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Ground-breaking research

From climate change to strained healthcare systems, UNSW research is addressing the grand challenges of our time.

UNSW has a proud tradition of pioneering research and sustained innovation. Since the launch of the UNSW 2025 Strategy, our researchers have taken the lead on a number of ground-breaking initiatives that are changing the way we live. Within just a few years, our position on a number of Australian and global research rankings has increased dramatically.

Your support of UNSW research activity will help us to go on driving meaningful progress in response to important challenges, for the benefit of the whole community. 

Our community-led research partnership with the Dharriwaa Elders Group of Walgett is breaking that town’s cycle of disadvantage, and pioneering a model that can be shared with other First Nations communities. 

Our researchers at The Kirby Institute, having already developed treatments for HIV and Hepatitis C, are now focussing their attention on a range of infectious diseases that unfairly impact disadvantaged communities. 

The research we produce is contributing to national prosperity, too. According to Deloitte Access Economics (2015), our work provides a return on investment of between $5 and $10 for each dollar invested.

Explore our work in Ground-Breaking Research

Global Warming Research

The Climate Research Centre works to understand the likelihood of abrupt climate change. Through the support of donors, the Centre can steer science in this area as a national priority.

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UNSW Philanthropy
philanthropy@unsw.edu.au
+61 2 8936 4700

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Neuroscience, Mental Health and Addiction

Neurological, mental health, and drug and alcohol disorders are a leading cause of disability in Australia. Together, they account for about a quarter of the the community's health burden. And they have an out-sized impact on the national health budget.

UNSW Medicine is changing the way we think about neurological, mental health and addictive disorders. Our research into the physical, behavioural, mental and social dimensions of these complex clinical conditions is being translated into real-world strategies that improve people’s lives.

Your support will allow us to intensify our efforts. We will make even greater strides to protect vulnerable young people against mental health and addiction disorders. We will lower rates of suicide, especially in Indigenous communities. And we will promote healthy ageing, so that older Australians can protect themselves from the debilitating effects of age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

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UNSW Philanthropy
philanthropy@unsw.edu.au
+61 2 8936 4700

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The Kirby Institute

Infectious diseases kill more than 17 million people a year. Over the last three decades, at least 20 new diseases have emerged, while in many parts of the world, vaccine-preventable diseases are making a deadly comeback. These epidemics have a disproportionate impact on marginalised and disadvantaged communities.

The Kirby Institute is a leading research institute dedicated to the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Established in 1986 in response to the HIV epidemic, our work addresses a broad range of diseases including viral hepatitis and sexually transmissible infections. We have been important contributors to a number of global breakthroughs, including the management of HIV as a chronic disease, and the effective treatment of hepatitis C.

Our pioneering work relies on your support. With help from you, we will continue to develop remarkable innovations that save lives in the world's most vulnerable communities.

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UNSW Philanthropy
philanthropy@unsw.edu.au
+61 2 8936 4700

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Global Environmental Law Hub

The world’s biodiversity and natural ecosystems are declining fast, while our climate continues to change at an alarming rate. Urgent action is required to reverse these trends – and environmental law has that potential.

UNSW Law has established the Global Environmental Law Hub to draw on expertise from UNSW and beyond to drive law and policy change.

Philanthropic investment can empower our world-leading team to collaborate with government regulators, community organisations, scientists and industry to effect governance and regulations that sustain our natural world.

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UNSW Philanthropy
philanthropy@unsw.edu.au
+61 2 8936 4700

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Randwick Health & Education Precinct

Society today contends with unsolved medical challenges that cause suffering to many, a growing population and burgeoning healthcare costs. We need to act now to establish the right conditions to foster breakthroughs that will address our future health needs.

Representing a $1 billion investment in capital infrastructure development over three years, the Randwick Health Precinct will deliver on this goal.

Its uniquely integrated hospital-university campus will bring together four major specialty hospitals and nine medical research institutes to become the most significant collocated health, innovation and education zone in New South Wales.

With philanthropic support, UNSW and our Precinct partners will address significant health challenges facing society and deliver remarkable health outcomes.

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UNSW Philanthropy
philanthropy@unsw.edu.au
+61 2 8936 4700

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Healthy Brain Ageing

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are reaching epidemic proportions. With an ageing population and over half of Australian nursing home residents living with dementia, we need to advance research to facilitate long-term change. The Directors of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), Professor Perminder Sachdev and Professor Henry Brodaty, are internationally recognised.

Funding is desperately required for research into methods to detect and prevent cognitive decline, and improve cognitive functioning as we age. Your support will also help us devise better care strategies for people living with dementia.

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UNSW Philanthropy
philanthropy@unsw.edu.au
+61 2 8936 4700

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