’s sacred sites face growing preservation pressure.
Seven ways science is changing lives
A potential cancer-fighting compound made from mushrooms is just one project.
Climate change linked to dangerous sleep apnea
Sleep apnea will become more common and more severe due to global warming.
Making sure Australia’s water is secured
In many regions, groundwater is the only source of water available
How thinking outside the box can help curb crime
Australia is confronting a significant issue with reincarceration.
‘I didn’t go to the GP because I couldn't afford it’
How we can change the conversation on healthcare access.
School bullying: Looking at the bigger picture
The impacts of school bullying can be deadly. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
The hidden danger behind your news feed
Misinformation is spreading and trust in democratic institutions declines.
Modern classrooms the new tools helping students
Australia’s education system is evolving to meet the needs of today’s learners.
Homelessness amidst the housing crisis
More people are facing housing insecurity and its most severe consequence.
The climate change action making a real difference
From smart, sustainable concrete, to online tools helping our reefs survive.
The cost-of-living crisis is pressuring families
These smart, creative ways can help improve our communities..
Sleep problems solved by smart research solutions
You’re not alone. Up to 40% of Australians experiencing inadequate sleep.
Answering an urgent need to lead aged care reform
There are significant issues surrounding care for people living with dementia.
How we can change autism diagnosis and support
Improvements to Autism early detection is a key to better care & quality of life.
How drought affects our city’s trees
A new study led by Flinders University aims to collect data about local tree dieback.
Population growth will impact countries unfairly
What is the impact of climate change in your country?
Time to HEAL Indigenous children impacted by injury
Aboriginal-led research to reduce injuries and improve support.
Keeping tabs on native forests
Like farmland in Australia, native forests struggle with drought and flooding.
Restoration programs won’t save coral reefs
Experts are re-evaluating the benefits of restoration missions to reverse damage.
Wellbeing of community at the heart of these projects
To improve the health & wellbeing of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island people.
Tackling childhood trauma in schools
Debate on the merits of a national school bullying policy rages across Australia.
Delivering accessible health care to children in need
Embedding nurse practitioners into specialist homeless services.
Zero difference between 0-alcohol & alcohol drink ads
Teenagers consider zero-alcohol beverages to be a type of alcoholic drink.
New hi-tech buoys improve south coast surveillance
New Spotter buoys to measure wave height, direction and temperature.
Game changer for rural health in South Australia
Aspiring doctors can complete their entire medical degree in regional communities.
Push for sustainable food reforms
Vietnam is holding high-level talks aimed at creating more sustainable farming systems.
Federal backing for key DV report
Paid leave entitlements for victims of family and domestic violence.
Improved cancer support for South Australians
Flinders University’s CFI is proud to launch the SA Cancer Navigation Action Plan.
Restoring reefs for shellfish recovery
When you slurp a Pacific oyster, spare a thought for South Australia’s shellfish reefs.
Progress with new-look wind turbine
A next-generation vertical wind turbine is set to be put on trial.
Dating apps and body image risks
New research reveals they may harm Australian’s body image.
How electric vehicle's can support home energy bills
New research shows electric vehicles can double as home energy sources.
Australians reveal the impact of wicked problems
Which generation is happier? How are the different states grappling with cost-of-living and other top concerns?
Why people turn to extremism
New research shows it’s driven by two very different mindsets.
Breathlessness is affecting sex, but no one talks about it
Being constantly short of breath doesn’t just limit how far you can walk.
The mystery behind COVID vaccine blood clots
Researchers have uncovered the cause of lethal blood clots linked to certain vaccines.
Breakthrough could transform cancer care
A simple chemistry breakthrough is setting off a chain reaction with enormous potential
Science proves emotional eating is not your fault
Research shows why dieters often break their healthy‑eating goals
Why youth are more likely to believe conspiracies
Their belief might not be for the reasons people assume.
How microbes control our bodies, brains & the planet
They may be invisible to the naked eye, but microbes are making a big impact.
Home is where the care is: rethinking ageing in Aus
OPINION: For Professor Maria Inacio, aged care is more than a profession - it’s personal.
