Partnership dashboard
The University of Sydney
Learn more about the partnership between the University of Sydney and the Australian Public Policy Institute (APPI).
September 2025
About the partnership
Bringing academics to the heart of Autralia's most pressing policy challenges
The University of Sydney has been a partner of the Australian Public Policy Institute since the Institute’s launch in 2021, reflecting a shared commitment to harnessing research expertise to support better outcomes for people and communities.
This partnership aligns with the University of Sydney’s strategic focus on deepening policy engagement and ensuring its research delivers meaningful impact. Through APPI’s programs, including grants, fellowships and government-commissioned projects, University of Sydney researchers are contributing to rigorous, solutions-focused work on challenges such as housing, climate resilience and child protection.
Together, we’re building strong, trusted connections between academia and government to inform decisions, shape reform and strengthen public policy across Australia.
Government partners
As part of their work with APPI, researchers from the University of Sydney helped inform policy and reform efforts across Australian government departments, including:
- Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Australian Department of Education
- APS Academy
- The Cabinet Office of NSW
- NSW Treasury
- NSW Department of Communities and Justice
- NSW Department of Education
- NSW Ministry of Health
Researcher insights
Grants and fellowships
Ongoing projects
Completed projects
Expert contributions
Developing evidence-based solutions for Australian policymakers
University of Sydney researchers working with APPI play a direct role in shaping smarter, more effective public policy for Australia.
Through government-responsive policy projects, applied research supported by grants and fellowships, and thought leadership pieces, researchers contribute practical, evidence-based solutions to Australia’s most complex challenges.
Government projects: Acknowledgments
APPI acknowledges the invaluable contributions of researchers from the University of Sydney to policy projects delivered by APPI for Australian governments.
2024-25 (Selected researchers)
- Associate Professor Kim Bulkeley, Project for the Cabinet Office of NSW
- Professor Julie Cairney, Project for the NSW Ministry of Health
- Professor Judy Cashmore, Project for the NSW Department of Communities and Justice
- Dr Raffaele Ciriello, Project for the NSW Department of Education
- Professor Stephen Greaves, Project for Transport for NSW
- Dr Jennifer Kent, Project for Transport for NSW
- Professor David Levinson, Project for Transport for NSW
- Professor Emerita Corinne Mulley, Project for Transport for NSW
- Professor John Nelson, Project for Transport for NSW
- Professor Don Nutbeam, Project for the NSW Ministry of Health
- Dr Emily Moylan, Project for Transport for NSW
- Professor John Rose, Project for Transport for NSW
- Professor Antoine Vanoijen, Project for the NSW Ministry of Health
- Professor Kees van Gool, Project for the Cabinet Office of NSW
- Wicky West, Project for the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
2023-24 (Selected researchers)
- Professor Judy Cashmore, Project for NSW Department of Communities and Justice
- Professor Amy Conley-Wright, Project for NSW Department of Communities and Justice
- Dr José-Miguel Bello y Villarino, Project for the NSW Chief Data Scientist
- Professor Jen Smith-Merry, Project for the NSW Department of Education
- Professor Kimberlee Weatherhall, Project for the NSW Chief Data Scientist
2022-23 (Selected researchers)
- Clare Bartram, Project for the Office of the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner
- Dr Clément Cannone, Project for the NSW Chief Data Scientist
- Dr Pam Joseph, Project for the NSW Department of Education
- Esty Marcu, Project for the Office of the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner
- Professor Nicole Mockler, Project for the NSW Department of Education
2021-22 (Selected researchers)
- Dr James Graham, Project for NSW Treasury
- Erica Guilione, Project for NSW Treasury
- Associate Professor Sue Heward-Belle, Project for the NSW Department of Communities and Justice
- Dr Sasha Jamieson, Project for the NSW Department of Communities and Justice
Reports
University of Sydney researchers share their findings in targeted reports for policy audiences.
Thought leadership
University of Sydney researchers regularly publish opinion articles in our digital publication, The Policymaker.
Opportunities for researchers
Building capacity for policy engagement
Researchers at the University of Sydney can access a range of opportunities through our partnership: from grants and fellowships that support applied policy research, to dedicated university courses that build practical skills in influencing policy. These initiatives are designed to help academics translate their work into real-world impact and contribute to ongoing policy reform initiatives.
Policy Challenge Grants
The Policy Challenge Grant program supports applied public policy research to tackle key challenges and foster collaboration between academics and policymakers. The next grant round will open in early 2026. Learn more
Policy Fellowships
APPI Policy Fellows (Academic stream) analyse significant policy challenges and propose bold, practical solutions for public policy development. These fellowships are advertised directly by our university partners. Learn more
University of Sydney courses
The University of Sydney offers a Master of Public Policy, a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy and a Graduate Diploma in Public Policy.
Within the University of Sydney, there are also a number of different providers of leadership short courses, each with their own distinct approach to learning.
University Key Contacts
Our University Key Contacts are the central points of contact for assistance and advice in navigating our partner universities.
Kim Pascoe
University of Sydney
Shoshana Fogelman
University of Sydney