Map Transcript

Health and biomedical ecosystem partner map

The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences is utilising the strengths of the largest ecosystem of health and biomedical organisations in the southern hemisphere for integrated education, research and translation. Together with our partners, we're driving global impact on health and collectively meeting the challenges of a changing world.

Visit website: www.mdhs.unimelb.edu.au

Map pins (in alphabetical order)

4D Medical

Level 7, Melbourne Connect, 700 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3053 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Commercial and industry
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Medtech and digital health
molecular science and biotech
clinical sciences

Partnership strengths

4DMedical is a global medical technology company aiming to revolutionise respiratory imaging and ventilation analysis technology. Providing better information to patients and their doctors could bring about better health outcomes for people living with lung disease.

The University of Melbourne and 4DMedical are partnering to advance the technology with 4DMedical’s global headquarters located at Melbourne Connect – the university’s purpose-built precinct for innovation and digital transformation.

It is here that the two organisations collaborate on leading-edge research and developments to help solve the major healthcare challenges linked with lung disease. University of Melbourne PhD candidates and internship and placement students are also given the opportunity to take part in research with 4DMedical at its Melbourne Connect facility.

Capabilities

Medical technology
Respiratory imaging

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research translation
Education and training

Learn more: https://4dmedical.com/

Austin Health, Austin Hospital

145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Vic 3084 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories

Health service
Metropolitan Melbourne
Mental health and neuroscience
Molecular science and biotech
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Epilepsy is a complex disease that causes people to have unpredictable and recurrent seizures due to sudden disruptions to the electrical activity in their brain.

Austin Health is home to Australia’s leading epilepsy centre where researchers are working hard to understand more about the causes of epilepsy, its association with other disorders, and treatments.

Austin Health’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Program is led by Professors Sam Berkovic and Ingrid Scheffer who also oversee the Epilepsy Research Centre at the University of Melbourne.

In 1995, the research team discovered the first gene linked to epilepsy and more recently led a major revision of the international classification system for epilepsy – the first in nearly 30 years. The new system gives doctors access to the latest information about the disease so they can better help those living with epilepsy.

Partnership strengths

Austin Health comprises the Austin Hospital, Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital and Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre. It is closely affiliated with the University of Melbourne through the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology.

Austin Clinical School is the largest provider of clinical placement hours for University students and Austin Hospital and Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital host embedded university units including the Departments of Medicine, Surgery, Psychiatry, Critical Care and Physiotherapy.

Austin Health and the University are also connected through the Melbourne Brain Centre, the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance and Melbourne Academic Centre for Health. The two organisations also recently introduced Australia’s first research clinical data warehouse and are establishing a Data Analytics Research and Evaluation (DARE) Centre.

Research focus

Cancer
Cardiovascular disease
Diabetes and endocrinology
Respiratory disease
Genetics
Neurosciences including stroke and epilepsy
Psychiatry
Pharmacology

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Co-appointment of clinical-academic positions

Learn more: https://www.austin.org.au/

Austin Health, Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital

300 Waterdale Rd, Heidelberg, Vic 3081 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories

Health service
Metropolitan Melbourne
Mental health and neuroscience
Molecular science and biotech
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Epilepsy is a complex disease that causes people to have unpredictable and recurrent seizures due to sudden disruptions to the electrical activity in their brain.

Austin Health’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Program is led by Professors Sam Berkovic and Ingrid Scheffer who also oversee the Epilepsy Research Centre at the University of Melbourne.

Partnership strengths

Research focus

Cancer
Cardiovascular disease
Diabetes and endocrinology
Respiratory disease
Genetics
Neurosciences including stroke and epilepsy
Psychiatry
Pharmacology

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Co-appointment of clinical-academic positions

Learn more: https://www.austin.org.au/

Austin Health, Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre

1 Yarra Blvd, Kew, Vic 3101 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories

Health service
Metropolitan Melbourne
Mental health and neuroscience
Molecular science and biotech
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Epilepsy is a complex disease that causes people to have unpredictable and recurrent seizures due to sudden disruptions to the electrical activity in their brain.

Austin Health’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Program is led by Professors Sam Berkovic and Ingrid Scheffer who also oversee the Epilepsy Research Centre at the University of Melbourne.

Partnership strengths

Research focus

Cancer
Cardiovascular disease
Diabetes and endocrinology
Respiratory disease
Genetics
Neurosciences including stroke and epilepsy
Psychiatry
Pharmacology

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Co-appointment of clinical-academic positions

Learn more: https://www.austin.org.au/

Australian College of Optometry / National Vision Research Institute

374 Cardigan St, Carlton VIC 3053 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Community and government
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Mental health and neuroscience
Medtech and digital health
Molecular science and biotech
Indigenous health
Clinical sciences
Eye health

Impact highlight

During eye examinations, retinal images of children and young people under the age of 18 are not routinely collected. This has led to a lack of reference images to help analyse the effectiveness of new gene therapies to treat inherited retinal diseases in young Australians.

The Australian College of Optometry (ACO) and University of Melbourne are developing clinical research involving patients, clinicians and clinical data, including a project that will establish a paediatric dataset of retinal optimal coherence tomography (OCT) images. The non-invasive imaging test uses light waves to take cross-section pictures of the retina.

The dataset will support inherited retinal disease research at the University and the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA). It will also be available to support the work of other paediatric eye disease researchers.

Partnership strengths

The Australian College of Optometry has close affiliations with the University of Melbourne’s Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences and is the largest external provider of clinical placements for the University’s Doctor of Optometry students.

There are also close partnerships between five areas of the University and the research arm of the ACO – the National Vision Research Institute (NVRI) that is dedicated to better understanding vision and its disorders, preserving sight and preventing blindness.

The Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, the Veterinary School, Biomedical Engineering, Biosciences and the School of Physics support NVRI’s science, translational and clinical research efforts to better understand how the brain processes vision and vision disorders. A Clinical Research Fellow is jointly funded by NVRI and the University.

Research focus

Understanding the visual cortex
Bionic eye development
Visual diseases
Eye health

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research training
Research collaboration
Joint clinical-academic appointment

Learn more: https://www.aco.org.au/

Australian Dementia Network

161 Barry Street, University of Melbourne, 3010 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories

Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Mental health and neuroscience
Medtech and digital health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

About 500,000 Australians live with dementia and by 2058 that number could reach almost 1.1 million people. Dementia is the leading cause of death in women and the second leading cause of death and disease burden in Australians over the age of 65.

A flagship initiative of Australian Dementia Network (ADNeT) is supporting people with dementia by providing them with access to clinical trials and the latest dementia modifying drugs. The Screening and Trials Initiative aims to speed up the development of effective therapies to prevent or treat dementia and help more people join trials and benefit from potential treatments.

The Initiative also helps Australian researchers find people to take part in trials and participate in longitudinal observational research that sheds more light on the development of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Partnership strengths

ADNeT is a partnership of leading dementia researchers from 17 Australian universities and research institutes who work together on dementia prevention, treatment and care. Led by the University of Melbourne, ADNeT was established in 2018 with funding from the Federal Government Boosting Dementia Research Initiative.

ADNeT researchers are focused on three key areas:

establishing the first dementia clinical quality registry to track, benchmark and report on the clinical care of people with dementia,
establishing consistent best practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of dementia, and

facilitating the development of effective therapies by providing detailed dementia screening of patients suitable for participation in clinical trials.

Research focus

Dementia

What we do together

Research collaboration
Clinical trials

Learn more: https://www.australiandementianetwork.org.au/

Australian Genome Research Facility

Level 13, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne VIC 3000 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Cancer sciences
Maternal and child health
Molecular science and biotech
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

A cutting-edge sequencing platform – NovaSeq 6000 – that can sequence 50 human genomes in less than two days is playing a significant role in advancing clinical genomics and precision medicine. This is just one initiative evolving from a partnership between the University of Melbourne and the Australian Genome Research Facility (AGRF).

The AGRF is Australia’s largest full-service genomics organisation and is a key player in genomic innovation and development. It provides expertise, technology and support to the academic sector and industry.

In another major advance, the AGRF acquired the Chromium™ System from US company, 10x Genomics®. This provided Australia with one of the first opportunities outside the US to use the powerful new genomic technology that allows researchers to sequence DNA at much higher resolution from clinical samples and probe the activity of individual cancer cells. This is vital in understanding the root causes of complex and rare tumours and in discovering potential new therapeutic avenues.

Partnership strengths

The University of Melbourne and AGRF, a not-for-profit, have partnered to deliver world-leading genome sequencing capability to the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct and beyond.

Headquartered in the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Melbourne, the AGRF supports a national network of genomic services and expertise in five states across Australia. It is funded by the Australian Government’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy.

At the University of Melbourne, the AGRF supports researchers from the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and the Faculty of Science.

Capabilities

Bioinformatics
Clinical genomics
Cytogenetic services
Analysis DNA methylation
Human cell line ID
Human exome identification
Microbiome and metagenomics
RNA sequencing
Sanger sequencing
Single cell and linked-reads

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research infrastructure and platforms

Learn more: https://www.agrf.org.au/

Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute

75 Commercial Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004 (Bunurong Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Metropolitan Melbourne
Molecular science and biotech
Public health
Cardiometabolic health
Indigenous health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Cardiovascular diseases cause 27 per cent of deaths in Australia and around 1.2 million men and women live with heart disease, stroke or vascular conditions, according to government statistics.

However, a new anti-inflammatory drug under development at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and the University of Melbourne’s Bio21 Institute could improve the lives of people with, or at risk of, cardiovascular disease.

The project combines the Baker Institute’s expertise in vascular biology and Bio21’s abilities to investigate and visualise the structures of medically important proteins.

Researchers believe the new drug could also extend the viability of transplanted organs, help treat autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, and may reduce fatal complications from viruses like COVID-19.

Partnership strengths

The Baker Institute’s history dates back to 1926 and its work extends from the laboratory to wide-scale community studies focused on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and associated metabolic diseases.

In late 2019, the University of Melbourne and the Baker Institute formalised their long-standing research relationship to strive for even greater outcomes in cardiometabolic research. As part of this drive, the University and the Baker Institute established a new research and research training department within the Melbourne Medical School – the Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health.

Research collaborations with the University’s Bio21 Institute also continue.

Research focus

Mechanisms of cardiometabolic diseases and the associated risk factors
Novel targets and therapeutics
Big data and new technologies e.g. genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics
Clinical translation
Optimisation of clinical service delivery and prevention

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials

Learn more: https://baker.edu.au/

Bendigo Health

100 Barnard St, Bendigo VIC 3550 (Dja Dja Wurrung Country)

Categories:

Health service
Regional Victoria
Mental health and neuroscience
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Partnership strengths

Bendigo Health is a leading regional health service with a catchment area that covers a quarter of Victoria.

The health service has a long history of partnering with the University of Melbourne through the University’s Department of Rural Health (DRH) which belongs to the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. DRH has a small node in Bendigo in partnership with Monash University.

Bendigo Health is a respected and major provider of clinical placements for the University of Melbourne’s Doctor of Medicine students, with students also supported by the Bendigo Rural Clinical School.

Bendigo Health and university researchers and clinicians proactively collaborate to grow education and research by undertaking a raft of evaluations and service development projects and through research and professional development that supports the rural health workforce.

Capabilities

Rural sexual health
Chronic ill health
Rural health workforce initiatives

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Jointly funded positions

Learn more: https://bendigohealth.org.au/

Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute

30 Flemington Rd, Parkville VIC 3052 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Infectious diseases and immunology
Molecular science and biotech

Impact highlight

Bio21’s transmission electron microscopes in the Ian Holmes Imaging Centre captured the first pictures of the isolated and cultured coronavirus outside of China. These images, collected in collaboration with the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, are now preserved in Melbourne Museum.

In late January 2020, the Doherty Institute was the first lab outside China to grow a sample of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Those samples were put under the lens at the Bio21 Institute and the first images of the virus that created a pandemic were produced.

The Bio21 Institute has made significant investments in technology including electron and optical microscopy, electron tomography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, mass spectrometry and metabolomics.

Partnership strengths

The University of Melbourne’s Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute is one of the country’s biggest biotechnology research centres and it brings together academia, industry, core platform technology and supportive infrastructure.

Collaborative research between the University, medical research institutes and industry are at the Institute’s core and researchers include biochemists, chemists, geneticists, zoologists, computational biologists, pharmacologists, engineers and dental scientists.

The Institute has built strategic relationships with its industry tenants including the R&D group of CSL Limited and start-up companies that are part of the Institute’s incubator.

Together, these collaborations have led to a potential treatment for Motor Neurone Disease and Parkinson’s disease, a new approach to eradicating dengue fever, a more effective malaria treatment and 3D modelling of tuberculosis mutations that allow doctors to tailor individual treatments.

