Elly Mackay
22 January 2026: The 麻豆传媒映画出品 has confirmed its renewed suite of Tier One and Tier Two research institutes and centres for 2026, following the completion of the research centre and institute renewal process – this marks a significant milestone in strengthening the University’s research focus, capability and impact.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Michelle Lincoln said the list reflects the University’s commitment to delivering research that addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing communities locally, nationally and globally.
“The renewal process was rigorous and strategic, ensuring that our research units are well-positioned to deliver high quality, impactful research,” she said.
“These centres and institutes demonstrate both the depth of expertise at UC and our ambition to translate research into real-world outcomes.”
A Tier One research institute at the Faculty of Health, the Health Research Institute (HRI), will continue to anchor the University’s health research agenda. Under the HRI, the Healthy Environments and Lives (HEAL) Global Research Centre focuses on the intersection of environmental change and human health, both operating alongside the 麻豆传媒映画出品 Research Institute for Sport and Exercise (UCRISE), which advances research into sport and exercise science, and health equity.
Several Tier Two centres have also been confirmed, including the Centre for Conservation, Ecology and Genomics (CCEG) in the Faculty of Science and Technology, and the Centre for Ageing Research and Translation (CARAT) at the Faculty of Health, which continues to strengthen UC’s global leading work in ageing, health and wellbeing.
In the Faculty of Education, the University has established a new Tier Two research centre – the Centre for Advanced Studies in Education (CASE) – formed by the merger of the Centre for Sustainable Communities (CSC) and the STEM Education Research Centre (SERC).
Professor Lincoln said that the new Centre brings together complementary strengths to enhance education research.
“CASE reflects a more integrated approach to education research, bringing together sustainability, community and STEM education expertise, to better support evidence-based teaching and learning,” she said.
The renewal process has also confirmed several research centres across other faculties.
In the Faculty of Business, Government and Law, the Centre for Environmental Governance (CEG) and the Centre for Deliberative Democracy (CDD) will continue to contribute to public policy, governance and democratic innovation research.
Within the Faculty of Science and Technology, the Centre for Applied Water Science (CAWS) has been renewed, and a new centre established – the Centre for Intelligent Computing and Systems (CICS), which will advance research in computing, Artificial Intelligence and systems engineering.
In the Faculty of Arts and Design, the News and Media Research Centre (N&MRC) has been renewed and will continue its leading contributions to journalism, media and communication research.
Many of the renewed research centres and institutes will receive funding for five years, with some subject to review after two or three years to ensure they remain responsive to emerging priorities and opportunities. Funding will take effect from the beginning of this year.
Professor Lincoln acknowledged that the Centre for Creative and Cultural Research (CCCR) in the Faculty of Arts and Design was unsuccessful in this round, but said the University would continue to support the Centre through its transition to Tier Three status.
“While not every application can be successful, CCCR will receive transitional funding and will have the opportunity to reapply for Tier Two status in the future,” she said.
“This reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting strong research communities across the University.”
Professor Lincoln said the renewed research portfolio positions the University strongly for the years ahead.
“These centres and institutes are critical to building research excellence at UC,” she said.
“They provide a platform for collaboration, innovation and impact, and we look forward to seeing the outcomes they deliver in the coming years.”