Deepening our understanding of issues facing contemporary society
Our innovative research in humanities and social sciences is applied through four key research themes. We bring together researchers from diverse academic backgrounds to examine issues including global mobility and transnational cultures, conflict and security, the rise of social media, citizenship and democracy, diversity and social change, and First Nations’ communities and culture.
Research themes
History, Media and Change
The notion of ‘change’ is explored through the lenses of history and media, whilst examining internationalism, Indigenous protest and reform movements, migration and refugee studies, the circulation of radical ideas within populist movements in the post-enlightenment and how minority critics of settler colonialism south to mobilise social justice politics during the first half of the twentieth century.
Mobilities, Communities and In/securities
We study mobilities, communities and in/securities in contemporary social and political contexts, as well as acknowledging economic and technological developments and their impact. Our research ambition is interdisciplinary with connections between history, media studies, sociology, security studies and other social-scientific fields of inquiry.
Language, Culture and Belonging
We bring together linguists, sociologists, communication researchers, Islamic studies scholars and cultural experts to investigate language diversity, different ways of belonging, and cultures of resistance. Our work takes place in diverse environments—urban environments, rural and regional locations, online spaces—and considers the complexities of intercultural interaction and lifestyle politics.
Heritage and Well-being
Drawing together academics working in diverse areas to develop new research projects on the role and significance of heritage in the contemporary world, as well as new ways to protect and present it for future generations. Potential projects in this theme include an interrogation of the connections between heritage and well-being in varied settings such as Indigenous heritage sites and community institutions.
Help our research
The HGRC is the result of a bequest from an alumnus and is enabling us to create teaching resources and research opportunities in Queensland and Australian history. Follow the link below if you'd like to donate, and facilitate new research in the humanities and social sciences.