Research Strategy Documents

As a nation and a region, we face complex social, technological and environmental challenges. Universities, working in a mutually beneficial partnership with government, business and the community, are well placed to contribute to this essential process.

As part of the University of Adelaide’s approach to addressing these challenges, and to build scale and focus in research, this page provides the University community with access to key strategic research documents outlining our thinking, perspectives and future directions.

  • Future making research for the nation

    The University of Adelaide is a world leader in fields that underpin innovation across industries that are critical to our future. Increasingly research and innovation are enabling creative solutions for the greatest challenges of our time. Universities, working in deep collaboration with government, business, and the community, are well placed to address these complex issues and maximise their associated opportunities.

    Brochure cover for Future making research for the nation

    This  document showcases some of the University of Adelaide’s globally impactful research, highlighting the strategic alignment with national and state priorities. Analysis identifies the University’s leading and aligned research strengths as being in five key sectors: Defence, Cyber and Space, Health, Minerals and Resources, Energy and Sustainability, and AgriFood and Wine.

    These strengths have demonstrable research excellence and alignment to current and emerging priorities.

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  • FAME strategies

    The University of Adelaide prioritises its research at scale within FAME (Foci And Magnets for Excellence) strategies. Our (FAME) strategies provide a platform that enables us to attract the best researchers and partners, and deliver positive impacts for our State and Nation through research excellence and its translation.

  • Agrifood and wine strategy

    The University of Adelaide is home to the largest concentration of Agrifood research capability and expertise in the southern hemisphere, complemented by cutting-edge capabilities across all our Faculties and Institutes.

    FAME Strategy: Agrifood and Wine

    This Strategy outlines a focused approach to bring together existing agricultural expertise together with new technologies, businesses and entrepreneurs to drive the future of South Australia’s agricultural and food and wine production; having at its core new, transformative ideas, multi-disciplinary and partnering with key stakeholders.

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  • DIGI+ strategy

    Advances in digital technology are driving breakthroughs in drug manufacturing, food production, transport and sustainability, while being a major contributor to the economy and job growth. Their combined effects with frontier technologies such as quantum materials, photonics and advanced manufacturing show incredible promise for exponential progress, acceleration and transformational impact on the economy and society.

    FAME Strategy: DIGI+

    This strategy outlines our transdisciplinary approach to tackle fundamental research questions underpinning major global challenges, while developing cutting-edge, ethical solutions for a sustainable, healthier, wealthier and safer digitally-enabled future for Australia.

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  • Healthy societies strategy

    Unprecedented disruption to every aspect of our lives has highlighted the critical importance of science and its translation to underpin the prevention and management of disease, and to drive social, political, and economic change to improve health and equity. For decades, we have been delivering a better world through research impact and innovations that have influenced and protected human health and the communities in which we live, and we are committed to continuing this impact.

    FAME Strategy: Healthy societies

    This strategy outlines our vision for a healthier and more equitable society underpinned by world-leading research, focusing on social structures and equity, healthy life trajectories, understanding and managing disease, outcomes that improve the healthcare system and developing technologies and novel applications.

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  • Sustainability strategy

    This is a defining moment for the planet and the University. Deep and lasting transformation of our social, ecological, industrial and cultural systems is required to address these problems and ensure the sustainability of life on Earth.

    The FAME Sustainability Strategy is aimed at developing and accelerating solutions that deliver sustainability, equity and prosperity for the planet and its people, underpinned by breakthrough research

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  • Higher degree researcher strategy

    Higher Degree by Research graduates are future-makers, powered by research skills and curiosity. Our graduates emerge ready to take leading roles, not just in higher education but across all parts of the economy and society—regionally, nationally, and globally.

    The Higher degree researcher strategy outlines how we will build on our existing strengths and transform the experience of our Higher Degree Researchers (HDRs) so that the University of Adelaide stands out as an institution of choice.

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