Research at Flinders

Research is a fundamental cornerstone of our mission as a University. Through research and research-led teaching, we build and develop the knowledge and capabilities that improve lives and enhance society.

Research on the rise

With the fastest growth in research income of any Australian university from 2018*, our fearless commitment to groundbreaking research is helping to shape a better future.

Our researchers are working hand-in-hand with industry and communities across health, advanced manufacturing, defence, justice, environment and more. Leading the nation with the highest success rate, Flinders recently attracted over $6.9M in the highly prestigious Australian Research Council’s Industry Fellowship grant funding for 2024 and an additional $6.6 million in the Future Fellowships round in

Our researchers have long challenged conventional wisdom and created new ways of thinking about difficult issues. Their outstanding achievements include Professor Jamie Craig being named 2024's South Australian Scientist of the Year, and Associate Professor Amy Reynolds being named South Australia's Young Tall Poppy for 2024 amongst many others. Our dedicated researchers are making a positive difference to people's lives.

Learn more

^{*HERDC data 2018-2022.}

Discover how Flinders is making a difference to our culture, economy, environment, society and world.

Learn more

Fearless Research stories

How can we get better sleep? Are digital technologies driving a growth of societal addictions ? Big questions need Fearless Research.

Introducing the future of advanced manufacturing

The manufacturing sector is in a period of significant change.

Analysing crime to ensure safety in our community

Australia spends more than $6 billion annually on correctional services.

Satisfying our need for food sustainability

What would happen if we ran out of the resources used to produce what we eat?

Clear-sighted remedies for vision loss

Glaucoma is the most common cause of irreversible blindness affecting an estimated 300,000 Australians over the age of 40...

Answering an urgent need to lead aged care reform

There are more than half a million people aged 85 years or older in Australia, and this number is growing every year.

Ensuring access to affordable housing

Affordable housing is fundamental to maintaining health, wellbeing & social harmony...

View more Fearless Research stories

Flinders Wicked Problem Survey

Australians to decide which issues leading researchers should prioritise in their communities.

Learn more

View our
rising stars

A panel series of thought leaders that challenge the current rhetoric and create a fearless future.

Listen to each episode

View the full series

Meet some of Flinders University’s most fearless minds as they bring you their latest research from a diverse range of fields.

More information

Make a difference with research that matters.

Whether you want to explore a topic that interests you in depth, create new knowledge or become an expert in your field, a higher degree by research at Flinders will help you to make a difference.

Work with highly qualified and recognised supervisors, connect with industry, government and the community, and contribute to the global research conversation. Higher degrees by research transform lives, opening you up to new opportunities and making an impact with new discoveries.

Learn about the range of higher degrees by research areas available at Flinders University and find a research supervisor.

Apply for a higher degree by research

Our college research

College of Business Government and Law

College of Education, Psychology and Social Work

College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

College of Medicine and Public Health

College of Nursing and Health Sciences

College of Science and Engineering

Research areas

Together we are deep-diving, discovering, innovating and inventing.

Engineering and technology

Health and medical

People and society

Science, environment and natural resources

Emerging research: defence

Find an expert

Search for experts by name, research, topic or role.

A new spin on green chemistry

Professor Colin Raston invents a device that will revolutionalise industries.

Our award-winning researchers are creative thinkers, curious about the world and making connections in unexpected places. Professor Colin Raston is no exception.

More engineering and technology