Devices bringing life-saving care to isolated areas
Technology helping overcome the challenge of distance to deliver life-saving care.
Cultural knowledge meets conservation
Many of Australia’s sacred sites face growing preservation pressure.
Seven ways science is changing lives
A potential cancer-fighting compound made from mushrooms is just one project.
Climate change linked to dangerous sleep apnea
Sleep apnea will become more common and more severe due to global warming.
Making sure Australia’s water is secured
In many regions, groundwater is the only source of water available
How thinking outside the box can help curb crime
Australia is confronting a significant issue with reincarceration.
‘I didn’t go to the GP because I couldn't afford it’
How we can change the conversation on healthcare access.
School bullying: Looking at the bigger picture
The impacts of school bullying can be deadly. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
The hidden danger behind your news feed
Misinformation is spreading and trust in democratic institutions declines.
Modern classrooms the new tools helping students
Australia’s education system is evolving to meet the needs of today’s learners.
Homelessness amidst the housing crisis
More people are facing housing insecurity and its most severe consequence.
The climate change action making a real difference
From smart, sustainable concrete, to online tools helping our reefs survive.
The cost-of-living crisis is pressuring families
These smart, creative ways can help improve our communities..
Sleep problems solved by smart research solutions
You’re not alone. Up to 40% of Australians experiencing inadequate sleep.
Answering an urgent need to lead aged care reform
There are significant issues surrounding care for people living with dementia.
How we can change autism diagnosis and support
Improvements to Autism early detection is a key to better care & quality of life.
How drought affects our city’s trees
A new study led by Flinders University aims to collect data about local tree dieback.
Population growth will impact countries unfairly
What is the impact of climate change in your country?
Time to HEAL Indigenous children impacted by injury
Aboriginal-led research to reduce injuries and improve support.
Keeping tabs on native forests
Like farmland in Australia, native forests struggle with drought and flooding.
Restoration programs won’t save coral reefs
Experts are re-evaluating the benefits of restoration missions to reverse damage.
Wellbeing of community at the heart of these projects
To improve the health & wellbeing of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island people.
Tackling childhood trauma in schools
Debate on the merits of a national school bullying policy rages across Australia.
Delivering accessible health care to children in need
Embedding nurse practitioners into specialist homeless services.
Zero difference between 0-alcohol & alcohol drink ads
Teenagers consider zero-alcohol beverages to be a type of alcoholic drink.
New hi-tech buoys improve south coast surveillance
New Spotter buoys to measure wave height, direction and temperature.
Game changer for rural health in South Australia
Aspiring doctors can complete their entire medical degree in regional communities.
Push for sustainable food reforms
Vietnam is holding high-level talks aimed at creating more sustainable farming systems.
Federal backing for key DV report
Paid leave entitlements for victims of family and domestic violence.
Improved cancer support for South Australians
Flinders University’s CFI is proud to launch the SA Cancer Navigation Action Plan.
Restoring reefs for shellfish recovery
When you slurp a Pacific oyster, spare a thought for South Australia’s shellfish reefs.
Progress with new-look wind turbine
A next-generation vertical wind turbine is set to be put on trial.
Dating apps and body image risks
New research reveals they may harm Australian’s body image.
How electric vehicle's can support home energy bills
New research shows electric vehicles can double as home energy sources.
Homelessness amidst the housing crisis
More people are facing housing insecurity and its most severe consequence.
The cost-of-living crisis is pressuring families
These smart, creative ways can help improve our communities..
‘I didn’t go to the GP because I couldn't afford it’
How we can change the conversation on healthcare access.
How thinking outside the box can help curb crime
Australia is confronting a significant issue with reincarceration.
Tackling childhood trauma in schools
Debate on the merits of a national school bullying policy rages across Australia.
Zero difference between 0-alcohol & alcohol drink ads
Teenagers consider zero-alcohol beverages to be a type of alcoholic drink.
Federal backing for key DV report
Paid leave entitlements for victims of family and domestic violence.
