About us | Deakin Science and Society Network

The Deakin Science and Society Network reaches across the disciplinary divides of our universities and institutions, and the divides between research, policy and practice.

We emphasise the effective communication and translation of research, as the benefits of knowledge can’t be fully realised unless information is shared widely across different audiences. No single academic field can bring about the changes we need to see in the world. Bridging disciplinary divides is the key to finding new solutions to the problems we face.

The Deakin Science and Society Network supports science-literate social research and socially-engaged science that makes an impact. It aspires to be an engine for interdisciplinary collaboration at Deakin.

You can contact us at ssn-info@deakin.edu.au.

Visit our YouTube channel ‘SSNInfo’ @DeakinScienceandSocietyNetwork. The ‘live’ page contains many of our live-streamed seminars.

History of Deakin STS

Deakin University has a long history of innovative scholarship and teaching in Science and Technology Studies (STS). In the 1980s and 1990s, scholars including Helen Verran, David Turnbull, David Wade Chambers and Max Charlesworth developed a distinctive Deakin style of STS that focused on contested knowledge systems and Indigenous knowledges. An archive of Deakin’s STS history is available at STSinfrastructures.org . The STS infrastructures website hosts a broad range of STS resources, including keynotes, papers, exhibits and curricula and is free to join.

Research streams

Transitioning to a net zero future

Science and research will help Australia take the technological leaps needed to achieve a net zero economy by 2050, with emissions levels 43% below 2005 levels by 2030.

Building a secure and resilient nation

Through research, Australia will strengthen its democratic institutions and freedoms while addressing challenges from foreign interference, mis- and disinformation, and polarisation.

Elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems

Australia celebrates the deep history and knowledge systems embedded in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and Countries.

Protecting and restoring Australia’s environment

We will harness the potential of Australia’s science and research system to protect our unique environments from the impacts of climate change and other threats.

Supporting healthy and thriving communities

Scientists and researchers will work with communities and individuals to develop the technologies, tools and techniques for more Australians to enjoy healthier lives from birth well into old age.