HOME Strategic Research and Innovation Centre

Calling Architects & Smart Home Innovators We’re looking for professionals to join a PhD research project focused on the intersection of smart home technology and child-friendly design. This research will explore how smart technologies are currently being integrated into homes and identify key opportunities and challenges in designing spaces that truly meet the needs of children and families. Azin Ehteshami is seeking input from architects, smart home designers, residential technology consultants, home automation specialists, and other professionals working with connected home technologies. The goal is to bridge the gap between design and tech expertise to create future design principles that prioritize children’s well-being and development. As part of this research, we’re hosting a collaborative workshop to share insights, tackle challenges, and co-develop strategies for designing smarter, more inclusive homes. If you or your colleagues are interested in participating or contributing to this important work, we’d love to hear from you. Please reach out to Azin if you're interested or have any questions. Also, if you know others in the smart home or residential tech fields who would be valuable contributors, we’d appreciate your recommendations. We look forward to collaborating with you!

Could a high-rise apartment replace the classic family home? Don't miss this insightful ABC News piece featuring A/Prof Fiona Andrews' research on family-friendly apartment kitchen design. https://lnkd.in/gZeYrM9p

As Australia's largest cities densify, family-friendly apartments are in short supply. A thought-provoking article by A/Prof Fiona Andrews, Co-Director of HOME, sheds light on this critical issue and explores potential solutions. https://lnkd.in/ghjCihjE

Honoured to represent Deakin University at #Science_Meets_Parliament_2025! I’m incredibly grateful to have been one of Deakin’s ECR delegates at this fantastic event, representing the Deakin University - Science, Technology and Design Research and, of course, the HOME Strategic Research and Innovation Centre! Science Meets Parliament provided an amazing opportunity for #researchers and #policymakers to connect, share ideas, and explore ways to drive national growth for Australian communities. A key takeaway from the discussions was the critical need for #transdisciplinary #collaboration across sectors to tackle the complex, interrelated challenges we face. I had the privilege of meeting brilliant and inspiring minds, exchanging insights on our shared values and research approaches. Special thanks to Dr Zoe Xirocostas (Chancellor's Research Fellow, UTS), Dr Sarah Digan (Lecturer in Science Education, ACU), Prof Gretchen Benedix (Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Curtin University), A/Prof Amir Aryani (Head of Social Data Analytics, Swinburne Uni), Dr Saman Khalesi (Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Health, CQU), Dr Bui San Thai (Research Fellow, Monash University), A/Prof Subhadra Evans (in Health Psychology, Deakin University) and many other fantastic scholars for sharing your inspiring work! A highlight for me was a private meeting with Sam Lim MP, where I had the chance to discuss my research at HOME SRIC. It was a valuable opportunity to highlight the importance of #health_promoting_building_design, particularly in #residential_aged_care facilities. It was encouraging to see his enthusiasm for #research_informed_design and its potential impact across Australia. A huge thank you to Prof Nick Birbilis (Exec Dean of SEBE) for the invitation, and to Prof Sarah McGann (A+B Head of School) and Prof Richard Tucker (Co-Director of HOME) for their ongoing support and encouragement in my professional growth and career development. Thank you Science & Technology Australia for organising the event so wonderfully! Looking forward to continuing these important conversations and collaborations!

Invite to Launch of HOME SRIC

Exciting news! Our very own Anahita Sal Moslehian, PHD, EDAC has been selected as one of the 12 speakers taking part in Soapbox Science Melbourne 2024! Join us on August 16th to support and inspire the next generation of women in STEM.

HOME funding success in the regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP). A team from SEBE, HOME and IFM working with Formflow, Urbis and Colac Shire Council have been successful in obtaining just over $2M from the Stage 1 regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP) which will fund the master planning, consultation and business case development towards Stream 2 Precinct delivery which can fund between $5-50M.   The goal is to build a new community precinct in Colac and Apollo Bay that showcases a new way of thinking centred around building better living environments that benefit both people and the planet. To rethink how buildings can help solve some of the global climate and human health challenges incorporating the best ideas available to deliver high quality affordable housing in community settings that will serve our population now and into the future. To establish a living laboratory for piloting new concepts, continuously informed by world leading research and new developments transposed into an Australian context and evaluated in a real community setting.

Big congrats to Chloe Piper, one of HOME's talented PhD candidates, who has just been awarded the AHDC research scholarship. Looking forward to further conversations around trauma-informed design and how this can be applied to the context of health-promoting housing.