Lead researcher: Professor Srinath Perera (Western Sydney University) | 2023 – present 

Digitalisation can improve productivity and performance issues in the NSW construction industry. This project will develop a policy framework for digital transformation of the NSW construction sector, which is dominated by micro and SME businesses. It will use a multifaceted methodology that combines a horizon scan of emerging digital technologies and stakeholder and expert forums to explore grassroots demand.

Lead researcher: Professor Kalervo Gulson (University of Sydney) | 2023 – present 

This project will help policymakers and stakeholders better anticipate and respond to the educational opportunities and inequalities of using AI-enabled technologies. It will engage a broad range of stakeholders to generate and test policy ideas about the expanding NSW EdTech ecosystem. This ecosystem spans student, teacher, system, and infrastructure-related technologies that shape differential access, usage and skills, and outcomes. 

Lead researcher: Dr Mitchell Gibbs (University of Sydney) | 2023 – present

This pilot study will inform policymakers on the need to properly incorporate Indigenous voices within future coastal habitat restoration projects. This NSW-based study aims to demonstrate the benefits of engaging Indigenous communities from the outset of habitat restoration efforts. It will provide a rounded perspective of the environment, inhabitants, and their interactions for the benefit of our people and planet.

Lead researcher: Dr Thomas Longden (Western Sydney University) | 2023 – present 

This project will identify the technical and policy obstacles that have hindered the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers in apartments in NSW. Policy interventions to improve EV charging infrastructure have typically overlooked those living in apartments. 

Lead researcher: Professor Heidi Norman (University of New South Wales) | 2023 – present

A leading priority for NSW’s decarbonisation plans is engaging Aboriginal communities. This project will generate policy recommendations on how Aboriginal land holders can be better supported to participate in renewable energy efforts, as one potential pathway towards achieving climate resilience and generating economic opportunity.

Lead researcher: Professor Edward Santow (University of Technology Sydney) | December 2022 – December 2023

 Governments are increasingly using facial recognition technology for a range of purposes, from service delivery to law enforcement. With strong legal guardrails, and clarity about its functions for government, facial recognition technology can bring significant public benefit. This project addresses these challenges by developing an effective governance and training framework that will help assist Service NSW.

Lead researcher: Associate Prof Margot Rawsthorne (University of Sydney) | 2022 – present

The recent Lismore floods provide a powerful example of current community dissatisfaction with government policy in disaster management. This project addresses the exclusion of community ‘voices’ at the policy and structural level by exploring new models of partnership that enact shared responsibility at the local level of disaster planning and preparation.

Lead researcher: Associate Prof Ann Dadich (Western Sydney University) | 2022 – present

Communities across NSW have recently experienced major disasters, including fires, floods, lockdowns, and COVID-19. This project focuses on the role of government and non-governmental organisations in fostering community resilience by facilitating social connectedness for vulnerable families. It will engage key stakeholders and integrate lived experiences of those rarely consulted.

Lead researcher: Prof Amy Conley -Wright (University of Sydney) | 2022 – present

Young people who go missing or run away from their out-of-home care placements can become particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. This project explores how these youth interact with services providing a well-rounded perspective on the experience of children and young people who run away from care. The project aims to inform government strategies and budget allocations for targeted prevention and early intervention.