Research focus

Structural and cellular biology to understand the complex biological systems and molecular processes underpinning cellular development and disease
Chemical biology using small molecules that impact on biological systems and environmental ecosystems, or manipulate biological processes, as the basis of novel therapeutics and insect control agents
Discovering and developing new treatments for infection, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Key partners and collaborators

Aculeus Therapeutics
Alterity Biotechnology
Circa Group
CSL Ltd
Cyclotek
Gertrude Biomedical
MycRx Pharma
Rhythm Biosciences
SYNthesis Research
SYNthesis Med Chem
Therapeutic Innovation Australia
Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
Monash Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research
The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health
University High School (Elizabeth Blackburn Sciences School)
WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute)

Learn more: https://www.bio21.unimelb.edu.au/

BioCurate

407 Royal Parade, Parkville VIC 3052 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Commercial and Industry
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Cancer sciences
Medtech and digital health
Molecular science and biotech
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

A grant from BioCurate’s Proof of Concept fund is advancing research to find more effective and targeted treatments for breast cancer. The funding will support investigations into better treatments for triple-negative breast cancers that are resistant to current therapies.

The project is one of the first to be funded by BioCurate’s Proof of Concept fund which was established to fund and guide promising, early-stage biomedical research projects and to provide a pathway for that research to potentially develop new treatments for disease.

The breast cancer research is being carried out by researchers from Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute and the Centre for Cancer Biology (Adelaide).

Partnership strengths

BioCurate was formed in 2016 by the University of Melbourne and Monash University, with support from the Victorian State Government, to accelerate early phases of new drug development. The company aims to be a recognised global leader in translating basic medical research into human therapeutics.

BioCurate wants to grow the Victorian and Australian biotech sector by translating medical research results into high-quality, pre-clinical candidates that are attractive to the bio-pharmaceutical industry, venture capital companies and philanthropic funding agencies.

The company helps projects manage the end of primary research funding and the start of investment from companies at late pre-clinical and early clinical development. The BioCurate team relies on rigorous bio-pharmaceutical business practices to increase the number and quality of new therapeutic discoveries and to translate them into medically sound projects that are attractive to commercial investors.

Capabilities

Project evaluation
Market and competitor analysis
Project plan design
Implementation of critical project activities
Budget and timeline management

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research translation and commercialisation

Learn more: https://www.biocurate.com/

BioGrid Australia

Level 8, CMR Building, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Grattan St, Parkville VIC 3052 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Commerical and Industry
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Mental health and neuroscience
Cancer sciences
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Connecting healthcare data from primary care organisations and hospitals is essential to highlight the many factors that contribute to delayed diagnoses and treatments and so may have lasting impacts on patient health outcomes.

Identifying issues and potential solutions in the journey from diagnosis in primary care to hospital-based care and post-treatment creates potential for system-level improvements.

In an Australian first, the University of Melbourne, VCCC Alliance and BioGrid Australia have generated a big data platform – the VCCC Research Data Platform – that connects and centralises primary care and hospital data. Data is securely protected to ensure patient privacy.

The platform captures 3 million patient records, 32 million GP encounters, 34 million observations, 8 million pieces of diagnosis information and 84 million items of pathology data and is transforming how researchers and clinicians access and analyse key health data.

Partnership strengths

Established in 2003, BioGrid connects researchers and health practitioners with health data that is often challenging to access and it also provides meaningful context for that data.

Researchers from more than 75 Australian hospitals and research organisations, including the University of Melbourne, can access millions of clinical, bio-specimen, genetic and imaging data from multiple sites and across a range of diseases.

BioGrid platforms support various research initiatives across the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and University of Melbourne researchers work with BioGrid on the ongoing development and integration of new software.

Capabilities

Analytics and reporting
Integration and linkage
Collection web applications
Grant application assistance
SAS user training

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research infrastructure and platforms

Learn more: https://www.biogrid.org.au/

Bionics Institute

384-388 Albert St, East Melbourne VIC 3002 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Mental health and neuroscience
Healthy ageing
Medtech and digital health
Molecular science and biotech
Clinical sciences
Eye health

Impact highlight

Epilepsy affects more than 50 million people worldwide, impacting their safety, mental health and ability to work.

Researchers from the University of Melbourne and the Bionics Institute have developed an implant to help predict seizures, potentially offering epilepsy patients greater freedom and filling a gap in the clinical management of epilepsy.

The Epi-Minder comprises an electrode array implanted under the scalp that records brain activity. The collected data is sent to a small processor placed behind the ear and data is then transferred wirelessly to a phone app for analysis. Epi-Minder Pty Ltd is commercialising the device.

Partnership strengths

Professor Graeme Clarke, who founded the Bionics Institute in 1986, developed the first Australian cochlear implant at the University’s Department of Otolaryngology. The Institute remains affiliated with the University through the Department of Medical Bionics – part of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. The Institute also has close ties with the Department of Bioengineering.

In 2021, Neo-Bionica was launched by the Bionics Institute and the University to optimise engineering expertise and state-of-the-art facilities and develop medical devices from initial concept to first-in-human prototypes for clinical trials. Neo-Bionica aims to streamline medical device development so patients benefit sooner.

Research focus

Medical device development focused on brain diseases — dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy
Understanding hearing and vision impairment, including bionic eye research
Innovative diagnostics and device development for autoimmune and chronic conditions — Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials

Learn more: https://www.bionicsinstitute.org/

Burnet Institute

85 Commercial Rd, Mebourne VIC 3004 (Bunurong Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Metropolitan Melbourne
Infectious diseases and immunology
Mental health and neuroscience
Molecular science and biotech
Public health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

At the height of the pandemic, evidence of the COVID-19 response was critical in safely opening up society and lifting restrictions. That kind of evidence may also be critical to staying one step ahead of future COVID-19 variants.

Scientists from the Burnet Institute, the Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity and the University of Melbourne have developed a highly accurate point-of-care (POC) test capable of measuring the level of neutralising antibodies (NAb) to COVID-19 in the blood. The collaboration resulted in the novel lab prototype being developed in record time.

Neutralising antibodies are key for immunity to COVID-19 and help protect against infection and severe disease. The test is a new option to support immunity screening and COVID-19 vaccination programs and could be particularly effective in settings where laboratory-based testing is difficult or impossible.

Partnership strengths

The Burnet Institute and the University of Melbourne have enjoyed a long and impactful collaboration focused on global health and infectious disease research. The Institute has close ties with the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, particularly the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, the Department of Infectious Disease, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology.

The Burnet Institute, Doherty Institute and the University are Foundation Partners in the new Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID), which is supported by Victorian Government funding and brings together leading researchers, public health experts and clinicians.

Research focus

Elimination of HIV, viral hepatitis, malaria and tuberculosis
Health security and pandemic preparedness – increasing the capacities of health systems across Asia-Pacific
Achieving greater equity in maternal, child and adolescent health, particularly in resource-poor and high-risk communities in Asia-Pacific

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research training
Research infrastructure and platforms

Learn more: https://www.burnet.edu.au/

Centre for Digital Transformation of Health

700 Swanston St, Carlton VIC 3053 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Medtech and digital health

Impact highlight

Digital health systems that create new ways of delivering healthcare to more people, more efficiently, are the way forward. But translating digital health innovations into clinical practice needs healthcare professionals who truly understand data and digital health technologies.

The Learning Health System Academy, created by the Centre for Digital Transformation of Health at the University of Melbourne, is driving data-driven and digital health-enabled clinical practice improvement and is transforming healthcare through data-informed and technology-enhanced models of care.

By 2024, the Academy will produce at least 30 new healthcare professionals who are taking part in innovative project-based learning to develop the skills needed to harness data and digital health technologies.

The first cohort of 10 Academy Fellows is drawn from six University of Melbourne-affiliated hospitals and general practice. They have completed three months of coursework and an eight-month project supported by technical mentors from the University and by a Learning Community from their home organisation.

Overview

The Centre for Digital Transformation of Health was established in 2019 to unite the strengths of health and medical research with the potential of informatics, computing and data science. It connects the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and the School of Computing and Information Systems.

The Centre brings together researchers, educators, healthcare and digital health professionals, patients and the general public and is focused on how to most effectively translate digital health innovations into better clinical practice. Strong links have been established with the healthcare sector to incorporate health informatics expertise.

Continuing professional development and education is also a key element of the Centre and it offers evidence-based health informatics and digital health degrees. The Centre also runs the Digital Health Validitron, which enables health innovations to be designed, tested, validated and evaluated with the same rigor as pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Building an evidence base that digital health products are safe and effective is essential to de-risk purchase and speed up adoption of new technologies. A simulation lab, a core component of the Validitron, supports co-design of workflow within virtual and immersive physical environments.

Research focus

Evaluation of workforce development programs on workforce capacity to thrive in an increasingly digital health sector
Generation of Evidence that digital health innovations are effective, safe and will provide value to patients and healthcare organisations
Better use of routinely collected healthcare data for clinical practice improvement

Key partners and collaborators

Royal Melbourne Hospital
Royal Children’s Hospital
Western Alliance
Western Health
The Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health
National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship
University of Toronto
University of Manchester

Learn more: https://mdhs.unimelb.edu.au/digitalhealth

Centre for Eye Research Australia

Level 7, 32 Gisborne St, East Melbourne (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Eye health

Impact highlight

Gene therapy that can ‘switch on sight’ by restoring light-sensing cells in the retina is one way in which the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) and the University of Melbourne are together bringing hope to millions of people affected by vision loss.

The innovative therapy has the potential to halt, or even reverse, vision loss in patients with retinal diseases. Recent advances like this have led to the establishment of a new start-up company, Mirugen, which is focused on translating lab-based research into treatments.

Partnership strengths

The partnership between CERA and the University and its achievements has gained worldwide recognition. The partnership began in 1996 and since that time it has been consistently named in the top five globally for ophthalmic research.

CERA researchers have collaborated extensively with colleagues from the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences — including the Department of Surgery, the School of Biomedical Sciences and the Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences. The Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology has also been part of the research journey.

Research focus

Innovative diagnostics and treatments — developing new methods to diagnose, prevent and treat vision loss
Regenerating vision — drawing on potential novel therapies to restore lost vision and continuing to advance the trial and development of new devices to restore vision
Understanding eye health — using data to identify public health challenges and replying to artificial intelligence and other technologies to increase access to screening programs

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials

Learn more: https://www.cera.org.au/

CSL Limited (CSL), Head Office

645 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Commerical and Industry
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Infectious diseases and immunology
Molecular science and biotech
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

In 2023, CSL Limited’s new global headquarters opens in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct. The new facility will include an incubator and commercial wet-lab space to support biotech start-up companies and help them translate promising medical research into commercial outcomes.

The incubator is being delivered through a partnership between CSL, the University of Melbourne and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and is inspired by the successful Bio21 Business Incubator model.

The incubator will accommodate around 40 early-stage companies and offer space and services including commercialisation education and industry mentoring to support small companies take early research to the next stage.

Partnership strengths

CSL Limited is an Australian multinational biotechnology company that develops, manufactures and markets products that treat and prevent serious medical conditions.

Headquartered in Melbourne, CSL has an enduring partnership and collaboration with the University of Melbourne and is an anchor tenant in the Bio21 Molecular and Biosciences Institute in Melbourne. CSL’s global Research and Translational Science hub is located there.

CSL’s close working relationship with the University brings mentoring opportunities, funding grants and research links and co-investment, such as CSL’s backing of the University’s spinoff company, Denteric, which is developing vaccines to treat and prevent periodontal disease.

Research focus

Biotherapeutics
Vaccines
Antivenom

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research training
Research infrastructure and platforms

Learn more: https://drivenbyourpromise.csl.com/

CSL Limited (CSL), R&D Group

30 Flemington Rd, Parkville VIC 3052 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Commerical and Industry
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Infectious diseases and immunology
Molecular science and biotech
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Partnership strengths

CSL Limited is an Australian multinational biotechnology company that develops, manufactures and markets products that treat and prevent serious medical conditions.

Research focus

Biotherapeutics
Vaccines
Antivenom

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research training
Research infrastructure and platforms

Learn more: https://drivenbyourpromise.csl.com/

Dental Health Services Victoria, Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne

720 Swanston St, Carlton VIC 3053 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Health service
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Maternal and child health
Oral health
Public health
Indigenous health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Oral cancer is on the rise in Victoria and oral health professionals play a vital role in prevention and screening.

The Oral Cancer Learning Hub, funded by the Victorian Department of Health, is part of the Victorian Oral Cancer Screening and Prevention Program. It supports health professionals to identify patients at risk, detect oral cancers early, and refer patients for appropriate public and private specialist care.

The practical online resource provides evidence-based information and clinical case studies and is an initiative of Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV), the Melbourne Dental School at the University of Melbourne, the Australian Dental Association’s Victorian branch, La Trobe University’s Department of Dentistry and Oral Health, and the Victorian Department of Health.

In the two months following the launch of the Oral Cancer Learning Hub, more than 2,400 practitioners visited the website. It continues to enhance the knowledge, confidence and skills of Victorian oral health professionals to help reduce oral cancer risk, detect disease early and make timely referrals to specialist care.

Partnership strengths

DHSV provides emergency, general and specialist outpatient services to eligible Victorians through 140 dental chairs. It provides outreach services to people with special needs and those in residential and nursing home facilities and operates a day procedure facility. DHSV also provides the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne.

DHSV is closely affiliated with the University of Melbourne through the Melbourne Dental School, which has laboratories and offices in the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne.

DHSV is also a major provider of clinical placements for University of Melbourne students enrolled in dental and oral health programs.

