Our research focus
The Program brings together leading researchers and a vibrant cohort of doctoral candidates in human geography, demography, sociology, and policy studies, with specialist depth in four interconnected domains:
1. Migration and Mobility Transitions
We examine the changing patterns, causes, and consequences of internal and international migration. Our research spans rural–urban mobility in China, humanitarian and skilled migration to Australia, and the dynamics of regional settlement. We investigate how migration pathways are shaped by economic, social, and policy factors, and how these pathways in turn shape communities and economies. Current doctoral research extends this focus to return migration and gendered outcomes in Indonesia, as well as the relationship between land consolidation, return migration, and rural revitalisation in China.
2. Climate Change, Environment, and Adaptation
We investigate the complex relationships between environmental change, population mobility (migration, planned relocation, displacement and resettlement), and human vulnerability. Our work demonstrates that it is the dynamic interactions among climatic extremes, demographic pressures, social inequality, and political-economic factors—rather than environmental change alone—that shape migration decisions and adaptation outcomes. This research informs policies that build resilience and support sustainable development. Doctoral projects within the Program explore green agricultural transitions in ecologically vulnerable regions, post-quarry landscape transformation and community reuse, and the integration of renewable energy with urban planning.
We investigate the complex relationships between environmental change, population mobility—including migration, planned relocation, displacement, and resettlement—and human vulnerability. Our work demonstrates that it is the dynamic interplay of climatic extremes, demographic pressures, social inequality, and political-economic factors—rather than climate or environmental change alone—that shapes migration decisions and adaptation outcomes. This research informs policies that build resilience and support sustainable development. Doctoral projects within the Program explore green agricultural transitions in ecologically vulnerable regions, post-quarry landscape transformation and community reuse, and the integration of renewable energy with urban planning.
3. Transnationalism, Diaspora, and Development
We explore how diaspora populations, circular migration, and transnational linkages contribute to development in both origin and destination countries. Through comparative case studies across the Asia-Pacific—with particular focus on China, Singapore, Australia, and Indonesia—we generate policy advice on maximising the development potential of diasporas, facilitating knowledge transfer, and strengthening transnational partnerships. Current doctoral research examines how kinship and family relationships are sustained and reconfigured across transnational settings, contributing to a more context-sensitive understanding of familyhood beyond the conventional co-residential nuclear household.
4. Regional Migration, Settlement, and Community Vitalisation
A significant and growing focal theme of the Program addresses the challenges and opportunities of migration to regional and rural Australia. Through two major ARC-funded projects—a Discovery Project on Enhancing Settlement Outcomes for Migrants in Regional Australia (DP260104471) and a Linkage Project on Whole-of-Community Approaches to Regional Migration, Settlement and Retention (LP250100048)—we investigate the multifaceted dimensions of regional migration. Our research examines settlement trajectories, labour market integration, social cohesion, and the lived experiences of migrants and refugees in regional communities. We employ a ‘Whole-of-Community’ approach that engages local governments, regional stakeholders, Indigenous communities, and migrant groups to co-design solutions. This theme directly informs policy development at federal, state, and local levels, helping to realise the goals of Australia’s Regional Settlement Program and contributing to the social and economic revitalisation of regional communities.
