Partnered research

Partnered research

Driving research and innovation with impact

Adelaide University is dedicated to delivering outstanding, for-purpose research that addresses local, national and global challenges. As a partner, you’ll join a vibrant ecosystem of world-class researchers, state-of-the-art facilities and a culture of innovation and collaboration.

Our vision is to be Australia’s premier for-purpose research university, recognised among the world’s top 100, and the partner of choice for industry, government, and community organisations.

Why partner with us?

Partnering with Adelaide University unlocks a wealth of benefits and tailored services designed to help your organisation innovate, grow and achieve real-world impact:

The benefits of our research partnerships:

  • Collaborate with world-class experts across creative industries, health, defence, sustainability, agriculture, and more.
  • Co-design innovative solutions to complex challenges with multidisciplinary teams and access to advanced research facilities.
  • Commercialise research by leveraging our proven pathways for intellectual property, licensing, and venture creation.
  • Boost your reputation and market position by partnering with a globally recognised university.
  • Build your talent pipeline by connecting with top graduate researchers.

Our team of business development and commercialisation experts can help:

  • Identify partnership opportunities and facilitate introductions through our dedicated Business Development and Alliances team.
  • Support your research collaboration by helping with project scoping, confidentiality agreements, contracts, and compliance with regulatory and ethical standards.
  • Guide you through commercialisation of our technologies with expert support for IP management and licensing.
  • Help you secure funding by providing guidance on joint grant applications and industry-linked research programs.
  • Manage your partnership proactively with regular reviews and opportunities to expand collaboration, ensuring you receive ongoing value.

Our Signature Research Themes

Our Signature Research Themes have been chosen to address the complex challenges of our time, aligned to local, national and global priorities. These strategies are complemented by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Strategy.

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research

We are dedicated to transformative, community-led research that empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Our strategy prioritises ethical partnerships, two-way knowledge exchange, and the celebration of Indigenous knowledges, ensuring research delivers meaningful outcomes for communities and advances reconciliation.

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Creative & Cultural

We lead globally in creative and cultural research, fostering partnerships that drive innovation in the arts, design, digital media, and cultural policy. Our strong connections with First Nations communities, major festivals, and cultural institutions create unique opportunities for collaborative projects that enrich society and shape vibrant, equitable communities.

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Defence & National Security

As Australia’s leading university for defence and national security research, we collaborate with government and industry to deliver sovereign capability, ethical innovation, and workforce development. Our expertise spans AI, cyber, advanced manufacturing, and human factors, supported by secure infrastructure and a culture of trust and excellence.

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Food, Agriculture & Wine

We drive innovation across the entire food, agriculture, and wine value chain, leveraging South Australia’s unique strengths and global reputation. Our research partnerships deliver solutions for sustainable production, food safety, climate resilience, and market growth, supported by world-class precincts and deep industry alliances.

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Personal & Societal Health

Our research improves health, equity and wellbeing for all. We work with partners to advance biomedical innovation, health systems, and social policy, with a strong focus on prevention, digital health, and community engagement. Our integrated approach ensures research translates into real-world impact for individuals and society.

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Sustainable Green Transition

We are at the forefront of research for a sustainable future, partnering with industry and government to advance clean technologies, renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, and circular economy solutions. Our regional campuses serve as living labs for climate resilience and environmental innovation, supporting South Australia’s leadership in sustainability.

Contact us

Licence our intellectual property

We can connect you with intellectual property developed by our world-class researchers to enhance your competitiveness and generate commercial success. Contact us to find out more about our available technologies.

Build a research partnership

Enhance your organisation’s research and development capabilities by partnering with Adelaide University. Contact us to discuss how we can help meet your business needs.

Discuss an existing research agreement

If you have questions about an existing research agreement with Adelaide University, contact our Research Services team.