Spotlight on
Research
RESEARCH THAT DRIVES IMPACT
We deliver deep audience insights that go beyond demographics to reveal values, beliefs and behaviours, showing who is aligned, who is persuadable, who is resistant and how they consume information.
Deep, exploratory research that tells us where people are at, and how to move them. We combine methods to identify the values, beliefs and experiences that shape attitudes and behaviours.
Mixed-method research that tests messages, messengers and channels to drive behaviour change, with specialist engagement across diverse communities.
Research-backed advocacy that builds credible evidence for stakeholder engagement, media strategies and thought leadership to influence policy and public debate.
An evidence-based model that measures community acceptance, from rejection to endorsement, and guides strategy across industry, organisation, project and policy levels.
Dr Rebecca Huntley
Director - Data, Research & Insights
Holly McCarthy
Associate Director
Kate Whelan
Senior Research Advisor
Moving the Middle: The Gender Compass Podcast
Backed by the groundbreaking Gender Compass research, Moving the Middle is where data meets real stories. Each episode explores how leaders, communicators and changemakers are using fresh insights to engage the ‘moveable middle’ — those Australians whose views aren’t set in stone, but who hold the power to shift the national conversation on gender equality.
FAQs
About 89 Degrees East Research
Our 89 Degrees East researchers understand people. We specialise in research that gets to the bottom of how different audiences are thinking, feeling and acting, then we translate rich findings into practical recommendations that shape strategy and communications.
Our team has extensive experience applying qualitative and quantitative methods. We regularly use a mixed-methods approach to capture both depth and breadth in our exploration of community attitudes and behaviours.
We have robust in-house capabilities to support clients across the full lifecycle of a project. Our team will manage the research design, the fieldwork, data analysis and the translation of findings into actionable insights.
- Research services we deliver include:
- Community sentiment research
- Survey design, analysis and insights
- Audience segmentation
- Social license frameworks
- Message and concept testing
- Campaign evaluations
- Sentiment Tracking surveys
- Focus groups, depth interviews and moderated forums
- Stakeholders consultations
- Literature reviews
- Narrative Reports
- Messaging Guides
Our research team is highly experienced in applying a range of analytical methods to deliver meaningful insights. We are committed to delivering robust findings that clients can have confidence in.
89 Degrees East has experience working with a range of clients, spanning government, corporate and for-purpose organisations.
Our research supports a wide range of objectives, from advocacy and campaigning through to policy development, stakeholder engagement and behaviour change.
We have strong capability across a range of topics, with expertise in:
- Climate, extreme weather and the energy transition
- Gender equity
- Community and belonging
- Democracy and engagement
- Health and wellbeing
A Compass is an audience segmentation tool developed by 89 Degrees East that establishes the distinct ways different groups of people think, feel and behave in relation to a specific issue.
Audience segmentations are a well-utilised tool to better understand, engage and mobilise audience cohorts.
Audience segmentation groups people by patterns in what they think and believe and how they act.
The segments emerge from the data, through analysis - they are not predetermined.
A Compass allows for a more nuanced approach to understanding issues and how audiences view those issues.
What does a compass offer?
Our compasses:
- Establish a baseline of community sentiment on a specific issue.
- Bring distinct audience groups into sharp focus, providing a rich picture of the diversity of community attitudes.
- Deliver the insight needed to tailor communications, build issue salience and guide strategic engagement with key audiences.
- Provide a common language and framework to encourage strategic alignment and facilitate cross-sector collaboration.
89 Degrees East specialises in bringing together research, strategy and delivery.
Our research team does not work in isolation from communication, advocacy or campaign strategy. We gather and analyse evidence, translate insights into a clear narrative, and help clients use that evidence to shape public opinion, influence policy, build trust and support behaviour change.
Three key factors set our approach apart:
1. We translate complex findings into robust, actionable insights.
2. We work collaboratively, drawing on our in-house researchers, strategic communicators, media specialists and data experts.
3. We are driven by work that has purpose, impact and high ethical standards.
Dr Rebecca Huntley is available to provide research briefings or speak at a range of events, online or in-person.
To enquire, please email research@89degreeseast.com with details of your request, including the event format, audience, timing and any relevant background information. Our team will review your enquiry and respond as soon as possible.