An RMIT academic says he is shocked by the lack of research examining the health and social effects of wind farms.

The university has announced it will conduct a three-year study, from its Hamilton campus, into the acoustic, health and community impacts of turbines.

Research fellow Dr Sean MacDermott says he became concerned about the lack of research after attending heated community meetings.

He says pro and anti-wind farm groups are basing their claims on scant evidence.

"In reality we've been astonished in looking ... at how little research has been conducted," he said.

"This has polarised communities and people are debating over a research... [continue via Web link]