Professor Ross Gordon joined us in the Research Café to discuss the upcoming Change for Good showcase on 4 November 2026 that will demonstrate how UTS researchers are addressing major social issues through transdisciplinary behavioural and social change.
UTS Behaviour and Social Change Showcase
Ross said that when you look at major societal issues like tobacco control, climate change, energy efficiency and improving public health, we tend to over rely on scientific and technical and engineering solutions. But changing people’s behaviours is equally important.
“Australia's main challenges now and into the future include how we improve public health, mental health and health equity challenges. Other questions we are interested in include how we mitigate harmful consumption, like gambling harm. And how we develop a more equitable, inclusive, and non-discriminatory society.”
Ross said that at the heart of these four seemingly very different challenges is the need for meaningful change in how people do things.
“To effectively address such issues, we need a complete rethink on how communities exist, how organisations go about their work and how systems evolve,” he explained.
To promote meaningful change in how systems evolve, Change for Good research projects investigate what are the policies, infrastructures, technologies and supports that are going to be needed to address major challenges and transitions.
To effectively address such issues, we need a complete rethink on how communities exist, how organisations go about their work and how systems evolve.
“We really need to understand human behaviour: what drives it and how do we change it? Not just with respect to behaviour within communities, but also decision makers, government, industry and so on,” explained Ross, adding that transdisciplinary approaches are critical to navigating complex change.
Change for Good will use its Behaviour and Social Change Showcase to promote UTS research capabilities to inspire further participation and collaboration.
“Come join us to think about how behaviour and social change has a critical role in addressing the challenges you investigate within your research.”
Register to attend
The UTS Behaviour and Social Change Showcase will bring together researchers, research leaders and professional staff from across UTS to showcase the breadth of behaviour and social change expertise across the university, foster new interdisciplinary collaborations, and identify funding, partnership and impact opportunities.
The showcase will focus on four key themes:
- Climate Change and Action
- Improving Public and Mental Health
- Mitigating Harmful Consumption
- Equity, Equality and Overcoming Discrimination
When: 10am-4pm Wednesday 4 November
Where: UTS Business School Room CB08.02.002
What’s next?
- Learn how Change for Good is Driving social impact through research.
- Listen to Ross speaking on Radio 2SER-FM.
- Learn more about Change for Good at UTS.
- Learn more about Ross’ research.