Research focus

Oral health promotion
Prevalence of oral disease
Health informatics

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research collaboration
Education and professional development

Learn more: https://www.dhsv.org.au/

Denteric

Level 9, 31 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Commerical and Industry
Metropolitan Melbourne
Infectious diseases and immunology
Oral health

Partnership strengths

Denteric Pty Ltd is a biotechnology company, established in 2019, to focus on oral health. It is developing vaccines to prevent and treat severe periodontal disease – a debilitating and painful form of gum disease that affects one in three people around the world.

Periodontal disease damages the soft tissue and bones that support teeth due to a build-up of bacteria. There is currently no cure but Denteric is looking to begin clinical trials in the near future.

Headquartered in Melbourne, Denteric develops and commercialises research from a long-running program collaboration between the University of Melbourne and CSL. The company also has a strategic partnership with the Centre for Oral Health Research.

Denteric is backed by leading Australian life sciences venture capital fund – the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF), CSL Ltd and the University of Melbourne.

Research focus

Oral health
Vaccine development
Periodontal (gum) disease

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research commercialisation

Learn more: https://www.unimelb.edu.au/newsroom/news/2019/september/$14m-invested-to-create-vaccine-for-debilitating-periodontal-gum-disease

Department of General Practice

780 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3004 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Mental health and neuroscience
Maternal and child health
Public health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

People’s real-life experiences of navigating the mental health care system provide valuable insights into how that system can be improved.

In 2017, researchers from the University of Melbourne’s Department of General Practice established the Co-Design Living Labs program to harness these insights and embed them in mental health research design and translation.

Living labs bring together people with technological, industry, policy and research skills and those with lived experience of a service, role or health condition. Today the Co-Design Living Labs program has more than 2000 members and the model is being implemented across 14 universities as part of ALIVE.

ALIVE is a national research translation centre to implement health care at scale in primary and community settings.

Overview

The Department of General Practice is part of the Melbourne Medical School at the University of Melbourne. Since it was established in the late 1970s, the Department has become a centre of excellence in primary care research and training. It delivers postgraduate training for primary care nurses and research training for medical, Honours, Masters and PhD students.

With the support of a highly engaged primary care network, the Department of General Practice coordinates up to 900 Doctor of Medicine student placements in general practice clinics every year.

The Department’s research focus is on clinical and health services research including clinical data analytics, primary care innovation and deeper understanding of the patient and practitioner experience. A Primary Care Research Unit includes a Trials Unit to develop, conduct and analyse high-quality trials in primary health care and health services.

The Department also runs VicREN – a practice-based research and education network enabling collaboration between the Department, primary care practices around Australia – mostly in Victoria, and other researchers.

Research focus

Cancer
Children and young people’s health
Diabetes and cardio-metabolic conditions
Mental health
Abuse and violence

Key partners and collaborators

Over 600 community-based general practices

Learn more: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/school-structure/general-practice

Department of Infectious Diseases

792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne 3000 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Infectious diseases and immunology
Molecular science and biotech
Public health
Indigenous health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Each year, around 5,000 Australians develop a bloodstream infection due to Staphylococcus aureus bacteria or golden staph. Between 20 to 25 per cent of patients who develop the infection die within 30 days.

A new trial plan sponsored by the University of Melbourne’s Department of Infectious Diseases and led by the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity hopes to address the most pressing clinical questions and improve treatments for Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections.

The first patient for the global Staphylococcus aureus Network Adaptive Platform (SNAP) trial was enrolled at Royal Melbourne Hospital in February 2022.

SNAP will address multiple questions in parallel including what are the best initial antibiotics to use, whether adjunctive therapy is beneficial, and whether intravenous antibiotic therapy can be safely switched to oral therapy. The trial has the potential to transform how this common but deadly infection is managed.

The SNAP trial aims to recruit more than 7,000 participants from 100 hospitals around the world.

Overview

The Department of Infectious Diseases joined the Melbourne Medical School in 2020 and combines the expertise of infectious diseases researchers at the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity and Melbourne Medical School.

It is the academic home of clinical and translational research in infectious diseases and includes discovery research and basic scientists, clinician researchers, public health physicians and microbiologists. Department research encompasses all facets of infectious diseases.

Research focus

Antimicrobial resistance and healthcare associated infections
Malaria
HIV
Tuberculosis
Influenza
Viral hepatitis
Sexually transmitted infections
Skin pathogens
Emerging infectious diseases eg COVID-19

Key partners and collaborators

Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
Royal Melbourne Hospital
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute
Burnet Institute
World Health Organization

Learn more: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/school-structure/infectious-diseases

Department of Medical Education

Building 181, University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Public health
Indigenous health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Embedding Indigenous ways of knowing into health communication and into the training of medical students and the medical workforce is a vital step forward in enhancing healthcare for First Nations people.

The Wurru Wurru Health Unit within the Department of Medical Education is working with Wurundjeri elders and scholars to produce a new model for public health teaching that will impact the education of every University of Melbourne medical graduate.

The model is a teaching tool for health professional students that helps them understand the complexity of the many social determinants of health and the influences across society that can impact health.

First Nations Elders and community members, First Nations and non-Indigenous University of Melbourne staff and past and present students have contributed to the model.

Overview

The Department of Medical Education was formed by the Melbourne Medical School in 2015 and, with other departments and clinical placement partners, it is responsible for the development and delivery of the Doctor of Medicine program.

It also provides research-informed postgraduate and professional development programs for health professionals and clinicians in the areas of clinical education, clinical research and clinical leadership.

Within the Department of Medical Education, the Wurru Wurru Health Unit designs and delivers First Nations health, public health and preventative medicine curriculum to students across the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.

Research focus

Work integrated learning
Collaborative education and practice
Student engagement and experience
Healthcare communication
Curriculum design, assessment and evaluation

Key partners and collaborators

Austin Health
Epworth HealthCare
Northern Health
Royal Melbourne Hospital
St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne
Western Health
Royal Children’s Hospital
Royal Women’s Hospital
Mercy Hospital for Women
Ballarat Health Service
Bendigo Health
Goulburn Valley Health
Northeast Health Wangaratta

Learn more: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/school-structure/medical-education

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg VIC 3084 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Metropolitan Melbourne
Maternal and child health
Molecular science and biotech
Clinical sciences

Overview

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology within Melbourne Medical School dates back to 1924 and teaches obstetrics, gynaecology and neonatal paediatrics to undergraduate medical students and graduate research students.

The Department also participates in a range of clinical, education and research activities, including at its major centres at the Royal Women’s Hospital and the Mercy Hospital for Women.

Research is a strong element of the Department and it has also been successful in attracting MRFF funding for clinical trials investigating the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis, improving preterm birth outcomes and new ways to improve oncofertility care.

Research focus

Maternal fetal medicine
Neonatal paediatrics
Women’s health
Andrology
Gynaecological oncology
Reproductive biology

Key partners and collaborators

Royal Women’s Hospital
Mercy Hospital for Women
Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Northern Health
St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne
Epworth Healthcare
Ballarat Health Service
Goulburn Valley Health

Learn more: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/school-structure/obstetrics-and-gynaecology

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Royal Women's Hospital, 20 Flemington Rd, Parkville VIC 3052 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Metropolitan Melbourne
Maternal and child health
Molecular science and biotech
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

More people are beating a cancer diagnosis due to advances in treatments, but the challenges don’t end there. It’s perhaps a lesser-known fact that cancer and cancer treatment can affect a person’s ability to have a child.

So just before cancer treatment begins, patients need accurate information about potential options to help preserve their fertility.

The Australian New Zealand Oncofertility Clinical Trials Network has been developed to ensure families discuss impacts of treatment and any options to preserve their fertility and chance of future parenthood, such as the freezing of eggs and sperm or gonadal tissue.

It uses new digital tools, guidance and models of oncofertility care across nine Australian New Zealand Haematology Oncology (ANZCHOG) cancer centres. The project is led by the University of Melbourne’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and is funded by the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

Overview

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology within the Melbourne Medical School dates back to 1924 and teaches obstetrics, gynaecology and neonatal paediatrics to undergraduate medical students and graduate research students.

The Department also participates in a range of clinical, education and research activities, including at its major centres at the Royal Women’s Hospital and the Mercy Hospital for Women.

Research focus

Maternal fetal medicine
Neonatal paediatrics
Women’s health
Andrology
Gynaecological oncology
Reproductive biology

Key partners and collaborators

Royal Women’s Hospital
Mercy Hospital for Women
Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Northern Health
St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne
Epworth Healthcare
Ballarat Health Service
Goulburn Valley Health

Learn more: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/school-structure/obstetrics-and-gynaecology

Department of Paediatrics

Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville VIC 3052 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Infectious diseases and immunology
Mental health and neuroscience
Maternal and child health
Molecular science and biotech
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Rotavirus gastroenteritis (RV3-BB) is a major cause of death in infants and young children, particularly in poorer parts of the world. But a new oral vaccine for newborns – the culmination of more than four decades of research — is set to save families from the devastation of rotavirus.

The vaccine has been developed by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), the University of Melbourne’s Department of Paediatrics and the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) in Melbourne, following the 1973 discovery of rotavirus by Professor Ruth Bishop.

After promising clinical trials in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Malawi, there are plans to add the vaccine to the Indonesian National Immunisation Program in 2023.

Overview

The Melbourne Children’s Campus is Australia’s only fully-integrated paediatric teaching hospital and research institute. Within Melbourne Children’s Campus, the RCH, MCRI and the University’s Department of Paediatrics collaborate to advance child and adolescent health through prevention, early intervention and health promotion while delivering high-quality clinical services underpinned by rigorous research and education.

The Department of Paediatrics, which is part of the Melbourne Medical School, is custodian of education activities at the Campus and contributes to research, clinical care, outreach and community engagement. The Department and RCH have also worked together to develop simulation training to enhance patient care and clinical practice.

Research focus

Child and adolescent health
Childhood infectious diseases
Genetic counselling
Genomics
Paediatric surgery

Key partners and collaborators

Royal Children’s Hospital
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation

Learn more: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/school-structure/paediatrics

Department of Rural Health, Ballarat Campus

806 Mair St, Ballarat Central VIC 3350 (Wadawurrung Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Regional Victoria
Mental health and neuroscience
Public health
Indigenous health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Being proactive in meeting the sexual and reproductive health needs of people living in rural areas is critical and more effective systems are required that are capable of meeting demand for sexual and reproductive health services.

To support this, rural and regional workforces need resources to build their capacity and skills. The Department of Rural Health’s Centre for Excellence in Rural Sexual Health (CERSH) has developed free, accredited online learning modules for rural health professionals and interested rural workers.

The 12 modules deliver knowledge and skills about aspects of sexual health particularly relevant in rural settings, such as cornerstones of rural sexual health, youth and trust and partner notification in a small community.

In evaluations, 88 per cent of surveyed graduates said they had increased knowledge of recommended treatment and management plans for STIs in a rural community.

Overview

The Department of Rural Health is part of the Melbourne Medical School within the University of Melbourne. It provides professional health education and research training in a rural context to boost the rural health workforce and has close partnerships with local community and healthcare partners.

The Department manages the Rural Clinical School at four locations in Ballarat, Shepparton, Wangaratta and in Bendigo which is in partnership with Monash University. Medical students, interns and trainees are also educated through the Goulburn Valley Regional Training Hub.

A strong commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of rural and Indigenous communities is evidenced through various research programs within the Centre of Excellence in Rural Sexual Health and the Rural Academic Health Network. Research groups are also focused on culturally inclusive rural health care and rural chronic ill health.

Research focus

Rural health workforce
Rural chronic ill-health
Culturally inclusive rural health

Key partners and collaborators

Goulburn Valley Health
Bendigo Health
Northeast Health Wangaratta
Grampians Health Ballarat
Monash University
Alpine Health
Benalla Health
Corowa District Hospital
Echuca Regional Health
Mansfield District Hospital
NCN Health
Yarrawonga Health
Australian Government Department of Health
Shepparton Medical Centre, Melbourne Teaching Health Clinic

Learn more: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/school-structure/rural-health

Department of Rural Health, Bendigo Campus

100 Barnard St, Bendigo VIC 3550 (Dja Dja Wurrung Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Regional Victoria
Mental health and neuroscience
Public health
Indigenous health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

In evaluations, 88 per cent of surveyed graduates said they had increased knowledge of recommended treatment and management plans for STIs in a rural community.

Overview

Research focus

Rural health workforce
Rural chronic ill-health
Culturally inclusive rural health

Key partners and collaborators

Goulburn Valley Health
Bendigo Health
Northeast Health Wangaratta
Grampians Health Ballarat
Monash University
Alpine Health
Benalla Health
Corowa District Hospital
Echuca Regional Health
Mansfield District Hospital
NCN Health
Yarrawonga Health
Australian Government Department of Health
Shepparton Medical Centre, Melbourne Teaching Health Clinic

Learn more: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/school-structure/rural-health

Department of Rural Health, Shepparton Campus

49 Graham St, Shepparton VIC 3630 (Yorta Yorta Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Regional Victoria
Mental health and neuroscience
Public health
Indigenous health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

In evaluations, 88 per cent of surveyed graduates said they had increased knowledge of recommended treatment and management plans for STIs in a rural community.

