Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion

Generating knowledge to create a society that fosters educational and social inclusion

The Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion (CRESI) is one of the largest research centres in the world focused on contributing to new knowledge about issues related to educational and social inclusion.

Like many countries, Australia is experiencing widening economic and educational inequality which is undermining the social cohesion, national productivity and the wellbeing of the population. In fact, Australia is now one of the least equitable educational systems in the OECD.

Our mission is to generate research-based knowledge to inform inclusive educational and social policy and practices across the lifespan. We conduct interdisciplinary research to generate knowledge of systemic forms of exclusion; policy analysis and critique focusing on policies' effects; theory building to understand complex phenomena; and case studies of hopeful sites of educational and social inclusion. Our research contributes to greater education equity to enhance social cohesion and wellbeing.

Explore our research

CRESI researchers have a range of interdisciplinary expertise to undertake a broad scope of research that contributes to and mitigates educational and social inequalities.

Engage with us

We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with industry, academia and students – discover how you can partner, study or engage with CRESI.

Explore the Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion

The Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion (CRESI) brings together a diverse, multidisciplinary membership to form interdisciplinary teams tailored to project needs. Members include social psychologists, sociologists, policy analysts, developmental psychologists, educational psychologists, linguists, and critical scholars. They have broad expertise including critical studies, critical race studies, sociology, critical literacy, applied linguistics, social psychology, educational psychology, child development, policy studies, and curriculum studies.

CRESI is currently undertaking a range of research projects in collaboration with industry partners and community end users to address complex and intersecting issues that contribute to educational and social inequities. We approach this work through a social inclusion lens, recognising that exclusion and inclusion operate differently across contexts and populations.

Research capabilities Research capabilities
Research impact Research impact
Our people Our people
Our partners Our partners

The Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion (CRESI) undertakes a broad range of research drawing on the interdisciplinary expertise of our members.

Four primary research questions guide our work:

How do we guarantee educational inclusion and authentic social transitions for diverse and vulnerable populations?

How do we build inclusive and sustainable futures for diverse communities?

How do we challenge educators to support learners as divergent thinkers and creators of knowledge for changing futures?

How might we eschew deficit research approaches for diverse and vulnerable populations, and build inclusive research partnerships?

The Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion (CRESI) is committed to advancing equity, social cohesion, and wellbeing across communities and throughout the lifespan. Our interdisciplinary research responds to complex educational and social challenges, generating knowledge that informs policy, transforms practice and strengthens communities.

By working closely with educators, communities, policymakers, and organisations, the centre ensures its research is not only academically rigorous but also deeply relevant to real-world challenges. The diverse expertise within its membership allows for nuanced analysis and responsive innovation, enabling the development of inclusive strategies that resonate across local, national and global contexts. These partnerships amplify the reach and effectiveness of the centre’s work, translating research into meaningful change in policy, practice and lived experience.

Our research has influenced policy reforms and professional practices across Australia, contributing to more equitable learning environments and better outcomes for diverse communities.

Associate Professor Jamie Sisson

Director Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion
Email: Jamie.Sisson@unisa.edu.au

Executive group

Professor Elspeth McInnes AM — Portfolio Lead, Ethics
Professor Keita Takayama — Portfolio Lead, International Engagement
Associate Professor Nadeem Memon — Portfolio Lead, Partnerships and Impact
Associate Professor Michael Mu — Portfolio Lead, Research
Dr Kate Quane — Portfolio Lead, Research Training
Dr Neil Tippett — Portfolio Lead, HDR

The Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion (CRESI) partners with organisations that have an interest in education, especially inclusion. They include education sectors, associations, not-for-profit organisations, non-government organisations, schools/sites and unions.

CRESI undertakes research in collaboration with partner organisations who are seeking:

to solve policy and/or practice problems
relevant high-quality research
a competitive edge.

Our partners

CRESI has a longstanding record of working with partner organisations including the following:

Australian Government Department of Communications
Australian Government Department of Education
Australian Government Department of Health
Australian Primary Principals Association
Australian Refugee Association
Australian Secondary Principals Association
Brisbane Catholic Education
Beyond Blue · Butterfly Foundation
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
Catholic Education South Australia
Commission for Children and Young People Vic
Commissioner for Children and Young People WA
Education Services Australia
HitNet · World Early Childhood Association (OMEP)
Queensland Department of Education and Training

Queensland Secondary Principals’ Association · ReachOut
Relationships Australia
South Australian Department for Education
South Australian Primary Principals Association
South Australian Secondary Principals' Association
The Commissioner for Children and Young People, South Australia
UNICEF Australia
Vic Health
WA Secondary School Executives Association
Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre
Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVIC)
Youth Affairs Council South Australia (YACSA)
Youth Law Australia
Zuni

Contact us

Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion

Location
Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion
Adelaide University
Magill Campus, Magill SA 5072

Email: EDC-CRESI@unisa.edu.au