Queensland Centre for Population Research

The Queensland Centre for Population Research works collaboratively with local and global experts based in demographic and population research centres around the world.

Our academic staff work on projects across 5 research themes. Contact our theme leaders within each area to find out more.

Demographic analysis and forecasting

We analyse population size and household numbers, characteristics and distribution. We also develop innovative models to forecast population and household characteristics across multiple geographies and communicate any uncertainty in the forecasts.

Our analysis includes:

• population size, characteristics and distribution
• household and dwelling numbers, types and distribution
• census and proprietary large datasets.

We develop models to forecast:

• population characteristics across multiple geographies
• households and dwellings by size and type across multiple geographies.

We also develop:

• strategies to effectively communicate forecast uncertainty
• methods to estimate temporary populations
• cohort measures of internal migration.

Current projects

• Forecasting climate-induced migration in Australia
• Innovations in Demographic Modelling for Government Analysis and Planning

For more information, contact theme leader Dr Pia Wohland.

Population ageing and composition

Populations around the world, including in Australia, are ageing. Our researchers have expertise in studying the trends, patterns and impacts of population ageing. Populations not only change their composition in regards to their age structure but also in other characteristics, for example in terms of cultural and linguistic diversity.

Research capacity:

• analysing changes in mortality and life expectancy across space and time
• analysing spatial and temporal trends in health expectancies
• analysing the social and economic impacts of population ageing (e.g. labour force participation)
• developing population projection models with additional population characteristics (e.g. Indigenous status).

Current projects

• Collaborative research initiatives in the fields of demography and population research

For more information, contact theme leader Dr Pia Wohland.

Internal and international migration

We analyse human spatial mobility at a variety of temporal and spatial scales. We also develop innovative methods for migration analysis.

We draw on a wide range of analytical tools to explore how intensity, spatial patterns and migration drivers vary across space and time. This includes local and residential moves, international migration and temporary-to-permanent migration.

Our research involves:

• analysing trends, patterns and drivers of internal migration in Australia
• comparing cross-national, internal migration among UN member states
• analysing temporary population mobility in Australia and internationally
• establishing long-term internal migration trends and explaining the demographic mechanisms underpinning them
• exploring the nexus between environmental change, mobility and outcomes
• analysing international migration's role in shaping urban space
• investigating global cities' roles as multicultural spaces and ‘stepping stones’ for new migrants.

Current projects

• Professional research and analytical services - delivery of updated Australia's Indian Diaspora: A National Asset report and related products
• Climate-related relocation: improving policy and practice outcomes

For more information, contact theme leader Associate Professor Aude Bernard.

Urban and regional spaces and flows

We concentrate on analysing population flows, human behaviours and interactions, urban growth and land use in space and over time. We also focus on understanding population impact on the environment and the impact of environmental change on populations and their variation across urban and regional settings.

Our research involves:

• modelling urban growth and land use change through Cellular Automata (CA) and Agent-based Models (ABM)
• analysing urban space usage, intensity, spatial structure and temporal change dynamics
• analysing population flows, human behaviours and interactions in space and over time
• analysing population impact on the environment and the impact of environmental change on populations
• analysing how households respond to shocks and stressors, and sustain their livelihoods
• spatial approaches including spatial data mining and big data analytics to understand urban spaces, flows and interactions
• analysing spatial accessibility and concentrations of social disadvantage
• visualising urban spaces and flows in 3D.

Current projects

• The National Cycling Data and Analysis Platform

For more information, contact theme leader Associate Professor Elin Charles-Edwards.

Economic change and globalisation

We analyse the social, cultural and economic networks that connect cities around the world. We examine the role that global cities play as multicultural spaces and ‘stepping stones’ for new migrants and develop new ways to understand inter-urban flows.

Our research involves:

• analysing economic activity distribution within cities over time
• analysing capital and resource flows between cities on a global scale
• focusing on global financial flows and their impacts on property markets
• developing new ways of understanding inter-urban flows using social network analysis
• analysing the ways resources, manufacturing and services shape economic outcomes in cities

Current projects

• Everyday guardianship: a space time approach to crime prevention
• Beyond the resource curse: redistribution and resource-led development

For more information, contact theme leader Associate Professor Thomas Sigler.