Overview

Research focus

Rural health workforce
Rural chronic ill-health
Culturally inclusive rural health

Key partners and collaborators

Goulburn Valley Health
Bendigo Health
Northeast Health Wangaratta
Grampians Health Ballarat
Monash University
Alpine Health
Benalla Health
Corowa District Hospital
Echuca Regional Health
Mansfield District Hospital
NCN Health
Yarrawonga Health
Australian Government Department of Health
Shepparton Medical Centre, Melbourne Teaching Health Clinic

Learn more: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/school-structure/rural-health

Department of Rural Health, Wangaratta Campus

Wangaratta Rural Clinical School (The Chalet), University of Melbourne, Docker St (Yorta Yorta Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Regional Victoria
Mental health and neuroscience
Public health
Indigenous health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

In evaluations, 88 per cent of surveyed graduates said they had increased knowledge of recommended treatment and management plans for STIs in a rural community.

Overview

Research focus

Rural health workforce
Rural chronic ill-health
Culturally inclusive rural health

Key partners and collaborators

Goulburn Valley Health
Bendigo Health
Northeast Health Wangaratta
Grampians Health Ballarat
Monash University
Alpine Health
Benalla Health
Corowa District Hospital
Echuca Regional Health
Mansfield District Hospital
NCN Health
Yarrawonga Health
Australian Government Department of Health
Shepparton Medical Centre, Melbourne Teaching Health Clinic

Learn more: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/school-structure/rural-health

Epworth HealthCare

89 Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Health service
Metropolitan Melbourne
Mental health and neuroscience
Cancer sciences
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Personalised medical devices (PMDs) include medical implants that are customised to a patient’s individual anatomy and function. They are often used in orthopaedic, oral maxillofacial, cranial facial and dental fields and are seen as the only option to treat serious bone and joint conditions.

Keeping up to date with PMD development is key for clinicians, healthcare administrators and regulators and investors in leading technology, but it is a challenge.

A new Personalised Medical Device Development online training module has been designed by experts from the University of Melbourne and Epworth HealthCare. It has been licensed to PRAXIS Australia – an education and training provider for the healthcare, clinical trial, research, academic, medical technologies and pharmaceutical sectors.

Partnership strengths

Epworth HealthCare is Victoria’s largest not-for-profit private hospital group and is a key partner of the University of Melbourne through the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. The two institutions have established a Chair of Surgery in the Faculty.

Epworth HealthCare provides clinical placements for the University’s medical, nursing and allied health students, developing skills and exposing students to simulation facilities to practice techniques in a safe, supportive environment.

Epworth Richmond hosts several university research groups from the Department of Surgery, mostly focused on musculoskeletal disease.

The healthcare service also recruits patients for clinical trials including the ASAP trial for joint replacement patients testing the effects of drugs versus placebo on controlling surgical site infections, and the use of digital technology to improve post-operative recovery of knee replacement patients.

Epworth HealthCare is also collaborating with the University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering and the TGA on an Australian Government White Paper on Personalised Medical Devices.

Capabilities

Cancer services
Cardiac services
Critical care
General surgery and gastroenterology
Head and neck
Internal medicine
Musculoskeletal
Neurosciences
Rehabilitation, mental health and chronic pain
Endocrinology, nephrology, urology and vascular surgery

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Joint clinical-academic positions

Learn more: https://www.epworth.org.au/

Goulburn Valley Health

2-48 Graham Street, Shepparton VIC 3630 (Yorta Yorta Country)

Categories:

Health service
Regional Victoria
Mental health and neuroscience
Cancer sciences
Public health
Cardiometabolic health
Indigenous health
Clinical sciences

Partnership strengths

Goulburn Valley Health (GV Health) is headquartered in Shepparton and is the main public referral health service for the Hume region of Victoria. The primary catchment area serves around 116,000 people – about 70 per cent live in the Greater Shepparton area.

The University of Melbourne has a long history of partnership with GV Health through the University of Melbourne’s Department of Rural Health (DRH), which is part of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and has a major node in Shepparton.

GV Health is a major provider of clinical placements for the University’s Doctor of Medicine students and students are also supported by the Shepparton Rural Clinical School which is run by the University.

University and GV Health researchers and clinicians work together to support educational growth and build research capabilities and impacts. They undertake a range of evaluations and service development projects and support the rural health workforce through promoting research and professional development.

Research focus

Cardiovascular disease
Anaesthetics
Cancer
Rural chronic ill health

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Jointly funded positions

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/GoulburnValleyHealth/

Graeme Clark Institute for Biomedical Engineering

Building 167, Parkville Campus, University of Melbourne

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Medtech and digital health
Clinical sciences

Overview

The Graeme Clark Institute for Biomedical Engineering promotes and coordinates the extensive biomedical engineering activities that exist across The University of Melbourne, drawing on emerging scientific, medical and engineering approaches to drive transformative clinical solutions. The Institute is a joint initiative of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology and the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.

They are partners with healthcare and research organisations, industry and government to solve today’s challenges and develop new technologies for tomorrow. The Graeme Clark Institute works with their partners to translate research into innovations that leads to improved health outcomes.

Research focus

Neuro-electronics therapy and bionics
Personalised implants
Drug screening technologies and mechano-pharmacology
Robotic neuroprosthesis
Assistive and rehabilitation robotics
Technologies for the management of Parkinson’s
Biomaterials, bio-fabrication and regenerative medicine
Computational modelling for cardiovascular disease
Biomedical imaging technologies
Nano-materials and drug-delivery systems
Fluid dynamic modelling for pharmaceutical manufacturing
Polymeric drugs for combating anti-microbial resistance
Synthetic biology approaches to designer-stem-cell-based therapies
Reverse engineering the brain
Multicellular systems biology
Next generation therapies for hearing and balance

Key partners and collaborators

ARC Training Centre for Medical Implant Technologies
ARC Training Centre in Cognitive Computing for Medical Technologies
ARC Training Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies
Bionics Institute
Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology
The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health
Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery
Centre for Eye Research Australia
Melbourne Academic Centre for Health

Learn more: https://clarkinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/

Grampians Health Ballarat, Ballarat Base Hospital

1 Drummond St, North Ballarat VIC 3350 (Wadawurrung Country)

Categories:

Health service
Regional Victoria
Infectious diseases and immunology
Molecular science and biotech
Public health
Clinical sciences

Partnership strengths

Grampians Health Ballarat (GHB) is the main public referral health service for the Grampians region of Victoria. It serves a catchment population of more than 250,000 people.

GHB has ties to the University of Melbourne’s Department of Rural Health (DRH), which is part of the Melbourne Medical School and has a major node in Ballarat.

The University and Grampians Health Ballarat work in partnership to provide professional health education and research training in rural areas and both share the aim of helping to increase the rural health workforce.

GHB and University researchers and clinicians actively collaborate to support educational growth and build research capabilities and impacts. They undertake a range of evaluations and service development projects and support the rural health workforce through research and professional development.

Research focus

Acute care
Women’s health
Community care
Aged care
Mental health
Rehabilitation
Oncology

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Jointly funded positions

Learn more: https://www.bhs.org.au/

Grampians Health Ballarat, Queen Elizabeth Centre

102 Ascot St, South Ballarat VIC 3350 (Wadawurrung Country)

Categories:

Health service
Regional Victoria
Infectious diseases and immunology
Molecular science and biotech
Public health
Clinical sciences

Partnership strengths

Grampians Health Ballarat (GHB) is the main public referral health service for the Grampians region of Victoria. It serves a catchment population of more than 250,000 people.

GHB has ties to the University of Melbourne’s Department of Rural Health (DRH), which is part of the Melbourne Medical School and has a major node in Ballarat.

Research focus

Acute care
Women’s health
Community care
Aged care
Mental health
Rehabilitation
Oncology

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Jointly funded positions

Learn more: https://www.bhs.org.au/

Illumina

Level 10, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne VIC 3000 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Commercial and Industry
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Mental health and neuroscience
Molecular science and biotech

Impact highlight

Genomics-driven personalised care promises to transform patient outcomes while also creating substantial efficiencies for the healthcare system.

To deliver on this promise, researchers from the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Cancer Research in partnership with Illumina are sequencing genomes of the most challenging cancer cases in real-time through the Cancer of Low Survival and Unmet Need Initiative. The aim is to improve diagnosis and provide more targeted and effective treatments for rare and complex cancers.

The flagship initiative of The Advanced Genomics Collaboration could provide important information to clinicians to help them choose the most appropriate patient treatment based on their genomic profile.

Partnership strengths

With Invest Victoria and the Victorian Government Higher Education State Investment Fund, Illumina and the University have established The Advanced Genomics Collaboration (TAGC).

The TAGC combines Illumina’s genomics and commercial expertise, and the University’s research expertise, to accelerate the translation and commercialisation of biomedical research into high-growth, high-tech start-ups within the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct.

TAGC has three core platforms —bioinformatics, health economics and clinical genomics — and collaborations with industry, government and research are creating commercial start-ups to export innovation worldwide.

Research focus

Building genomics infrastructure, fostering a pipeline of commercially focused genomics innovation projects, and delivering education and workforce development initiatives.

Infrastructure platforms include:

Bioinformatics — a cloud-based system enabling the creation, storage and interrogation of national and global-scale genomic datasets
Health economics — using national and global-scale genomic datasets to provide evidence-based guidance for public policy and investment
Clinical genomics — delivering rapid, affordable sequencing of whole genomes so precise genomics-based diagnostics become part of everyday biomedical research and clinical care

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research training
Research infrastructure and platforms
Support for research commercialisation

Learn more: https://www.illumina.com/

Immuron

Building 10, 25-37 Chapman Street, Blackburn North, VIC 3131 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Commerical and Industry
Metropolitan Melbourne
Infectious diseases and immunology
Molecular science and biotech
Clinical sciences

Partnership strengths

Immuron Ltd is an Australian biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercialising a novel class of targeted polyclonal antibodies.

Immuron’s platform technology can produce orally active polyclonal antibodies that offer targeted delivery within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and, importantly, do not cross into the bloodstream. The antibodies also remain active in the GI tract, having longer lasting impact on targeted bacteria.

The underlying nature of the platform technology supports the development of medicines across a wide range of infectious diseases.

Immuron’s long-standing research partnership with the University of Melbourne led to the commercialisation of Immuron’s first commercial product to prevent traveller’s diarrhoea. Travelan™ is an oral over-the-counter antimicrobial that reduces the risk of traveller’s diarrhoea and minor gastrointestinal disorders.

Capabilities

Therapeutics for infectious diseases

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research commercialisation

Learn more: https://www.immuron.com.au/

Melbourne Academic Centre for Health

21 Bedford St, North Melbourne VIC 3051 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Healthy ageing
Public health
Indigenous health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Clinician researchers play a pivotal role in defining the treatable causes of disease, developing life-changing or life-saving new therapies and vaccines, preventing disability, and providing accurate quantitative advice to governments who are facing health emergencies.

Supporting pathways and training for the future leaders of clinical research is paramount which is why the Melbourne Academic Centre for Health (MACH) launched the MACH-Track program. The initiative provides a structured, mentored and fully-funded career development pathway for talented health practitioners who want to pursue post-registration clinical training or career development in any of MACH’s 10 affiliated health services.

Through the bespoke program, participants can integrate pre-PhD, PhD and initial post-PhD research training and vocational training within the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and with MACH-affiliated Medical Research Institutes.

Partnership strengths

MACH is a real-world illustration of the potential of partnership. The NHMRC-accredited Research Translation Centre brings together the University of Melbourne, 10 health services, eight medical research institutes, and La Trobe University.

The Centre is also a member of the Australian Health Research Alliance and the Victorian Research Translation Centre Collaborative.

MACH builds partnerships between health services, health scientists and healthcare consumers and tackles real health challenges by delivering precision care, developing tomorrow’s healthcare solutions, and supporting the future leaders who are focused on designing innovative care.

Capabilities

Nurturing the future leaders of innovative healthcare
Translational platforms to transform research into improved healthcare
Co-design and delivery of precision care

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research infrastructure and platforms
Education and professional development

Learn more: https://machaustralia.org/

Melbourne Bioinformatics

Level 1, 21 Bedford St, North Melbourne VIC 3051 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Infectious diseases and immunology
Cancer sciences
Molecular science and biotech
Public health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

The experts at Melbourne Bioinformatics work with some of Australia’s leading researchers to find new drug targets, refine treatments and increase understanding of major diseases.

They are helping to transform life sciences research by providing access to state-of-the-art resources, centralised bioinformatics expertise, and expert-led training services.

The PRECEPT (PRostatE CancEr Prognosis and Treatment) program is an example of the work under way at Melbourne Bioinformatics. The program is led by the University of Melbourne and brings together researchers from 14 institutions and from a range of disciplines, including bioinformatics.

PRECEPT aims to develop a tissue and blood test that, at the time of diagnosis with prostate cancer, will predict the future risk of disease progression. Researchers hope to develop ‘curative’ treatments in high-risk prostate cancer cases and to develop new DNA markers that can predict how tumours will respond to treatment so patient treatment can be individualised for maximum effect.

Partnership strengths

Melbourne Bioinformatics was established in 2017 and evolved from the seven-year Victorian Life Sciences Computation Initiative, funded by the state government at the University of Melbourne.

It facilitates greater research collaboration and skills development in computational biology, bioinformatics, advanced simulation and modelling and data management. In particular, it co-manages Galaxy Australia, an open, web-based platform for analysis of biological datasets and a major bioinformatics resource for Australian researchers across many fields.

