At SMU, research is a catalyst for real-world progress. Our scholars work across disciplines to advance knowledge, inform policy, and shape industries. By translating insight into action, our research addresses today’s most pressing challenges and delivers impact that reaches far beyond academia.
Turning bold
ideas into
real-world impact
At SMU, research is where bold ideas become real-world progress. Across our schools, research institutes and centres, scholars collaborate across disciplines to tackle complex challenges and create new possibilities. Through collaboration with government, industry and communities, SMU connects academic inquiry with real-world needs, advancing knowledge and translating it into policy, innovation and practical solutions with lasting impact.
Building on this interdisciplinary and collaborative approach, our three newest research institutes — Longevity Societies and Economies Institute, Resilient Workforces Institute, and Urban Institute — are expanding the frontiers of research in areas that will shape the future of cities and transform lives.
Longevity Societies & Economies Institute
We’re rethinking work in an age of constant technological disruption. We aim to help cultivate a future-ready workforce by:
Optimising human-machine collaboration
Transforming organisations
Maximising societal human capital
Resilient Workforces Institute
We’re tackling the challenges posed by a rapidly ageing population with a research agenda focused on:
Delivering holistic outcomes
Enabling health technologies
Creating quantifiable value
Urban Institute
We seek to make cities more environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable through three interconnected focus areas:
Enabling urban life
Fostering urban growth
Strengthening urban infrastructure
Research in action
Whether using digital twin technology to tackle urban overheating or building AI systems that adapt to change, our academics are leading the conversation on issues that matter and helping to shape a better future for all.
A global standard for research excellence
SMU research has gained global recognition across multiple disciplines. Recent achievements include:
Top1%
of researchers globally now
includes 24 from SMU
(Stanford University Global
Research Ranking)
1st
in
Singapore
2nd in Asia
21st worldwide
(Financial Times Aggregated Global Business School Research Ranking 2025)
1st
worldwide
Archival Financial Accounting
(BYU Accounting Research Ranking 2025)
The minds behind SMU’s
world-leading research
David Lo
Vice Provost (Research) and OUB Chair Professor of Computer Science, SMU
David is a researcher exploring AI, software engineering and cybersecurity. His work advances the security of software and AI systems, supporting digital transformation and the future of work.
Winston Chow
Associate Professor of Urban Climate, SMU College of Integrative Studies; Co-Chair, IPCC Working Group II
Winston Chow is an urban climate scientist focused on helping cities adapt to climate change and build resilience. His work with the IPCC contributes to global thinking on sustainable urban development and climate action.
Fiona Williamson
Professor of Environmental History, College of Integrative Studies, SMU
Fiona is a researcher exploring how climate and extreme weather shape cities and societies. Her work connects history and climate science to help us understand urban heat and natural disasters.
Andree Hartanto
Associate Professor of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, SMU
Andree is a researcher exploring how language, emotions and technology shape thinking and well-being. His work examines cognitive development, social media and healthy ageing throughout life.
Heli Wang
Professor of Strategic Management, Lee Kong Chian School of Business
Heli Wang researches innovation, corporate governance and sustainable business growth. Her work helps organisations navigate complex challenges and create long term value for stakeholders and society.
David Chan
Professor of Psychology and Director, Behavioural Sciences Institute, SMU
David Chan is a leading behavioural scientist exploring the relationship between people, organisations and society. His research informs public policy, workforce development and social resilience.
Orlando Woods
Associate Professor of Geography, SMU College of Integrative Studies
Orlando Woods studies the cultural, social and economic forces shaping cities and societies. His research explores religion, urbanisation and social change in an increasingly interconnected world.
Qian Forrest Zhang
Professor of Sociology, SMU College of Integrative Studies
Forrest Zhang studies social transformation, migration and rural development across China and Asia. His research examines how economic and social change shape communities, livelihoods and development.
Sabine Benoit
Professor of Marketing, Lee Kong Chian School of Business
Sabine Benoit researches customer experience, digital transformation and service innovation. Her work explores how organisations can respond to evolving consumer expectations and build meaningful relationships.
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Learning
for Life
Gateway
to Asia
