Research in the news

As strikes escalate in the Middle East, experts have raised concerns about a broader regional conflict. Associate Professor Srinjoy Bose from the School of Social Sciences explains that the tensions reflect long-standing geopolitical pressures, noting “we are witnessing what is effectively the third Gulf War”.

As tensions rise between Iran, the US and Israel, some Australians are increasingly worried about relatives working in Gulf countries. Dr Ayesha Jehangir from the School of the Arts & Media says many migrants cannot easily leave, noting "travel costs money, visas are tied to employment, and families back home depend on their income.”

Professor Erin Brannigan from the School of the Arts & Media explores how dance crazes – from the Charleston to the Nutbush – captured the public imagination, and what helped them cross over into mainstream culture. 

The 2025 Reuters Digital Report has revealed that news avoidance is rising globally, particularly among younger audiences. Dr Ayesha Jehangir from the School of the Arts & Media says repeated exposure to “news and images of conflict, crisis and human suffering” can cause emotional numbing, leading to “atrocity fatigue”.

Dr Fatemeh Aminpour from the City Futures Research Centre joins Life Matters to discuss the importance of inclusive design in outdoor spaces. She explains that creating parks and playgrounds that work for teenage girls means prioritising safety and comfort, and incorporating social areas where they can “sit together, talk and observe”.

Associate Professor Geoffrey Levey from the School of Social Sciences joins ABC’s Big Ideas for a panel discussion examining the religious origins of antisemitism and how these ideas have evolved over time.

As war in the Middle East expands, experts say its trajectory remains uncertain, ranging from regime change in Iran to prolonged regional instability. Associate Professor Srinjoy Bose from the School of Social Sciences notes the US and Israel are likely to continue until their goals are met, though it is "unclear" exactly what those objectives are.

Are Australia’s property tax benefits making it too hard for young people to buy a home? Associate Professor Chris Martin from the City Futures Research Centre discusses how negative gearing and the capital gains tax discounts disproportionately benefit investors, putting renters and first-home buyers at a disadvantage. [Timestamp 01:07:19]

What makes us emotionally connect with music sung in a language we don’t understand? Professor Emery Schubert from the School of the Arts & Media explains that melody, rhythm, accompaniment and beat all play a role, noting “there’s a lot of information conveyed by music apart from the words” that communicates emotion to listeners. [Timestamp 16:35]

Scientia Professor Andrew Martin from the School of Education joins Life Matters with sociologist Professor Dan Woodman to discuss how university life has shifted, as more students navigate online study in place of traditional on‑campus experiences. [Timestamp 01:34]

Associate Professor Srinjoy Bose from the School of Social Sciences discusses the unfolding conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran, unpacking the geopolitical tensions and long‑running regional dynamics that have led to the current escalation. [Timestamp 2:13:54]

The NSW Department of Education will extend gifted programs to more than 750,000 public school students from 2026, aiming to better support high-potential learners. Professor Jae Jung from the School of Education notes the reform is a “good idea,” warning that “more than 50% of gifted students are [currently] not achieving their full potential”.

Professor Louise Ravelli from the School of the Arts & Media discusses how museums have evolved, noting a marked "change in the times" over recent decades. She highlights a shift toward more diverse and inclusive collections, new knowledge practices, and a greater emphasis on "active engagement" with visitors. [Timestamp 15:50]

As the Federal Government commits an additional $230 million to progress the Newcastle to Sydney high-speed rail project, Professor Chris Pettit from the City Futures Research Centre says the network would be a "transformational piece of infrastructure” boosting "access to jobs and services" for many across the region. [Timestamp 04:14]

Professor Michael Salter from the School of Social Sciences joins lecturer and religious historian Dr Karen Pack to discuss trauma and the complexities of forgiveness, exploring how people navigate healing in the aftermath of profound harm and sexual abuse.

The Year of the Fire Horse, a rare zodiac combination occurring once every 60 years, is expected to bring "intense, fast-paced change". Professor Pan Wang from the School of Humanities & Languages notes the fire element can fuel rapid, “sometimes reckless, growth” and heighten “instability and violence,” blending opportunity with volatility.

As Australia faces a significant intergenerational wealth transfer, Professor Bruce Bradbury from the Social Policy Research Centre suggests reforms to pensions and aged care supports. He argues stronger retirement income and care systems could reduce large inheritances and help address growing inequality.

Professor Emery Schubert from the School of the Arts & Media explores why some songs trigger strong dislike. While musical taste is shaped by many factors, he notes “exposure” can be a key driver – when people can't control how often they hear a song, overexposure can quickly turn enjoyment into irritation. [Timestamp 2:01:46]

The National Housing Accord aims to build 1.2 million homes by mid‑2029, but Professor Christian Nygaard from the City Futures Research Centre says it's unlikely to ease Australia’s housing affordability crisis. He argues supply alone "won't address housing affordability" as a political, social or wellbeing issue.

The City of Perth Council has been accused of installing an ‘anti‑homeless’ noise device in a CBD underpass. Associate Professor Ainslie Murray from the School of Built Environment says such forms of hostile architecture show that “governmental systems of care for homeless people are failing” and are “symptomatic of a much broader problem.”

Professor Pan Wang from the School of Humanities & Languages discusses the traditions of Lunar New Year and what to expect from the Year of the Fire Horse. She emphasises the celebration is about more than marking a new year – it reflects generational connection, care, respect, family reunion and social harmony.