Melbourne Bioinformatics is hosted within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and it supports all University of Melbourne researchers and students, including those from research institutes and health services that are affiliated with the University.

Capabilities

Expert advice in data analysis and computing issues
Platform development
Software development
Subscriptions
Training and events

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research infrastructure and platforms

Learn more: https://www.melbournebioinformatics.org.au/

Melbourne Brain Centre, Austin Node

245 Burgendy St, Heidelberg VIC 3084 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Metropolitan Melbourne
Mental health and neuroscience
Molecular science and biotech
Cardiometabolic health

Impact highlight

When treating stroke, timing is paramount and treatment is ideally given within the first ‘Golden Hour’. But in a country as vast as Australia, time and distance prevent many people from receiving urgent stroke treatment within that key timeframe.

Stroke incidence is 20 per cent higher in rural and remote areas and only 3 per cent of patients in these areas are treated in a stroke unit – compared to 77 per cent of people in metropolitan areas, and most travel more than 200 kilometres to receive care.

Portable, lightweight brain imaging devices that fit into small road ambulances and aircraft are a gamechanger in treating people with stroke in rural and outback Australia.

In a project funded by a Medical Research Future Fund Frontiers grant, these devices are being developed at Melbourne Brain Centre (MBC) by researchers from the University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Florey Institute.

Partnership strengths

Melbourne Brain Centre (MBC) is a collaboration between the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Austin Health and the Victorian Government.

Researchers focus on brain disorders prevention, early diagnosis and disease indicators, and treatment. They use some of the world’s most advanced scientific equipment.

MBC Parkville houses national and international multi-centre studies like the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle Study of Ageing and operates one of only two 7 Tesla MRI systems in Australia.

A key clinical trial site, MBC Austin (Heidelberg) investigates common brain diseases like epilepsy and stroke and is the only facility in Australia operating two 3 Tesla MRI scanners.

MBC Royal Melbourne Hospital is a NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Translational Neuroscience and leads national and international clinical trials for therapies for brain diseases such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and stroke.

Research focus

Stroke
Epilepsy
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders
Psychiatric disorders
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Neurodegenerative disorders
Brain tumours

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research infrastructure and platforms
Clinical trials

Learn more: https://www.melbournebraincentre.edu.au/

Melbourne Brain Centre, Parkville Node

30 Royal Parade, Parkville VIC 3052 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Metropolitan Melbourne
Mental health and neuroscience
Molecular science and biotech
Cardiometabolic health

Impact highlight

Portable, lightweight brain imaging devices that fit into small road ambulances and aircraft are a gamechanger in treating people with stroke in rural and outback Australia.

Partnership strengths

Researchers focus on brain disorders prevention, early diagnosis and disease indicators, and treatment. They use some of the world’s most advanced scientific equipment.

A key clinical trial site, MBC Austin (Heidelberg) investigates common brain diseases like epilepsy and stroke and is the only facility in Australia operating two 3 Tesla MRI scanners.

Research focus

Stroke
Epilepsy
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders
Psychiatric disorders
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Neurodegenerative disorders
Brain tumours

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research infrastructure and platforms
Clinical trials

Learn more: https://www.melbournebraincentre.edu.au/

Melbourne Brain Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital Node

Level 4, 300 Grattan St, Parkville VIC 3052 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Metropolitan Melbourne
Mental health and neuroscience
Molecular science and biotech
Cardiometabolic health

Impact highlight

Portable, lightweight brain imaging devices that fit into small road ambulances and aircraft are a gamechanger in treating people with stroke in rural and outback Australia.

Partnership strengths

Researchers focus on brain disorders prevention, early diagnosis and disease indicators, and treatment. They use some of the world’s most advanced scientific equipment.

A key clinical trial site, MBC Austin (Heidelberg) investigates common brain diseases like epilepsy and stroke and is the only facility in Australia operating two 3 Tesla MRI scanners.

Research focus

Stroke
Epilepsy
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders
Psychiatric disorders
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Neurodegenerative disorders
Brain tumours

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research infrastructure and platforms
Clinical trials

Learn more: https://www.melbournebraincentre.edu.au/

Melbourne Connect

700 Swanston St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Medtech and digital health

Overview

Powered by The University of Melbourne in partnership with a consortium led by Lendlease, Melbourne Connect represents a physical and programmatic convergence of many organisations and interdisciplinary institutions seeking to leverage research and emerging technologies to disrupt and transform our society.

Bringing together world-class researchers, government, industry, SMEs, startups, higher-degree students, artists, and Science Gallery Melbourne, Melbourne Connect is a purpose-built innovation precinct right in the heart of the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct. The University of Melbourne brings together the best minds to solve big challenges and find new opportunities to help your organisation and to benefit society.

Partners can access the University's latest research, technologies, and research infrastructure. Depending on the partner's needs, there are many ways to work together, from collaboration on strategic research projects to developing products that give your organisation an edge.

Facilities

Prototyping facilities and maker space
Co-working space
Concierge and partnering services
Meeting, events and business lounge spaces
Research infrastructure

Key partners and collaborators

Intellischool
UTS
EMT Partners
Seer
MAXONIQ
Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG)
ClarkeHopkinsClark Architects
Atomos
4D Medical
The Conversation
SANE Australia
In Eight
Apromore
Telstra
Science Gallery Melbourne

Learn more: https://melbconnect.com.au/

Melbourne Dental Clinic

723 Swanston St, Carlton VIC 3010 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Community and Government
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct

Partnership strengths

Melbourne Dental Clinic (MDC) is a comprehensive dental centre that uses state-of-the-art technology and the latest techniques to provide accessible dental services to the general public.

The MDC was established in 2013 by the University of Melbourne and is operated by Melbourne Health Teaching Clinics, a subsidiary of the University of Melbourne.

Since the very beginning, the parallel aims of the dental clinic have been to provide excellent clinical education for the next generation of dental professionals while increasing the availability of comprehensive, affordable dental care for members of the public.

Students enrolled in Bachelor of Oral Health, Doctor of Dental Surgery and Doctor of Clinical Dentistry at the University of Melbourne learn and carry out dental services under the supervision of leading dental clinicians. MDC also provides students with access to the most up-to-date devices, equipment and research.

Services

General dentistry
Orthodontics
Periodontics
Endodontics
Prosthodontics
Children’s dentistry
Special needs dentistry

Key partners and collaborators

University of Melbourne, Melbourne Dental School
Dental Health Services Victoria
Royal Children’s Hospital

Learn more: https://dental.unimelb.edu.au/dental-clinic

Melbourne Dental School

720 Swanston St, Carlton VIC 3053 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Oral health
Molecular science and biotech

Impact highlight

Better dental care for First Nations peoples is a step closer due to a new curriculum that will ensure graduate dental practitioners have the appropriate knowledge, skills and practice to provide culturally safe oral health care.

The curriculum development has been led by Professor Julie Satur from the Melbourne Dental School and will be rolled out at dental schools across Australia over the next five years. It is a response to new accreditation standards established by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority and the Dental Board of Australia.

Joining the dots: A dental Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural safety curriculum has also been designed to create a culturally safe educational approach to foster the development of an Indigenous dental workforce. It features six key areas: Reflect, Respect, Communication, Safety, Quality and Advocacy – each aimed at delivering oral health care that is safe, accessible, responsive and free from racism.

Overview

Melbourne Dental School (MDS) is the oldest dental school in Australia and the only dental school in the country teaching orthodontics, periodontics, paediatric dentistry and oral surgery.

It embraces leading teaching technologies with students receiving pre-clinical training in Haptic Virtual Reality Simulation Laboratories where they virtually undertake surgical procedures on teeth.

MDS is also proactive in research in nanomedicine, microbiomics, wound healing, inflammation, public health, clinical imaging and cancer biology. The overarching research focus is on the pathology, biology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of chronic infectious disease and healthy ageing. The effective translation of MDS research is supported by close relationships with industry, government, and hospital and institutional partners.

Research focus

Infection, inflammation and immunity
Repair and regeneration
Place, community and education

Key partners and collaborators

Dental Health Services Victoria (Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne)
Melbourne Teaching Health Clinic, Melbourne Dental Clinic
Royal Melbourne Hospital
DentAlliance
Denteric
Yothu Yindi Foundation
Maxoniq

Learn more: https://dental.unimelb.edu.au/

Melbourne Eyecare Clinic

200 Berkeley St, Carlton VIC 3053 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Community and Government
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Eye health

Partnership strengths

The Melbourne Eyecare Clinic launched in 2012 and provides a comprehensive suite of eyecare services to the general public and to University of Melbourne students and staff. It is also available for specialist referrals by other practitioners.

The Clinic, operated by Melbourne Teaching Health Clinics, a subsidiary of the University of Melbourne, uses the latest and most advanced technology, equipment and research to assess eye health.

Importantly, as well as providing eyecare services, Melbourne Eyecare Clinic is a teaching clinic that provides vital hands-on learning to enable students to become clinically experienced optometrists. While providing treatment, final year Doctor of Optometry students from the University of Melbourne are closely supervised by experienced practicing optometrists.

Services

Contact lens consultations
Diabetic, glaucoma and macular degeneration assessment and screening
Myopia assessment
Occupational eye care
Paediatric and vision therapy clinic
General optometric examination

Key partners and collaborators

University of Melbourne, Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences
Royal Melbourne Hospital
Royal Children’s Hospital

Learn more: https://healthsciences.unimelb.edu.au/eyecare-clinic/home

Melbourne Hearing Care Clinic

550 Swanston St, Carlton VIC 3053 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Community and Government
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct

Partnership strengths

Melbourne Hearing Care Clinic is a Medicare bulk-billing clinic dedicated to delivering patient-centred and evidence-based care for people with hearing and balance issues. Operated by Melbourne Teaching Health Clinics, a subsidiary of the University of Melbourne, it provides a clinical best practice service.

Teaching and learning are key and Melbourne Hearing Care Clinic offers experiential learning opportunities to students undertaking the Master of Clinical Audiology at the University of Melbourne. Students provide treatment to patients under the careful supervision of experienced clinicians.

Melbourne Hearing Care Clinic’s association with the University of Melbourne ensures leading clinicians are available to build students skills and expertise and that students have access to the most up-to-date devices, equipment and research.

Services

Diagnostic hearing assessments from newborn to adult
Hearing loss management
Hearing aid evaluation and fitting
Balance disorder assessment and treatment
Tinnitus assessment and management
Wax management
Auditory processing clinic
Autism clinic for children to assess listening skills

Key partners and collaborators

University of Melbourne, Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology
The HEARing Cooperative Research Centre
The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital

Learn more: https://healthsciences.unimelb.edu.au/audiology-speech-pathology-clinic/patients/audiology-services

Melbourne Medical School

Building 181, University of Melbourne VIC 3010, Australia (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Infectious diseases and immunology
Mental health and neuroscience
Cancer sciences
Maternal and child health
Healthy ageing
Molecular science and biotech
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Overview

The Melbourne Medical School (MMS) is part of the Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences. It is the oldest medical school in Australia and internationally renowned for global leadership in teaching and training, health research, policy and practice. The School encompasses all major fields of medicine and rural health.

The school has more than 1,000 academic and professional staff members located at the Parkville campus or embedded within health services throughout metropolitan Melbourne and rural Victoria. These staff work alongside 2,700 honorary appointees from the health sector who generously contribute their time, knowledge, research and clinical expertise.

The School’s flagship Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree was the first Masters level entry-to-practice qualification of its kind developed in Australia, setting a new benchmark in medical education. A program re-design launched in 2022 has created more responsive, modular, technology-enhanced learning for state-of-the-art curriculum delivery. Continuous research and discovery options, and an ability to tailor the degree, allows each student to gain deeper experience in areas of greatest interest.

Research themes

Ageing
Cancer in medicine
Cardiometabolic
Critical care
Infectious disease and immunity
Musculoskeletal
Neuroscience and psychiatry
Rural health
Woman’s health

Key partners and collaborators

Austin Health
Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
Bendigo Health
Bionics Institute
Centre for Eye Research Australia
Epworth Healthcare
Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health
Goulburn Valley Health
Grampian Health Ballarat
MCRI (Murdoch Children’s Research Institute)
National Ageing Research Institute
Northeast Health Wangaratta
Northern Health
Orygen
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Phoenix Australia
Royal Children’s Hospital
Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
Royal Melbourne Hospital
Royal Women’s Hospital
St Vincent’s Hospital
St Vincent’s Institute
Western Health
WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute)

Learn more: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/

Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health

141 Barry St, Carlton VIC 3053 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Indigenous health

Impact highlight

The Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health is fostering the next generation of Indigenous leaders and health researchers through bespoke Indigenous-led programs.

One example is the Indigenous Health PhD Familiarisation program where prospective Indigenous PhD students can explore their research ideas with experts, gain a clearer understanding of what completing a doctorate involves, and discover the support available to them at the University of Melbourne.

During the three-day program, participants engage in workshops and networking opportunities that connect them with Australia’s prominent Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers. They build networks across health sciences with current and future research students, learn about PhD applications and how to develop research proposal ideas.

The effectiveness of programs like this is evidenced by an increased number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PhD candidates.

Overview

The programs that are part of Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health are building capital and creating meaningful academic pathways for PhD and post-doctoral achievement and research.

