Faculty of Society & Design research profile

The Architecture Futures Laboratory (AF_Lab) is a research laboratory at the Abedian School of Architecture that brings together researchers to explore (1) architectural tectonics through design and fabrication using advanced technology, (2) sustainable design systems and materials and (3) ethnographic investigations in place-making, underpinned theoretically by architectural phenomenology, environmental psychology, and urban design theory.

 The lab provides a platform for cross and interdisciplinary collaborations within the Faculty of Society & Design and industries through design, prototyping, material investigation and ethnographic studies. 

 The research laboratory placed environmental, social, and cultural sustainability at its core. 

Current research focuses on:

1. Exploration of novel techniques to achieve creative and sustainable innovation, efficiencies and reduce waste in construction industries 
2. Ecological and biological material research and application
3. Lean and enduring construction through design, fabrication, and assembly

The Communication, Culture and Narrative research group brings together researchers interested in diverse research topics and methods in Communication, Media, Advertising, Technology, News, Visual Communication, Tertiary Education, and Storytelling.

Current research focuses on:

1. Use of artificial intelligence and interactive technologies by brands
2. Creative cultures and brand cultures in advertising
3. Meaning-making, rumination, gender communication, emotion, and close relationships as studied through autoethnography and narrative
4. Digitalisation, technological convergence, and the integration of entertainment with learning
5. Visual communication, including information graphics and representation of women in film
6. Social media and editorial decision-making, news frame and agenda setting, and the framing of global news stories in Australia

The Cultural Futures research group is an interdisciplinary collation of research into the significance of cultural factors enabling or restraining positive societal transformation. The group brings together researchers in international relations, history, languages, and philosophy. The group’s goal is to deepen the appreciation in these fields of the crucial role culture and the understanding of culture plays in preparing for a radically transformed future.

Current research focuses on: 

1. The cultural power of sports for international diplomacy 
2. The significance and power of storytelling in the history of women’s sports 
3. Indigenous philosophical insights and environmental ethics

The Creative Practices Research Group (CPRG)  is a research group that brings together researchers to explore (1) The use of latest technology in screen project development, production and post-production, and its impact on the evolution and fragmentation of the various screen forms, (2) Sustainable and equitable work practices across the global screen industry, and (3) how higher education institutions can further enable and accelerate the development of the screen industry and its practitioners.

 The group provides a platform for cross and interdisciplinary collaborations within the Faculty of Society & Design and other Bond faculties, and partnership opportunities with other higher education institutions and industry.

Current research focuses on:

1. Exploration of Artificial Intelligence in project development and execution
2. Discovery of new paradigms of screen production that increase efficiency and equitabilty
3. Methods of centring of the university within the professional screen industry

The MIND/SPACE is a research laboratory in the School of Psychology that uses experimental psychology and psychophysiology to explore (1) human-environment interactions, (2) spatial navigation and cognitive ageing, and (3) the role of non-oscillatory neural activity in human cognition.

The lab supports national and international collaborations, with a particular focus on the use of electroencephalography, peripheral psychophysiology, Virtual Reality, and machine learning.

Our current research focuses on:

1. Non-oscillatory (i.e., aperiodic) neural activity as a mechanism for human cognition and cognitive ageing
2. Novel assessment methods for human spatial navigation
3. Environmental Influences on human behaviour and cognition

The Mental, Social and Health research group is dedicated to understanding and promoting well-being across diverse populations by conducting innovative and rigorous research on the intersection of biological, psychological and sociological factors that impact health and wellbeing. We provide a collaborative platform for cross-disciplinary research within the field of psychology, as well as with industries and communities through our focus on empirical investigation. Our research is centered on promoting mental and social health equity, reducing mental and social health disparities, improving quality of life for individuals and populations.

Our current research focuses on three key areas:

1. The complex interplay between mental health, social relationships, and environmental factors. 
2. Evidence-based mixed-methods research that promote resilience, social equity, and well-being across diverse populations. 
3. Rigorous research that can inform policy and practice and contribute to a better understanding of the social determinants of mental health.

The Sustainable Built Environments Research Group (SBERG) combines three interdisciplinary research themes – Property, Planning and Project Management – with the goal of promoting sustainable practices in the development of natural and built environments through impactful research and consultation projects. The group's research aligns to a great extent with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Current research focuses on: 

1. Housing and Property as mediated through the property market and the supply and demand for this dominant social resource. 

2. Sustainable Cities research into the planning, design and development of cities and city regions that will provide viable urban futures for a rapidly growing and increasingly urbanised world population.

3. Project Management research with a focus on cybersecurity, gender diversity in project organisations, organisational transformation into project management-focused practices and structures. 

Research at Bond University is agile, fast paced and cutting edge. 

The Bond University Strategic Plan 2023 - 2027 is the overarching document which outlines the University’s direction. Our research portfolio has been structured to deliver our research priorities. We consistently measure and benchmark our performance to deliver world class research.

Our five key research objectives are:

• 1. Developing a world class research workforce and culture:
• 2. Enabling a research-training environment focused on job-ready graduates:
• 3. Establish niche centres of research excellence; focused on building our research expertise:
• 4. Enhance and enable access to world-class research infrastructure:
• 5. Deliver impactful innovation through collaborative engagement in research projects with industry, business, government and the community:

Our research programs are governed by University Research Committee in accordance with the plans outlined in the University’s Research Strategic Plan. Sub-committees provide further guidance to ensure that our research projects are responsibly managed. Learn more.

We are committed to growing our vibrant research culture here at Bond, and provide a high level of support at all stages of the research process. Find out how we can assist you with ethics for your research, seeking funding for your research, and recording your research. Learn more.