Research

The University encourages and supports inter- and transdisciplinary research across departments, schools, and with external partners, to advance scientific knowledge and deliver innovative solutions that address the societal challenges of our time.

Breakthrough Discoveries

SMU conducts cutting-edge sustainability research, exploring complex, interconnected issues through an emphasis on the management and social sciences, and humanities. Through the creation and deployment of pioneering computing and information technologies, we generate discoveries that enable the sustainable transformation of organisations, society and our planet.

Explore our podcasts, videos and articles to hear from our researchers about the exciting studies and innovations they are working on; Dive into SMU's sustainability research publications on InK; and Discover sustainability innovations at the SMU Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which bridges our research community to industry and startups, moving innovations and discoveries from the classroom and the lab to the marketplace.

Research Pillars

Sustainability research by our faculty spans across all the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but are particularly strong in these 5 focal areas:

Research Institutes, Centres and Labs

Discover impactful sustainability-related research being undertaken at our institutes, centres and labs.

SMU Urban Institute

Launched on 17th January 2024, the SMU Urban Institute focuses on the study, understanding and advancement of urban life, urban growth and urban infrastructure shaping the future of Asian cities. The multi- and interdisciplinary institute will create a hub for researchers and practioners as well as consolidate SMU’s existing urban-related research - which sits at the heart of each of SMU’s strategic priorities of Digital Transformation, Sustainable Living and Growth in Asia, catalysing new directions for practical solutions to urban challenges.

Visit Urban Institute website »

Centre for Commercial Law in Asia (CCLA)

CCLA conducts and facilitates research on the application, development and impact of commercial law so as to advance commercial growth in Asia marked by sustainability, inclusion and innovation.

Visit CCLA website »

Centre for Research on Successful Ageing (ROSA)

ROSA seeks to define and measure a holistic construct of wellbeing and to identify the factors that impact Singaporean's wellbeing as they progress through the later phases of life.

Visit ROSA website »

Lien Centre for Social Innovation (LCSI)

LCSI's research focuses on exploring unmet social needs in Singapore and documenting the landscapes of social finance and corporate philanthropy in Southeast Asia.

Visit LCSI website »

Singapore Green Finance Centre (SGFC)

An initiative of Imperial College Business School and SMU, SGFC develops strategies for policymakers and financial institutions to support Asia’s transition to a low-carbon future.

Visit SGFC website »

Collaborative research

Collaborations with industry and other organisations fuel meaningful inter- and trans- disciplinary research that accelerate the transition to a low carbon economy and more sustainable societies. At SMU, we partner widely to generate sustainability research and to close the gap between research, policy and practice for meaningful impact on society.

Our MAKER (Multi-disciplinary And Knowledge Exchange Research) and MAKER-X workshops also bring together SMU faculty specialising in different research areas with researchers and practitioners from academia, government, businesses and non-governmental organisations for informal, focused discussions on common topics of interest.

Keen to co-organise a sustainability focused MAKER-X workshop? Contact the Office of Research at ore@smu.edu.sg.

Partner with us

Take a look at our Partnerships Portal and explore partnership opportunities and modalities or contact our sustainability team at sustainability@smu.edu.sg for more general enquiries about sustainability at SMU.