Clusters

Interdisciplinary cross-fertilisation is deliberately cultivated in all IEx groups as a way of channelling the multidisciplinary makeup of faculty and students towards achieving social impact. This principle is reflected in three cluster groupings, and can be executed either locally or regionally.  Read on to find out more about the impact areas underpinning each cluster!

Science and Technology Cluster

How can we harness the capabilities of science and technology to enhance social access, inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and the conservation of natural resources?  What can we learn from both traditional and cutting-edge practices in finding solutions to contemporary challenges?

Our team of Cluster Supervisors bring a diverse range of inter- and multidisciplinary specialisations in both the social and natural sciences, including but not limited to: ecology, marine/coastal biology, geology, anthropology, sociology, applied physics, and complex systems. Under their guidance, IEx project groups will  work toward conceptualising and implementing systems-thinking towards practical solutions to real-world problems.

Arts and Design Cluster

How does the aesthetic of our surrounding built environment influence our lives, and how can we harness the power of design principles towards pressing social problems? How can we learn from heritage workers and creative practitioners in shaping a brighter future for us all?  

Students will work with scholars in fields  ranging from architecture, visual culture, art history, curation, urban studies, theatre research and beyond. Guided by their collective knowledge and interdisciplinary range, IEx project groups will channel the power of the creative industry in implementing projects that address social needs but also empower communities to manifest the imagination and creativity needed to ignite transformative change.

Civic and Community Cluster

How might we unravel the intricate and complex dimensions of our social environment to transform them into tangible, meaningful actions that bridge the divides of inequality?  How can we learn from and work productively with community leaders and change makers in addressing social problems?

Our team of Cluster Supervisors brings deep expertise in fields ranging from law, social justice, social theory, social policy, race studies, gender studies, cultural anthropology, linguistics, to philosophy. With their guidance, IEx project groups will cultivate a profound comprehension of the ever-evolving landscapes of our communities and global contexts, enabling them to devise solutions that advance and attain enhanced social equity.