School bullying: Looking at the bigger picture
The impacts of school bullying can be deadly. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
How we can change autism diagnosis and support
Improvements to Autism early detection is a key to better care & quality of life.
Time to HEAL Indigenous children impacted by injury
Aboriginal-led research to reduce injuries and improve support.
Delivering accessible health care to children in need
Embedding nurse practitioners into specialist homeless services.
Why youth are more likely to believe conspiracies
Their belief might not be for the reasons people assume.
The mystery behind COVID vaccine blood clots
Researchers have uncovered the cause of lethal blood clots linked to certain vaccines.
Breakthrough could transform cancer care
A simple chemistry breakthrough is setting off a chain reaction with enormous potential
Science proves emotional eating is not your fault
Research shows why dieters often break their healthy‑eating goals
Home is where the care is: rethinking ageing in Aus
OPINION: For Professor Maria Inacio, aged care is more than a profession - it’s personal.
How microbes control our bodies, brains & the planet
They may be invisible to the naked eye, but microbes are making a big impact.
Devices bringing life-saving care to isolated areas
Technology helping overcome the challenge of distance to deliver life-saving care.
Seven ways science is changing lives
A potential cancer-fighting compound made from mushrooms is just one project.
Sleep problems solved by smart research solutions
You’re not alone. Up to 40% of Australians experiencing inadequate sleep.
Answering an urgent need to lead aged care reform
There are significant issues surrounding care for people living with dementia.
How we can change autism diagnosis and support
Improvements to Autism early detection is a key to better care & quality of life.
Delivering accessible health care to children in need
Embedding nurse practitioners into specialist homeless services.
Game-changer for rural health in South Australia
Aspiring doctors can complete their entire medical degree in regional communities.
Improved cancer support for South Australians
Flinders University’s CFI is proud to launch the SA Cancer Navigation Action Plan.
Climate change linked to dangerous sleep apnea
Sleep apnea will become more common and more severe due to global warming.
Dating apps and body image risks
New research reveals they may harm Australian’s body image.
How microbes control our bodies, brains & the planet
They may be invisible to the naked eye, but microbes are making a big impact.
Seven ways science is changing lives
A potential cancer-fighting compound made from mushrooms is just one project.
Cultural knowledge meets conservation
Many of Australia’s sacred sites face growing preservation pressure.
Making sure Australia’s water is secured
In many regions, groundwater is the only source of water available
The climate change action making a real difference
From smart, sustainable concrete, to online tools helping our reefs survive.
How drought affects our city’s trees
A new study led by Flinders University aims to collect data about local tree dieback.
Population growth will impact countries unfairly
What is the impact of climate change in your country?
Keeping tabs on native forests
Like farmland in Australia, native forests struggle with drought and flooding.
Restoration programs won’t save coral reefs
Experts are re-evaluating the benefits of restoration missions to reverse damage.
New hi-tech buoys improve south coast surveillance
New Spotter buoys to measure wave height, direction and temperature.
Push for sustainable food reforms
Vietnam is holding high-level talks aimed at creating more sustainable farming systems.
Restoring reefs for shellfish recovery
When you slurp a Pacific oyster, spare a thought for South Australia’s shellfish reefs.
Progress with new-look wind turbine
A next-generation vertical wind turbine is set to be put on trial.
Climate change linked to dangerous sleep apnea
Sleep apnea will become more common and more severe due to global warming.
How electric vehicle's can support home energy bills
New research shows electric vehicles can double as home energy sources.
Dating apps and body image risks
New research reveals they may harm Australian’s body image.
Zero difference between 0-alcohol & alcohol drink ads
Teenagers consider zero-alcohol beverages to be a type of alcoholic drink.
Game-changer for rural health in South Australia
Aspiring doctors can complete their entire medical degree in regional communities.
The hidden danger behind your news feed
Misinformation is spreading and trust in democratic institutions declines.
Modern classrooms the new tools helping students
Australia’s education system is evolving to meet the needs of today’s learners.
Why youth are more likely to believe conspiracies
Their belief might not be for the reasons people assume.
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