Weft Research Centre

Ways of Being reimagines the paradigms of fashion and textiles to foster equality, diversity, and inclusivity for human, non-human and more-than-human relations, working towards positive and preferable future worlds. Our researchers bring multiple perspectives, critical analysis, empathy, and understandings of sustainable and ethical material relationships to reshape how/what/why? fashion and textiles are designed, experienced, and communicated.  

Innately multidisciplinary, we draw on methods of creative, embodied & reflective practices, place-based responsive methods and material-led making, storytelling, gender, cultural studies, anthropology, and sociology. Traversing the digital and analogue, we work across film, publication, performance, and installation as tools to elicit social transformation, as well as for co-design, user experience testing and engagement. Our research also includes pedagogical practices of sustainable fashion education to integrate local values, promote reconciliation, and enable responsible skill development.  

Our research seeks to benefit diverse communities and industry to help shape our collective futures in inspiring, creative, meaningful and practical ways. 

Theme Leader

Dr Harriette Richards

Circular Systems explores how the fashion and textiles industry transitions from linear models of production and consumption to circular systems through regenerative practices and industry renewal. We work collaboratively to effect systems change through reimagining the entire lifecycle of garments and textile products, where materials are responsibly sourced, supply chain networks are respectful, transparent and traceable, waste is minimised, products are designed to be kept in circulation, and end-of-life considerations prioritise biological cycles.  

Our interdisciplinary approaches bring together systems thinking, novel enterprise models, governance and policy, social science methods, consumer culture insights, circular design strategies, digital data techniques, AI, and technological advancements.  

By fostering innovation, promoting responsible practices and industry collaborations to support new business directions we unravel complex problems to support a sustainable future where fashion and textiles align with environmental stewardship and social diversity. This benefits industry, local and global communities, and environmental and social systems. 

Theme Leader

Dr Saniyat Islam

Materials and Products specialises in the development of advanced textile materials, products, and smart apparel systems to provide real-world solutions in protection, performance, sustainability, and technical applications.  

Our expertise spans material science, textile engineering, design, and testing, encompassing textile fibres, performance fabrics, and emerging wearable technologies for functional and high-performance apparel, digital product design and engineering, as well as user centred design approaches. With our state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, we can investigate and evaluate physical properties, comfort assessments, flammability, analytical techniques, and small-scale advanced manufacturing.  

Working with industry and community organisations, we deliver material solutions from innovative concept development, feasibility studies, through to proof of concept and commercialisation pathways, as well as product validation, authenticity, and traceability.  

Theme Leader

Prof Lijing Wang