Social Change, Care and Justice

New knowledge informing social change is inevitably interdisciplinary and focused on making an impact.

We work across diverse populations, settings and social contexts to identify and understand societal needs and to engage with individuals, groups, and organisations on social change. DSC researchers create social impact from design and arts research but also through our work on social and global studies and policy, education and a range of disciplines spanning gender studies, development studies, criminology, social justice studies and indigenous studies. Across the arts, design and social sciences, we have broad cross-disciplinary expertise in experimental and artistic interventions to promote sustainability, inclusion and social transformation. We also have world-leading expertise in innovative approaches to research through the Digital Ethnography Research Centre.

Current Centres and Groups

Digital Ethnography Research Centre

DERC conducts human-centred research of data and digital transformations. We work with students, communities, governmental, nonprofit and corporate partners. Our researchers explore how humans feel, create, respond, and engage with digital technologies. We study everyday lived experience, the future of work, creative youth practices, tech policies, tech design, digital literacy and a range of other human-centred design propositions.

Social Equity Research Centre

Launched in 2023, the Social Equity Research Centre provides a platform for a multidisciplinary community of practice across a range of thematic areas related to delivering transformational research for social justice and equity. Working in partnership we generate excellent innovative research that drives policy and practice transformation.

Contemporary Art and Social Transformation

CAST produces art research that critically engages with social and public spheres with a particular interest in how artistic practices intersect with issues of equity, access and democracy. CAST is a hub for critical thinking, collaboration and the exchange of ideas, knowledge dissemination, practice-led artistic research and socially-engaged art practice. CAST engages on local and international levels by collaborating with practitioners, communities, industry, and government partners.

Communication and Change Co-Lab

The Communication and Change Co-Lab (3C) explores ideas of change within communication contexts to develop new perspectives into communication approaches, processes, and practices. 3C emphasises collaborative scholarship of communication and change.

Creative Agency

The Creative Agency Research Lab is a thriving hub for multi-disciplinary studies of creativity across the life-course. We are an open community of researchers, educators, creative practitioners, and industry professionals who share a commitment to creativity as a catalyst for social change in response to global challenges. Our members are actively developing new ways to address the most pressing issues of our times, including climate change, socio-economic inequality, the mental health crisis, and rapid advances in science and technology.

non/fictionLab

The non/fictionLab is an interdisciplinary research ecology bringing together creative experimentation, critical practice and social engagement: we aim to reimagine and transform contemporary realities through language, mediations, poetics and collaborations. The non/fictionLab is an interdisciplinary Research Group in the School of Media and Communication at RMIT University. Closely aligned with the discipline of Writing and Publishing, the Lab focuses on research into writing and allied creative arts and design practices.

Research impact

More than 1/3 illicit drugs sold on the dark web contain unexpected substances

An RMIT-led study has highlighted the urgent need for more local drug testing facilities in Australia to prevent harm and overdose.

Sexual assault survivors deserve a gold standard reporting experience

A world-first report examining alternative ways for victim-survivors to report sexual assault says under-reporting could be reduced if moved away from law enforcement, but it will need greater support and funding to be sustainable and secure.

Learn more about this research