Our research
The research team at Net Zero Lab share a range of research interests that often overlap and intersect. The core goal of all our research is building sustainable futures. Our past research has investigated what it means to be sustainable in different professions, including design, education, farming, and fashion. We have also conducted research on particular social issues such as consumption and waste, sustainability education, peace building, and food security, with projects centring on interventions that contribute to systems transitions.
Current research includes
The role of transparency and trust in building and replicating small local food networks.
The suitability of regenerative farming for Australian contexts and climates: a study of farming futures.
Creating circular economies for waste that encourage alternative approaches to consumption.
A study of citizen participation programs for remaking waste.
Educational games in Australia and Nepal, how does playing and learning differ between cultures?
Community design games: exploring generative co-creation processes.
Low-contact Co-design: participation in a pandemic.
If you are interested in participating in any of these project please contact us to discuss the different ways to get involved. Or register your interest in one of our upcoming workshops.

Our recent publications
Dr Niki Wallace
Wallace, N. Thinking while drawing and drawing to think: Exploring the critical reflective practice of ‘reflective doodling DRS2020 Conference Proceedings. 2020
Wallace, N. Creating change: A case study of transformation from making greener things toward design for transitions. PhD Thesis. 2020
Wallace, Niki . Personal, Political, Professional: A Practice in Transition. Journal of Management Policy and Practice, 20(5). 2019
Wallace, Niki. Crocker, Robert. "Beyond Greener Things: Sustainability within Communication Design Practice." Design and the Creation of Social Value: Re: Research, Volume 3 3 (2019): 131.
Wallace, Niki. "Rethink Rubbish: Using Design to Change the Way We Think About Consumption and Waste." Unmaking Waste Conference. 2018
Dr Robert Crocker
Crocker, R. Unmaking Waste in Production and Consumption: Towards the Circular Economy (Emerald 2018)
Crocker, R.Subverting Consumerism: Reuse in an Accelerated World(Routledge, 2018)
Crocker, R 'Unmaking waste', in J Chapman (ed.), Routledge Handbook of Sustainable Product Design, Taylor and Francis, UK, ch. 17, pp. 250-265. (2017)
Crocker, R.Somebody Else's Problem: Consumerism, Sustainability and Design(Greenleaf, 2016)
Crocker, R 'The 'Good' corporation: the uneasy relationship between reputation and responsibility', in G Muratovski (ed.), Consumer culture : selected essays, Intellect, Bristol, UK, ch. 8, pp. 173-194. 2016