Researcher biography
Professor Marston is the Director of CPF. He previously held several leadership positions at The University of Queensland, including Deputy Executive Dean in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Head of School of Social Science (2016-2019), and Acting Associate Dean Research (2021).
A Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia, Professor Marston has also contributed his expertise as a member of the Australian Research Council College of Experts. His academic career includes research-focused roles at both RMIT and QUT. With comprehensive knowledge of Australia's social science research ecosystem, he possesses a profound understanding of how genuine partnerships between governments, businesses, citizens, and civil society groups can advance evidence-informed social policy.
Before transitioning to academia in the early 2000s, Professor Marston worked with various peak bodies in the community services sector at state and national levels, focusing on housing, homelessness, and social security policy. Throughout his research career, he has collaborated closely with different levels of government, the private sector, and non-profit organisations.
His approach is guided by a commitment to social justice and ensuring that the voices of ordinary Australians remain central to public debate and deliberation on key social issues. Professor Marston's research program explores poverty and unemployment, climate justice, economic security, work, and emerging technologies. He maintains both an academic and personal interest in the everyday politics of policy making, framing, and policy discourses.