Connecting people and ideas for sustainable urban and regional futures.
In a time of rapid population growth, a changing climate, and volatile global economic conditions, the need to improve how our cities work has never been more urgent.
Most people on the planet already live and work in cities and by 2050, 70 percent of the world's population will be urban dwellers. Cities are vital for our social wellbeing, economic vitality and for addressing urgent issues of climate change and ecological degradation.
We need better insights into these intersecting challenges across housing and land, resource and energy use, infrastructure and mobility, environmental justice and action on climate.
The Centre for Urban Research is a dynamic hub for interdisciplinary research on these critical issues. Through our research, we aim to contribute new knowledge and understanding that is grounded in real-world problems, critical in orientation and collaborative in our approach to making and sharing knowledge.
Our researchers are leading experts in the fields of geography, urban planning, public policy, economics, environmental science, ecology, spatial analysis, history and political science.
Centre for Urban Research is located at RMIT University's city campus and has strong partnerships with researchers, centres, practitioners and change-makers across Australia and internationally.
Join us for Shaping Urban Futures for Climate Action: Young People Leading Climate Action on World Cities Day, 31 October 2024. Bringing together young thought leaders with researchers and industry experts, this event explores the critical role of research in transforming cities toward a more climate just future.
Hear from inspiring youth-led climate activists and a dynamic host who brings passion and strategic insight to the movement.
Aligned with this year's theme, "Youth leading climate and local action for cities," World Cities Day marks the conclusion of Urban October, a global initiative by UN-Habitat focusing on the opportunities and challenges of urbanisation.
The event is hosted by the Centre for Urban Research at RMIT University, a leading knowledge and impact hub for urban action toward more climate just futures. Established in 2012, the Centre for Urban Research has grown into a large and dynamic hub of transdisciplinary research dedicated to shaping more sustainable, just, and vibrant cities. More than a decade later, we're excited to re-launch the Centre with a renewed mission and purpose, unveiling cutting-edge research themes and introducing our new leadership.
Join us in amplifying the voices of young people and advancing the bold actions needed to tackle the climate crisis in our cities.
Investigating drivers and processes of change within Australian metropolitan transport systems.
Establishing a collaborative climate change research-practice network.
Evaluation of housing design in the rapidly growing infill multi-residential sector.
Libby Porter, Director, Centre for Urban Research
“Through our research, the Centre is directly responding to the globally important need to shape cities that are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. Join us in shaping the future of urban and regional environments to drive positive changes for our communities.”
Our members are expert researchers in their fields.
A new report from RMIT University urban policy experts recommends using Australia’s tax system to force investors to improve conditions for private renters.
As our cities heat up, we must urgently find ways to think and act differently to better address the impacts of climate change particularly for those most marginalised, according to RMIT urban futures expert Professor Wendy Steele.
Campaigns like ‘Plastic Free July’ urge us to reduce our plastic waste by avoiding single use food packaging, sorting and separating our plastic waste, and recycling responsibly – but is the infrastructure there to make the difference?
New research shows the number of apartments in Melbourne has almost doubled in the past two decades, while public transport services have barely increased at all.
Key contact: Libby Porter, Director, Centre for Urban Research
Address: School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, Melbourne City Campus, Building 8, Level 11
Email: cur@rmit.edu.au
Stay connected with our work by joining our mailing list and following us on LinkedIn. We are open to new partnerships from industry, not-for-profits, governments and community. Please get in touch with us at cur@rmit.edu.au.
If you're not sure how you can best work with us, our team can explain what's possible and put you in touch with the right person.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.