Tanderrum, a Kulin ceremony for coming together, is the philosophical foundation of the Centre’s work and uses relationship and negotiation to guide and safeguard Indigenous engagement. The Centre’s focus is to build local, national and international networks to support Indigenous health leadership and establish ‘a rightful place’ for Indigenous intellect and scholarship.

Capabilities

Support for doctoral pathways for Indigenous people in health
Support emerging and established Indigenous leaders in the health sciences
Understanding the intersection between health and justice

Key partners and collaborators

University of Toronto
University of Auckland
University of Melbourne Department of Rural Health
Dungala Kaiela Institute
Poche Indigenous Health Network
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
Orygen

Learn more: https://poche.mdhs.unimelb.edu.au/

Melbourne Psychology Clinic

138-146 Cardigan St, Carlton VIC 3053 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Community and Government
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct

Partnership strengths

The University of Melbourne’s Psychology Clinic provides a raft of low-cost, high-quality psychology services to adults, children and families. Operated by Melbourne Teaching Health Clinics, a subsidiary of the University of Melbourne, it provides services include clinical psychology, clinical neuropsychology and educational psychology services. The Clinic also offers a maths learning difficulties and dyscalculia service.

It is a training clinic for University of Melbourne students from the Master of Clinical Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology and Educational Psychology programs. Students provide treatment to adults, children and families under the supervision of experienced psychology clinicians.

In providing psychological services, the Clinic has access to the best and latest equipment and also undertakes research.

Services

Clinical psychology
Clinical neuropsychology
Educational and developmental psychology
Maths learning difficulties and dyscalculia
Group programs

Key partners

University of Melbourne, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences

Learn more: https://psychologicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/psychology-clinic

Melbourne School of Health Sciences

161 Barry Street, Carlton, VIC 3053 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Mental health and neuroscience
Healthy ageing
Public health
Clinical sciences
Eye health

Impact highlight

Osteoarthritis is a very common and painful joint condition affecting over 2.2 million Australians. As our population ages, more and more people will need support and care to live with osteoarthritis.

A new online exercise program that gives people up-to-date information about knee osteoarthritis and knee pain may help to reduce pain levels for people with the condition. My Knee Exercise is an online program that shows people how to increase their physical activity and prescribes a 24-week progressive knee strengthening program.

Clinical trials have shown that over 70 per cent of people who use My Knee Exercise report a reduction in their experience of knee pain.

Overview

Melbourne School of Health Sciences is part of the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. The School’s five departments are: Audiology and Speech Pathology, Nursing, Social Work, Physiotherapy and Optometry and Vision Sciences. The School also incorporates the Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine and the Centre for Mental Health Nursing.

Since it began in 2009, the School has built an inter-professional learning community with a leading role in health sciences education, clinical research, scholarship, professional practice, workforce training and knowledge exchange.

Evidence-led and patient-centred care, lifelong health promotion, preventing illness and enhancing wellness are core focus areas that are shared by the health services that partner with the School.

Research focus

Healthy start to life
Disability and inclusion
Optimising health and wellbeing
Implementation science and health services research
Digital health informatics

Key partners and collaborators

Melbourne Teaching Health Clinics
Royal Melbourne Hospital
St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne
Austin Health
Northern Health
Western Health
Royal Children’s Hospital

Learn more: https://healthsciences.unimelb.edu.au/

Melbourne School of Population and Global Health

207 Bouverie St, Carlton VIC 3053 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Infectious diseases and immunology
Mental health and neuroscience
Molecular science and biotech
Public health
Indigenous health
Clinical sciences
Eye health

Impact highlight

Males account for three-quarters of all suicides and the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health (MSPGH) has been researching why this might be the case.

The three-part ‘Man Up’ documentary, led by Professor Jane Pirkis, explored the relationship between masculinity and suicide by speaking to everyday people about dominant masculine norms, expressing emotion and the importance of seeking help.

The documentary was first screened by the ABC in 2016 and has been re-broadcast three times. It has been watched by more than 2.6 million people. University researchers ran a randomised controlled trial to gauge the effectiveness of Man Up in positively changing help-seeking intentions and views of masculinity.

The research found the documentary increased the likelihood of men seeking help and encouraging their friends to do the same. It also shifted traditional views about masculinity.

Overview

MSPGH, founded in 2001, is part of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. It is Australia’s top-ranked school for public health and ranks 12th worldwide. The School’s research investigates determinants of health and contributes to health improvements for local and global populations.

The school has six centres and institutes: Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Centre for Health Equity, Centre for Health Policy, Centre for Mental Health, Nossal Institute for Global Health and Melbourne Disability Institute.

Research focus

Socioeconomic determinants of health
Data science, health metrics and disease modelling
Screening and early detection of disease
Prevention and management of non-communicable diseases, including cancer
Promotion of mental health
Health policy
Health technology assessment

Key partners and collaborators

Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI)
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
Australian Genomics
Daffodil Centre
Cancer Council Victoria
Monash University
National Indigenous Australians Agency
Department of Health
Lowitja Institute
Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation
UNICEF
World Health Organization
Asian Development Bank
SANE Australia
Mental Health First Aid
Australian Red Cross
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Australian Government Department of Health
Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Learn more: https://mspgh.unimelb.edu.au/

Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences

Redmond Barry Building, University of Melbourne, Tin Alley, VIC 3010 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Mental health and neuroscience

Impact highlight

Every year, almost 2,000 Australian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It has the lowest survival rate of all the gynaecological cancers and, unlike cervical cancer, there is no preventative vaccine and no early detection test.

But, according to research by the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, many women mistakenly believe that vaccines and early detection tests exist for ovarian cancer.

This research clearly shows more targeted campaigns are needed to educate women about the real risks of ovarian cancer and to ensure they recognise the importance of looking for early signs of the disease themselves.

Overview

The Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences is one of the oldest and largest psychology schools in Australia and is world-renowned. It provides high-quality teaching and research supervision to undergraduate and postgraduate students, including those in the Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) and Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology).

The School unites researchers from social sciences, epidemiology and public health, preventative, clinical and primary care medicine and from basic and applied sciences, and is connected with Melbourne research institutes and hospitals as well as international institutions.

The research program includes the Complex Human Data Hub, Ethics and Wellbeing Hub, Decision Science Hub, Brain and Mental Health Hub, Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change and Contemplative Studies Centre.

Research focus

Measuring human experience and behaviour
Researching the science behind doing good and feeling well
Understanding the science that affects our choices
Advancing understanding and treatment of mental and neurological disorders, mindfulness, meditation and contemplative practice
Behaviour change

Key partners and collaborators

St Vincent’s Hospital
Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health
Orygen
Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre
Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre
Cancer Council of Victoria
Australian Government Defence Science Technology Organisation
Royal Melbourne Hospital

Learn more: https://psychologicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/

Melbourne Speech Pathology Clinic

723 Swanston St, Carlton VIC 3010 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Community and Government
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct

Partnership strengths

Melbourne Speech Pathology Clinic offers a full range of speech pathology services for adults and children under one roof. Operated by Melbourne Teaching Health Clinics, a subsidiary of the University of Melbourne, patients can receive care through the student-based practice and the private speech pathology service.

Co-located within Melbourne Dental Clinic, the Melbourne Speech Pathology Clinic provides high quality care and teaches future speech pathologists. Treatments provided by students is delivered under the supervision of highly qualified speech pathologist. Students’ work is checked throughout the treatment process to ensure patients receive the level of care expected from a fully qualified speech pathologist.

In the private speech pathology service, all assessments and treatments are provided by fully qualified clinicians who offer paediatric and adult speech pathology services.

Melbourne Speech Pathology Clinic was established in 2013 by the University of Melbourne with the aim of providing excellence in clinical education for the next generation of speech pathologists. It has become one of the largest academic speech pathology services in Australia.

Services

Development of articulation and oral movement skills in children
Reading and speaking skills in children
Aphasia
Dyspraxia
Dysarthria or slurred speech
Cognitive communication problems
Voice disorders
Stuttering
General swallowing management

Key partners and collaborators

University of Melbourne, Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology

Learn more: https://healthsciences.unimelb.edu.au/audiology-speech-pathology-clinic/home

Mercy Health, Mercy Hospital For Women

163 Studley Rd, Heidelberg VIC 3084 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Health service
Metropolitan Melbourne
Maternal and child health
Molecular science and biotech
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy when a woman has high blood pressure and shows signs of organ damage, such as protein in her urine.

Mercy Perinatal – a research collaboration between the University of Melbourne and the Mercy Hospital for Women launched in 2016 – is searching for effective drug treatments that could revolutionise the treatment of preeclampsia.

Mercy Perinatal is a centre of excellence in clinical care, education and research focused on bringing mothers and their babies home safely.

It has set up a unique, internationally-recognised translational drug-screening protocol – essentially a drug discovery ‘pipeline’ – that is uncovering some exciting candidate treatments for preeclampsia.

For example, metformin which is used by many pregnant women to manage diabetes, may also be a treatment for preeclampsia and another potential treatment is part of a large clinical trial in pregnant women in South Africa.

Partnership strengths

The Mercy Hospital for Women in Heidelberg is a major public hospital and specialist referral centre that provides obstetric, neonatal and gynaecological care. It has a long collaborative history with the University of Melbourne.

Part of the University’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology is embedded in the hospital and scientists, researchers and health professionals work together in a collaborative clinical environment.

The hospital is also a major provider of clinical training for University of Melbourne students in areas including medicine, nursing, physiotherapy and social work.

Research focus

Women’s health
Maternal fetal medicine
Neonatal paediatrics
Andrology
Gynaecological oncology
Reproductive biology

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Co-appointment of clinical-academic positions

Learn more: https://health-services.mercyhealth.com.au/our-health-services/mercy-hospital-women/

Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University

399 Royal Parade, Parkville VIC 3052 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Infectious diseases and immunology
Mental health and neuroscience
Molecular science and biotech
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Cryo-EM is a specialised type of electron microscopy that captures images of hundreds to millions of protein particles and uses that information to create a 3D shape or map of the protein.

The technology provides information that uncovers how proteins work, how they can trigger disease, and how to design new and better medicines quickly and cost-effectively.

The Australian Research Council’s Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins (CCeMMP) led by Monash University’s Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences is spearheading advances in this technology.

The University of Melbourne, University of Wollongong and WEHI are also part of the project and, with CSL, they have bought cutting-edge instrumentation to advance research and discoveries in the field.

The CCeMMP was launched in 2022 to expand Australia’s biotechnological capabilities, to skill-up a cryo-electron microscopy workforce and to connect with drug discovery and development industries. The Centre is also developing the next generation of industry-ready researchers and entrepreneurs.

Partnership strengths

Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS) is the research arm of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Monash University. It is home to more than 200 research staff and postgraduate students who apply advances in drug discovery biology, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceutics to improve treatments for cancer, malaria, Parkinson’s disease and other major illnesses.

The Neuromedicines Discovery Centre is another MIPS-led initiative that unites the expertise and resources of world-leading researchers from Monash University, the University of Melbourne and the Florey Institute of Neurosciences and Mental Health.

Located in Melbourne’s Biomedical Precinct, MIPS has a history of research collaboration with the University of Melbourne through Melbourne Medical School, the School of Biomedical Sciences and the Bio21 Institute.

Research focus

Drug discovery biology
Medicinal chemistry
Drug delivery, disposition and dynamics
Drug candidate optimisation
Medicine use and safety
Neuroscience and mental health
Cardiovascular and metabolic health
Global health

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research infrastructure and platforms

Learn more: https://www.monash.edu/pharm/research

Murdoch Children's Research Institute

50 Flemington Rd, Parkville VIC 3052 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Infectious diseases and immunology
Mental health and neuroscience
Maternal and child health
Molecular science and biotech
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

The Australian Temperament Project (ATP) is one of Australia’s oldest longitudinal studies. Focused on social-emotional development, it has followed a representative sample of more than 2,000 infants and their parents since 1983.

The study has gathered detailed data on temperament, depression, anxiety, violence, addiction and positive developmental outcomes and helped identify patterns and pathways of development.

Researchers have looked at how development differs between people, what experiences and qualities lead to health development, how problems arise for some people but are avoided or resolved by others, and the many influences that positively and negatively shape social-emotional development.

The ATP was initiated by psychologists at La Trobe University and Royal Children’s Hospital paediatricians. The collaboration now includes the University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), the Australian Institute of Family Studies and Deakin University.

Partnership strengths

MCRI is part of the Melbourne Children’s Campus – a fully integrated paediatric teaching hospital and research institute. The Campus is a partnership between MCRI, the University of Melbourne and the Royal Children’s Hospital and its quality clinical services, research and education are internationally respected.

Researchers from MCRI and the University of Melbourne’s Department of Paediatrics undertake research together with the goal of delivering better health outcomes for children. Their collective expertise spans more than 150 common and rare diseases and conditions.

A number of platforms have been established to accelerate research and translation, including Melbourne Children’s Trials Centre and LifeCourse, and graduate students at MCRI are supported by Melbourne Children’s Graduate Program, which is coordinated by the University of Melbourne, to encourage success as a research student.

