Australian Universities Champion 'Living Labs'
Australian higher education institutions are increasingly using the "Living Lab" concept to develop and test new accessibility solutions. These labs are collaborative spaces for stakeholders to co-design and pilot innovations, reflecting a trend towards community-driven and holistic approaches to student support and inclusion.
- Monash University's experience with Living Labs over the past decade has involved over 100 researchers and more than 1,000 students across nine different labs, working with over 100 partner organizations. A 2024 scoping study at Monash identified 16 active Living Labs in various stages of development. - Swinburne University of Technology's Living Lab, accredited by the European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL), focuses on creating solutions to improve health and wellbeing for older adults and people with disabilities. - The University of Melbourne piloted a "Campus Living Lab Accelerator Program" in 2024, offering up to $40,000 to be shared between three to five projects to raise awareness and build relationships between academic and professional staff. - At the University of Sydney, a Living Lab project involved the company Gelion testing its renewable energy, rechargeable ion-cell Endure battery in solar-powered benches on campus, which provide lighting and charging ports for students. - Deakin University's Living Lab initiatives have received financial support from Bendigo Bank for research into enhancing sustainability on campus. - The University of Newcastle has established several Living Labs in partnership with external organizations, including the Central Coast Health & Wellbeing Living Lab with the Central Coast Local Health District and a Circular Economy Living Lab with Lake Macquarie City Council. - A key challenge identified for university-based Living Labs is that their efforts can remain piecemeal and small-scale; some research suggests creating a central "university sustainability office" to coordinate projects for greater impact. - The "social living lab" model is being used to address digital exclusion among people with disabilities, the elderly, and other marginalized groups in regional areas by providing a context for learning that goes beyond simple digital skills instruction.
