Our research

Creative & Cultural Strategy 

Our creative and cultural research is innovative and equitable, promoting cutting-edge creative practices and thriving communities. Building on Adelaide as the home of creative arts festivals, we work to strengthen cultural institutions and support the longevity of the creative industries. We aim to be global leaders in First Nations’ creative and cultural research.

Food, Agriculture & Wine Strategy

Adelaide University leverages South Australia’s food and wine advantage to deliver research that drives innovation, tourism and growth across the state. Our picturesque Waite Campus, complete with its own fully functioning vineyard, is home to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest concentration of agriculture and wine research expertise. We’re tackling global demand for food, fuel and fibre using high-tech advances, and directly building Australia’s climate resilience through our research. 

Defence & National Security Strategy

Adelaide University is a hub for research and innovation in sovereign capability. We research real-world solutions for defence and national security, bolstering South Australia’s leadership on the global stage. Established ethical frameworks and human-centred design underpin all our defence research, including our work to upskill the next generation of researchers in the field.

Sustainable Green Transition Strategy

Our research works to protect and restore the environment, while also contributing to improving social and economic prosperity. Anchored by South Australia’s strategic advantage in world-leading renewable energy, our research capitalises on the state’s unique environment as a “natural laboratory”. Our research tackles global sustainability challenges, including climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, water management and industrial transformation for a net zero future.

Personal & Societal Health Strategy

Adelaide University is committed to creating a healthier and more equitable society. Armed with cutting-edge digital technology, we’re building the health systems of the future. Our preventive research keeps people healthy and out of hospital, easing burdens on healthcare systems. Our breakthroughs aim to reduce social inequities, develop better treatments and improve outcomes for First Nations Peoples.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Strategy 

This research strategy sits across the five Signature Research Themes, connecting and enabling opportunities and outcomes in all research areas for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and communities.  

We are in the process of establishing a First Nations Academy that will support First Nations individuals in their higher education and research pathways. The Academy will attract, steward and mentor participants, including through scholarships, culturally safe support and leadership development.

ReAL Innovation

Our new concept of ReAL (Research-engaged Action Laboratories) Innovation connects researchers, industry and the community.  The model prioritises open collaboration and research with practical impact. It’s nuanced across our research areas, but all are unified by a common purpose: advancing locally-embedded, globally relevant research. 

ReAL Innovation is anchored by physical locations. Dedicated hubs, labs and service enablers support collaboration between researchers and industry partners. These reach across the state, including regional campuses like Whyalla and Mount Gambier. 

This is an emerging model that will continue to grow and take shape from 2026.