Research focus

Aboriginal health
Adolescent health and wellbeing
Allergy
COVID-19
Heart failure
High-risk infants
Infection
Kidney disease
Neurodevelopment
Rare diseases

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research training
Research infrastructure and platforms
Education and professional development
Clinical trials

Learn more: https://www.mcri.edu.au/

National Ageing Research Institute

34-54 Poplar Rd, Parkville VIC 3052 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Mental health and neuroscience
Healthy ageing
Public health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

The firm belief that older people should receive the best possible care and support through services, programs and policies that promote health and quality of life is the foundation of Melbourne Ageing Research Collaboration (MARC).

MARC aims to improve the lives of older people by rapidly translating research into effective policy and practice. It builds ageing related knowledge and skills among researchers, the health and aged care workforce, policymakers and the general public.

MARC was formed in 2014 by the National Ageing Research Institute and has 20 partners, including the University of Melbourne, hospitals, aged care services, primary health, government, advocacy organisation and other universities.

It carries out collaborative projects, funds PhD scholarships and builds connection and partnerships.

Partnership strengths

Since it was founded in 1976, the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) has produced evidence, tools and insights to positively influence health and aged care systems and government policies.

NARI is formally affiliated with the University of Melbourne through the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and the two organisations have a long history of collaborating on ageing research, education and training.

The University’s Hallmark Ageing Research Initiative – an example of this collaboration – has cultivated a network of researchers in ageing who share ideas across a wide range of disciplines.

Research focus

Socioeconomic determinants of health
Data science, health metrics and disease modelling
Screening and early detection of disease
Prevention and management of non-communicable diseases, including cancer
Promotion of mental health
Health policy
Health technology assessment

What we do together

Research training
Research collaboration
Education and professional development
Joint appointment of academics

Learn more: https://www.nari.net.au/

Neo-Bionica

41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy VIC 3065 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Medtech and digital health

Impact highlight

Neo-Bionica is a newly-established facility that designs and manufactures medical devices to help diagnose and treat conditions ranging from epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease to hearing loss, stroke and diabetes.

The venture offers end-to-end medical device prototype development, taking a device from concept through to first-in-human prototypes for clinical trials. Before the advent of Neo-Bionica, there were no manufacturing facilities in Australia capable of making such devices, leading to significant delays in clinical trials.

One of the first prototype devices is designed to treat type 2 diabetes – a condition that affects around 1 million Australians. The device provides patients with a ‘remote control’ that, after they eat, switches on a natural stimulation response that better controls blood sugar levels and so improves the health of people living with type 2 diabetes.

Partnership strengths

Neo-Bionica is a joint initiative of the Bionics Institute and the University of Melbourne. Together, researchers aim to reduce the time between the initial concept of a device and its clinical application, so patients can benefit from new technology earlier.

The Neo-Bionica purpose-built facility is located at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, and incorporates the latest cleanroom technology, engineering equipment and 3D printers.

Importantly, the facility also unites the expertise of highly-trained engineers, scientists and clinicians from the Bionics Institute and the University of Melbourne who are collaborating to create life changing medical device solutions.

Capabilities

Product definition
Project management
Systems engineering
Mechanical engineering
Electronics and firmware
Fabrication
Pre-clinical and clinical testing

What we do together

Research collaboration
Infrastructure and platforms

Learn more: https://neo-bionica.com/

Northeast Health Wangaratta

Wangaratta District Base Hospital, Green St Wangaratta VIC 3671 (Yorta Yorta Country)

Categories:

Health service
Regional Victoria
Mental health and neuroscience
Public health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Research on how to improve care for people in Wangaratta and Benalla who are living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) has resulted in a new model of care that aims to improve quality of life and patient outcomes.

Members of the Rural Health Academic Network (RHAN) – an initiative of the University of Melbourne Department of Rural Health, have worked with Northeast Health Wangaratta, Albury Wodonga Health, Numurkah District Health and the Murray Primary Health Network to identify barriers and enablers for COPD care.

The perspectives of health professionals and patients have been collected through surveys and interviews and hospital data has been analysed to develop the new model of care that includes a dedicated COPD transition officer, a specific COPD cycle of care, and a My Lung Health booklet for patients.

Ongoing professional development and a community of practice for health professionals in the region are also part of the new model.

Partnership strengths

Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) is a leading Victorian health service providing quality healthcare across North-East Victoria.

The University of Melbourne’s Department of Rural Health has a major node in Wangaratta and NHW provides clinical placements for the University’s Doctor of Medicine students. Wangaratta Rural Clinical School, part of the University’s Melbourne Medical School, is adjacent to NHW.

The University’s Rural Health Academic Network (RHAN) works with NWH and other rural health services to innovate, promote research translation into rural clinical practice, support rural health student placements and advance the rural health agenda.

Capabilities

Aged care
Allied health
Anaesthetics
Antimicrobial stewardship
Advanced care planning
Cancer care
Emergency care
Chronic ill health
Maternity care

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Jointly funded positions

Learn more: https://www.northeasthealth.org.au/

Northern Health, Broadmeadows Hospital

35 Johnstone St, Broadmeadows, Vic, 3047 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Health service
Metropolitan Melbourne
Mental health and neuroscience
Molecular science and biotech
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

A greater understanding of one of the factors behind placental dysfunction – the role of a gene called DAAM2 – is one example of the work being done at the Northern Centre for Health Education and Research (NCHER) Reproductive Health Biobank.

NCHER is a joint initiative of the University of Melbourne and Northern Health and is a flagship research project in the University’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

The NCHER Reproductive Health Biobank collects and stores samples of maternal blood, placental tissue and umbilical cord blood using state-of-the-art methods that allow important research questions to be addressed quickly.

The samples are available to Melbourne Academic Centre for Health (MACH) collaborators researching perinatal medicine and women’s health.

Partnership strengths

Northern Health is the major provider of acute, maternity, sub-acute and specialist services in Melbourne’s rapidly expanding outer north.

As a partner of the University of Melbourne and the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Northern Health provides clinical placements at Northern Hospital Epping, Broadmeadows Hospital, Bundoora Centre and Craigieburn Centre. Students come from nursing, physiotherapy, psychology, audiology, speech pathology and other allied health disciplines.

Northern Health also hosts several embedded university departments and research groups including the Departments of Surgery, Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

The Northern Centre for Education and Research operated by Northern Health, the University of Melbourne and La Trobe University offers modern education and research facilities and a research hub. Collaborative research programs are targeting systems of healthcare delivery, new models of care, and how to use technology for cost-effective care.

Research focus

Aged care
Chronic disease
Social determinants of health care
Women’s and children’s health

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Joint clinical-academic positions

Learn more: https://www.nh.org.au/

Northern Health, Bundoora Centre

1231 Plenty Rd Bundoora, Vic 3083 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Health service
Metropolitan Melbourne
Mental health and neuroscience
Molecular science and biotech
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

NCHER is a joint initiative of the University of Melbourne and Northern Health and is a flagship research project in the University’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

The samples are available to Melbourne Academic Centre for Health (MACH) collaborators researching perinatal medicine and women’s health.

Partnership strengths

Northern Health is the major provider of acute, maternity, sub-acute and specialist services in Melbourne’s rapidly expanding outer north.

Northern Health also hosts several embedded university departments and research groups including the Departments of Surgery, Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Research focus

Aged care
Chronic disease
Social determinants of health care
Women’s and children’s health

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Joint clinical-academic positions

Learn more: https://www.nh.org.au/

Northern Health, Craigeburn Centre

274-304 Craigieburn Rd, Craigieburn, Vic 3064 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Health service
Metropolitan Melbourne
Mental health and neuroscience
Molecular science and biotech
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

NCHER is a joint initiative of the University of Melbourne and Northern Health and is a flagship research project in the University’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

The samples are available to Melbourne Academic Centre for Health (MACH) collaborators researching perinatal medicine and women’s health.

Partnership strengths

Northern Health is the major provider of acute, maternity, sub-acute and specialist services in Melbourne’s rapidly expanding outer north.

Northern Health also hosts several embedded university departments and research groups including the Departments of Surgery, Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Research focus

Aged care
Chronic disease
Social determinants of health care
Women’s and children’s health

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Joint clinical-academic positions

Learn more: https://www.nh.org.au/

Northern Health, Northern Hospital

185 Cooper St Epping, Vic 3076 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Health service
Metropolitan Melbourne
Mental health and neuroscience
Molecular science and biotech
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

NCHER is a joint initiative of the University of Melbourne and Northern Health and is a flagship research project in the University’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

The samples are available to Melbourne Academic Centre for Health (MACH) collaborators researching perinatal medicine and women’s health.

Partnership strengths

Northern Health is the major provider of acute, maternity, sub-acute and specialist services in Melbourne’s rapidly expanding outer north.

Northern Health also hosts several embedded university departments and research groups including the Departments of Surgery, Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Research focus

Aged care
Chronic disease
Social determinants of health care
Women’s and children’s health

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Joint clinical-academic positions

Learn more: https://www.nh.org.au/

Orygen

35 Poplar Rd, Parkville VIC 3052 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Mental health and neuroscience
Molecular science and biotech

Impact highlight

Orygen Digital – the digital division of Orygen youth mental health organisation – is harnessing advances in mobile phone technology to bring mental health assessment and intervention tools into the daily lives of young people.

One such tool, developed with the University of Melbourne’s School of Psychological Sciences, is Smartphone Ecological Momentary Assessment (SEMA). SEMA software can carry out real-time mental health assessments as young people ‘check in’ during the day and complete a short mobile questionnaire.

A young person’s questionnaire responses can quickly detect risk, relapse and patterns in emotions and behaviour and highly responsive therapy can then be provided to address each young person’s in-the-moment mental health needs.

Partnership strengths

Orygen and the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences have a significant history of together delivering research, care, advocacy, training and education in youth mental health.

Since Orygen began in 1984, its researchers and colleagues at the University have collaborated extensively to better understand the biological, psychological and social factors that influence the onset, remission and relapse of mental illnesses in young people. Relationships have been established and strengthened between the Department of Psychiatry, School of Psychological Sciences, School of Population and Global Health and the School of Computing and Information Systems.

Together, Orygen and the University deliver a range of graduate courses and research opportunities in youth mental health. This includes Australia’s first fully online suite of Youth Mental Health courses. Orygen also offers clinical placements to University of Melbourne students at Headspace centres in the north and west of Melbourne.

Research focus

Clinical neuroscience
Clinical staging in mental health
Digital mental health
Early psychosis
Mood and anxiety
Personality disorder
Suicide prevention
Functional recovery
Physical health and exercise

What we do together

Clinical education and training
Graduate programs and courses
Research collaboration
Research training

Learn more: https://www.orygen.org.au/

Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity

792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Infectious diseases and immunology
Molecular science and biotech
Public health
Indigenous health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Doherty Institute staff make many outstanding contributions in the fields of research, education, public health, immunology and microbiology. They are instrumental in making advances in large scale clinical trials and diagnostic development.

The arrival of COVID-19 showcased the Institute’s expertise when, in January 2020, Doherty Institute researchers grew the COVID-19 virus from a patient sample. This was the first time the virus had been grown in cell culture outside of China. The Doherty Institute was the first to share the culture with public health laboratories nationally and with international laboratories working closely with the World Health Organization.

This work was crucial to progress accurate investigation and diagnosis of the COVID-19 virus and the Doherty Institute remains at the forefront of the pandemic response. It continues to take a leading role in understanding the immune response to COVID-19, in using genomics to understand transmission networks, developing vaccines and exploring novel antiviral treatments.

Partnership strengths

The Doherty Institute was established in 2014 to find solutions to prevent, treat and cure infectious diseases and to understand the complexities of the immune system. It is a joint venture of the University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hospital

The Institute brings together the University’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Department of Infectious Diseases, and units from the Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Victorian Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory, the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, Victorian Infectious Disease Service, and the Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System.

The Institute's research themes include immunology, viral infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance and bacterial and parasitic infections. The Institute combines disciplines ranging from discovery research, public health, clinical and health systems research and global health to education and professional development, Indigenous health, computational science and genomics. These themes and disciplines guide the development of the Institute's national and international partnerships.

The Doherty Institute’s work will be enhanced following a significant philanthropic donation to the University of Melbourne to establish the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics. The Centre will develop new technologies to treat future pathogens of pandemic potential. The Institute is also home to Doherty Clinical Trials Ltd, a clinical trials facility which specialises in the use of human challenge models to support the development of new vaccines and treatments.

Research focus

Immunology
Viral infectious diseases, particularly HIV, viral hepatitis, influenza, emerging infections, COVID-19
Antimicrobial resistance and healthcare associated infections
Bacterial and parasitic infections, particularly malaria, enteric infections, tuberculosis, Buruli ulcer

What we do together

Research training
Research collaboration
Clinical trials
Education and professional development
Public health references services
Joint appointment of academics

Learn more: https://www.doherty.edu.au/

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

305 Grattan St, Melbourne VIC 3000 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Health service
Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Infectious diseases and immunology
Cancer sciences
Molecular science and biotech
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Explaining the intricacies of a complex form of radiotherapy can be challenging. Radiation oncologist at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Associate Professor David Kok, found a way around this by producing an award-winning film that helps medical students better understand the treatment.

The film, Stereotactic Radiotherapy, explores the principles behind this advanced form of cancer treatment that enables oncologists to treat previously untreatable tumours.

The informative film was created for the University of Melbourne VCCC Alliance Master of Cancer Sciences program and was produced by the Melbourne School of Professional and Continuing Education’s (MSPACE) video production unit. In 2022, the film won a prestigious gold medal at the international Telly Awards.

