Projects and partnerships

We collaborate with research and industry partners from across Europe on projects funded by the European Union, national and local governments, and international foundations.

When you partner with Monash, you have access to our global campus network in the Indo-Pacific region and here in Europe. Find out more.

We welcome proposals for academic or industry collaboration in Europe. Contact us.

Current projects and partnerships:

We have a Memorandum of Understanding with the European University Institute (EUI) to strengthen collaboration between our organisations.
Read more about our plans on the Monash news website.
Organisations: Monash University European Research Foundation; PIN - University of Firenze; University of New Haven.
Principal investigators: Dr Matteo Dutto (Monash University European Research Foundation); Prof Enrico Fabbri (Università di Firenze); Prof. David Fanfani (Università di Firenze); Dr Ilya Fridman (Monash University); Dr Piero Ianniello (University of New Haven); Prof. Costanza Lanzara (Università di Firenze).
Funding: Comune di Prato (Italy)
Dates: October 2023 - September 2024
Discovering the heartbeat of Prato's university cityscape, 'Our City, Our Campus' aims to delve into the emotions, experiences, and aspirations of its diverse student populace. With over 2000 Italian and international students weaving through its streets annually, Prato's identity as a sprawling, integrated campus sets the stage for a unique sociocultural milieu. This project seeks to unravel the intricate tapestry of student life, exploring their interactions with the urban, social, and economic fabric. By understanding these dynamics, Our City, Our Campus endeavours to empower students as agents of change, engaging them in tackling citywide challenges such as sustainability, climate neutrality, cultural development, higher education promotion, and social inclusion.
Organisations: University of Leicester (United Kingdom), Monash University European Research Foundation (Italy) and KU Leuven (Belgium)
Lead organisers: Dr Stefano De Sabbata (University of Leicester), Dr Matteo Dutto (Monash University European Research Foundation) and Dr Maarten Loopmans (KU Leuven)
Funding: Urban Studies Foundation [USF-SSA-230312]
Type of funding: Seminar series
Dates: 1 September 2023 – 30 September 2024
The project explores the intricate dynamics of multiculturalism in urban landscapes through a seminar series on mixed-methods research. As global migration reshapes cities, understanding diverse forms of mobility, settlement, and social relations is crucial. Informed by the postcolonial turn in urban studies, we bring together scholars, early career researchers, and practitioners to delve into heterogeneous formations of multiculture across England, Italy and Belgium. By facilitating interdisciplinary dialogue, we aim to foster collaborations and showcase diverse research approaches. Through training in unfamiliar methods, participants will gain insights into other disciplines, enhancing their capacity for mixed-method projects. Embracing open scholarship, we encourage the sharing of materials to enrich collective knowledge. Our seminar series aims to deepen understanding of multicultural urban dynamics, paving the way for innovative methodologies and approaches in comparative urban studies. Join us in unraveling the complexities of urban multiculturalism and shaping the future of interdisciplinary research.
For more information, visit the Urban Studies Foundation website.

Past projects and partnerships:

Organisation: Monash University European Research Foundation ETS
Principal investigators: Associate Prof David Holmes (Monash University); Dr Lucy Richardson (Monash University);
Funding: European Climate Foundation
Grant number: G-2207-64316
Dates: 1 August 2022 - 31 March 2023
Gauging the pulse of Italian perspectives on climate change, this project aimed to lay the groundwork for targeted communication campaigns promoting effective climate policies and actions. Conducting a comprehensive survey of 2168 Italian adults, from 22 February to 4 March 2023, the study probed into various facets including climate change concern, knowledge, policy perspectives, personal actions, media habits, trusted sources of information, and personal values. By establishing a baseline understanding of Italian attitudes, values, and behaviours towards climate change, the study paved the way for tailored communication strategies.
Findings revealed widespread concern about climate change and a call for urgent action, albeit with a segment still attributing climate change to natural causes. Support for policy measures was robust, underscoring the populace's appetite for proactive measures. While impacts on nature, food, and physical health were acknowledged, awareness gaps existed regarding mental health, employment, and leisure impacts. Financial constraints and knowledge gaps emerged as primary barriers to action. Television and Facebook emerged as dominant news sources, with trust placed in university scientists, farmers, healthcare professionals, and emergency services. Benevolence, universalism, and self-direction emerged as prevalent values across the population.
Armed with these insights, the project set the stage for effective climate communication interventions tailored to Italian audiences, fostering informed action and engagement.
This project produced the following report of key findings:
Richardson, L. M. (2023). Thinking Climate: A Snapshot of Italian Views on Climate Change, Monash Climate Change Communication Research Hub. doi:10.26180/22406428