A new AURIN Node has launched at The University of Queensland that focuses on data-informed responses to urban health, liveability, and equity challenges.
Led by Associate Professor Jonathan Olsen, Urban Intelligence for Healthy & Equitable Places, or URBANiQ, joins the AURIN Node Network as a collaboration between AURIN and the The Institute for Social Science Research at the University of Queensland, The Node brings together researchers with expertise in urban planning, health, transport, geography, and the social sciences. Its purpose is to apply spatial and administrative data in ways that improve how evidence is used in planning, policy, and investment decisions.
“We are excited to launch the latest AURIN node – URBANiQ – at The University of Queensland. This presents a fantastic opportunity to work alongside fellow academics, policy makers, NGO’s and communities to harness Australia’s urban data research infrastructure and better understand how places can facilitate healthy and equitable outcomes for populations. As we establish URBANiQ, we are eager to collaborate with others across Queensland and Australia who share this mission.”
– Dr. Jon Olsen, Director URBANiQ
Mobility Patterns, Urban Dynamics and Health
URBANiQ will begin with two major case studies in 2025–26. The first focuses on mobility patterns, urban dynamics and health, examining how transport behaviours and environmental exposures interact with demographic factors to shape health outcomes. The second looks at urban liveability for equitable and healthy futures, using spatial data to better understand community wellbeing and support policy development across levels of government. Both projects are aligned with national and state priorities and will contribute to work underway to plan for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
A key part of the Node’s approach is collaboration with stakeholders across sectors. URBANiQ is working with partners including Health and Wellbeing Queensland, Brisbane City Council, the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. These partnerships will help ensure that research questions, data needs, and outputs are shaped by those who will use them. AURIN HQ will support the Node in convening a series of structured stakeholder workshops, drawing on the Industry Advisory Committee and wider networks to guide research priorities and establish a pipeline for future collaborative projects.
Supporting National Science and Research Priorities
The Node will contribute to national efforts to apply research infrastructure in ways that address Australia’s most pressing challenges. URBANiQ is aligned with the Australian Government’s National Science and Research Priorities and supports work across health, sustainability, resilience, and inclusion. Its work will also speak to global frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Outputs will be tailored to the needs of end-users, from small-area profiles and scalable data products to applied insights that can inform decisions at local, state, and national levels.
By joining the AURIN Node Network, URBANiQ will help expand Australia’s capacity for data-enabled urban research, adding expertise and resources to a national infrastructure designed to respond to complex challenges through better access to data, tools, and collaborative partnerships.
URBANiQ is supported by the Australian Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) and is delivered in partnership between AURIN and The University of Queensland.
What is a Node?
The AURIN Node Network is a collaboration of leading research institutions across Australia, working together to solve critical urban and regional challenges.
Nodes focus on priority areas such as housing, transport, urban health, environmental health, climate action, and land-use planning, developing research solutions that meet real-world needs.
Through the Node Network, AURIN improves access to expertise and research infrastructure by pooling resources, enabling the creation of fit-for-purpose and scalable solutions.
Researchers in the Node Network are recognised as partners in innovation, working alongside government and industry to co-design tools and insights that have national relevance and application.
Stay connected
For further information or to express interest in collaborating, please contact the URBANiQ Director: Associate Professor Jonathan Olsen ([email protected])
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