Partnership strengths

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (Peter Mac) is Australia’s only public hospital dedicated to cancer. It is a national and international leader in laboratory, clinical and translational research.

The University of Melbourne and Peter Mac have a strong collaborative relationship that encompasses research, joint training, scholarships for research students, dual staff appointments and secondments, and the Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS).

Peter Mac researchers collaborate with many parts of MDHS and with the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. Research projects span laboratory, clinical and translational research, health services research and implementation science.

Peter Mac also provides clinical placements for disciplines including medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, psychology, social work and speech pathology.

Research focus

Cancer biology and therapeutics
Cancer evolution and metastasis
Computational biology
Cancer immunology
Organogenesis
Tumour angiogenesis and microenvironment
Clinical research across all tumour types and services

What we do together

Clinical education and training
Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Research infrastructure and platforms
Joint academic appointments

Learn more: https://www.petermac.org/

Phoenix Australia Centre for Post-traumatic Mental Health

Level 3, 161 Barry St, Carlton VIC 3053 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Mental health and neuroscience
Public health

Impact highlight

In their lifetime, three in four Australians – nearly 19 million people – will experience an event that will cause them psychological trauma. For some people, their trauma will stem from a climate-related disaster.

Bushfires, floods and other extreme weather events are increasingly common and the Recovery Capitals (ReCap) project has been developed to provide evidence-based resources to those leading recovery efforts after such disasters. It builds understanding of the psychological impacts of disaster for individuals, families and communities and the resources promote resilience and recovery through prevention, early intervention and evidence-based treatment.

ReCap is a collaboration between Phoenix Australia and researchers from the University of Melbourne, Massey University (Aotearoa New Zealand), Australian Red Cross, the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC and researchers, government and non-government agencies and organisations across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Partnership strengths

Phoenix Australia are internationally recognised experts in trauma-related mental health and wellbeing and they have been Australia’s National Centre of Excellence in Posttraumatic Mental Health for 25 years.

Phoenix Australia is formally affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne and they actively collaborate on research and research translation to advance health and wellbeing for trauma survivors and their families. Research programs also focus on developing and delivering education programs on mental health and posttraumatic mental health, policy and service development.

Research focus

Understanding, identification and treatment of the mental health consequences of trauma
Military and veteran mental health research
Disaster mental health and wellbeing
Emergency service workers mental health
Family and domestic violence
Occupational trauma and stress

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research translation
Research training
Education and professional development

Learn more: https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/

Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville

300 Grattan St, Parkville VIC 3050 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Health service
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Infectious diseases and immunology
Mental health and neuroscience
Molecular science and biotech
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Leading stroke research by the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) and University of Melbourne is driving advances in therapy and clinical practice to improve outcomes for stroke patients.

An example of this is the Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU) — the custom-built Ambulance Victoria vehicle is fully equipped with a built-in CereTom®CT scanner that can scan a patient’s brain for immediate diagnosis. It is crewed by acute stroke specialists.

The Melbourne MSU has dramatically reduced the time to treatment for stroke patients, limiting brain damage and saving lives.

Partnership strengths

The RMH and the University have been partners for over 150 years and are leaders in translating biomedical research to improve clinical care and outcomes. The RMH is strongly affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Engineering and Information Technology, Science and Arts.

The University hosts the RMH Clinical School and RMH is home to embedded University departments – Medicine, Surgery, Radiology, Psychiatry and Clinical Pathology – that are dedicated to bench-to-bedside clinical research and research training. RMH’s wet and dry lab facilities also support drug and therapeutic development opportunities.

The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity is an initiative of the longstanding partnership between the RMH and the University.

Research focus

Diagnosis and treatment of Infectious diseases
Innovations in digital health
Advancements in neurology and stroke prevention and treatment
Advancements in neuropsychiatry and mental health
Innovations in clinical haematology and bone marrow transplant

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Co-appointment of clinical academics

Learn more: https://www.thermh.org.au/

Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Park Campus

34-54 Poplar Rd, Parkville VIC 3052 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Health service
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Infectious diseases and immunology
Mental health and neuroscience
Molecular science and biotech
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Leading stroke research by the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) and University of Melbourne is driving advances in therapy and clinical practice to improve outcomes for stroke patients.

The Melbourne MSU has dramatically reduced the time to treatment for stroke patients, limiting brain damage and saving lives.

Partnership strengths

The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity is an initiative of the longstanding partnership between the RMH and the University.

Research focus

Diagnosis and treatment of Infectious diseases
Innovations in digital health
Advancements in neurology and stroke prevention and treatment
Advancements in neuropsychiatry and mental health
Innovations in clinical haematology and bone marrow transplant

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Co-appointment of clinical academics

Learn more: https://www.thermh.org.au/

School of Biomedical Sciences

792 Elizabeth Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Infectious diseases and immunology
Mental health and neuroscience
Molecular science and biotech
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Each year, around 1,000 people in Papua New Guinea reportedly die due to snakebites –compared to four cases per annum in Australia. Following a snakebite incident, families can face significant medical debts or the loss of a loved one.

Since 2004, the Australian Venom Research Unit at the University of Melbourne’s School of Biomedical Sciences, the University of Papua New Guinea, and Port Moresby General Hospital have been tackling the issue of snakebites.

A key achievement is the development of a more affordable antivenom that substantially reduces treatment costs – from around $2,000 to $300 per vial – and helps more people access effective treatment.

This work is being continued through a PNG Snakebite Partnership involving the National Department of Health in Papua New Guinea, the Australian Government, Seqirus PTY Ltd and the Australian Venom Research Unit.

Overview

The School of Biomedical Sciences has three departments: Anatomy and Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, and Microbiology and Immunology. It is also home to several University Research Centres including the Lung Health Centre, the Centre for Stem Cell Systems, the Muscle Research Centre and the Australian Venom Research Unit. The Departments of Anatomy and Neuroscience, and Biochemistry and Pharmacology are based within the Medical Building on the University’s main campus in Parkville.

The Bachelor of Biomedicine has almost 2,000 students and the School offers majors through the Bachelor of Science and teaches into several graduate professional programs including the Doctor of Medicine. The Master of Biomedical Science and Graduate Diploma of Surgical Anatomy are highly regarded.

The School has 85 research groups and more than a dozen research platforms and services collaborate with the broader research community, including Metabolomics Australia, advanced microscopy, flow cytometry and histology services.

Research focus

Infection and immunity
Neuroscience
Metabolic health
Development and differentiation

Key partners and collaborators

Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity
Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI)
Bonn University (Germany)
Royal Melbourne Hospital
Bio21 Institute
BioCurate
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
Centre for Eye Research Australia
CSL

Learn more: https://biomedicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/

School of Biomedical Sciences

30 Flemington Rd, Parkville VIC 3052 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Infectious diseases and immunology
Mental health and neuroscience
Molecular science and biotech
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Overview

Research focus

Infection and immunity
Neuroscience
Metabolic health
Development and differentiation

Key partners and collaborators

Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity
Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI)
Bonn University (Germany)
Royal Melbourne Hospital
Bio21 Institute
BioCurate
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
Centre for Eye Research Australia
CSL

Learn more: https://biomedicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/

Shepparton Medical Centre

49 Graham St, Shepparton VIC 3630 (Yorta Yorta Country)

Categories:

Community and Government
Regional Victoria

Partnership strengths

Shepparton Medical Centre (SMC) is a general practice clinic and was the first multidisciplinary teaching clinic in Australia. It was established to increase the quality and capacity of medical education in a rural setting.

SMC provides both quality, patient-centred care and clinical education and is operated by Melbourne Teaching Health Clinics, a subsidiary of the University of Melbourne.

The Centre has been providing affordable patient care to the Shepparton community since 2010 when it was established by the University of Melbourne. SMC is linked to the University’s Department of Rural Health which is based in the same facility in Shepparton.

SMC delivers around 40,000 services to patients every year and has broader community impacts through taking part in initiatives including the Doctors in Secondary Schools Program and by providing care to residential aged care facilities.

University of Melbourne students learn while under the supervision of highly-regarded clinicians and also have access to the latest clinical devices, equipment and research.

Services

Women’s health
Men’s health
Child and adolescent health
Mental health
Skin cancer checks
Preventative health
Immunisations
Health screening

Key partners and collaborators

University of Melbourne, Department of Rural Health
Goulburn Valley Health

Learn more: https://shepmed.unimelb.edu.au/

St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne

41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy VIC 3065 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Health service
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Mental health and neuroscience
Cancer sciences
Molecular science and biotech
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

For people with epilepsy, seizures, and uncertainty about when a seizure may happen, can place limitations on how people live their life. Medications don’t work for everyone, may cause significant side effects and oral medications don’t always reach the brain in a concentration high enough to provide any benefit.

A world-first clinical trial investigating an innovative way to administer medicine to the brain more quickly and directly. It uses a long-term abdominal pump implant to deliver anti-seizure medication into the cerebrospinal fluid.

The project brings together St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, the University of Melbourne and Cerebral Therapeutics and is being developed through the Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD).

Partnership strengths

St Vincent’s and the University of Melbourne have been working together since 1910 and are leaders in translating biomedical research to improve clinical care and patient outcomes.

The Faculties of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Engineering and Information Technology, Science and Arts are closely affiliated with the hospital.

The University hosts the St Vincent’s Clinical School to support clinical and medical student education and St Vincent’s is a major provider of clinical training for university students. Placements are also undertaken at St Vincent’s Private, the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and St George’s Hospital, Kew.

A number of university departments are embedded within St Vincent’s, including the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, and they take research and research training from bench-to-bedside.

St Vincent’s and the university are also connected as partners in the ACMD, the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance and the Melbourne Academic Centre for Health (MACH).

Research focus

Biomedical engineering
Orthopaedics
Diabetes
Kidney disorders
Vascular disease
Inflammatory diseases
Clinical neurosciences
Liver disease
Lung disease
Connective tissue disorder

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Co-appointment of clinical-academic positions

Learn more: https://www.svhm.org.au/

St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research

9 Princes St, Fitzroy VIC 3065 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Infectious diseases and immunology
Cancer sciences
Molecular science and biotech
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

For older Australians, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia with almost half a million people living with the condition. A further 1.6 million people are involved in caring for them.

At the moment, there are no drugs available to effectively treat Alzheimer’s but there is now an understanding that the disease is caused by a combination of biological processes going awry as we age.

Researchers from St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research (SVI) and the University of Melbourne’s Bio21 Institute are investigating how to harness the power of specialised immune cells in the brain – microglia – to promote healthy brain function.

Microglia make up a small percentage of brain cells but they play a key role as the brain’s ‘garbage collectors’ and remove dying neurons and toxic proteins that affect brain health.

Partnership strengths

The St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research (SVI) is an independent medical research institute and is a key partner of the University of Melbourne.

It has close affiliations to the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences– specifically the Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery at St Vincent’s Hospital. SVI staff supervise University PhD students within these departments.

With the University and St Vincent’s Hospital, SVI is also a key partner in the Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery.

SVI and University researchers are collaborating to improve the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of challenging diseases including cancer, diabetes, infectious disease, osteoporosis and dementia.

Research focus

Bone cell biology and disease
Cancer
Heart disease
Molecular, lymphatic and vascular biology
Structural biology and immunobiology
Type 1 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes and obesity
Bioinformatics and cellular genomics

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research training
Joint academic appointments

Learn more: https://www.svi.edu.au/

Synchron

Level 6, 71 Queens Rd, Melbourne 3004 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Commercial and Industry
Metropolitan Melbourne
Molecular science and biotech
Public health

Partnership strengths

Synchron is a brain computer interface that can access every corner of the brain using the brain’s natural highways – blood vessels. The platform was developed and commercialised by University of Melbourne researchers and promises new ways to treat neurological diseases.

The technology centre on the stentrode™ – a minimally invasive brain implant that enables patients to wirelessly control digital devices through thought. The device bypasses invasive surgery and offers a permanent solution to help patients improve their mobility and ability to carry out everyday activities. Human clinical trials are underway.

The stentrode™ technology is based on research from a multi-disciplinary team of more than 40 medical and bioengineering specialists from the University of Melbourne, the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health.

The project is led by Associate Professor Tom Oxley and Professor Nicholas Opie who are co-heads of the University’s Vascular Bionics Laboratory and co-founders of Synchron.

Capabilities

Implantable medical devices
Treatment of neurological disorders

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research commercialisation

Learn more: https://synchron.com/

The Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery

Level 1, 29 Regent St, Fitzroy VIC 3065 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Medtech and digital health
Molecular science and biotech

Impact highlight

New advances in cartilage and bone regeneration could soon help prevent osteoarthritis – a painful condition where protective cartilage at the ends of bones in joints breaks down. More than 2 million Australians have osteoarthritis, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

The Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD) and partners, including the University of Melbourne, have developed the AxceldaPen that enables surgeons to print stem cells into the damaged areas of cartilages during surgery. The device uses a patient’s own stem cells and specialised biomaterials and delivers the right cells to the required location to promote cartilage repair.

While the AxceldaPen has been developed with a focus on cartilage and bone regeneration, future applications could support the repair of burns, wound healing, corneal regeneration and cardiac muscle regeneration. The AxceldaPen has been developed by University of Melbourne, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, University of Wollongong and Swinburne University and is being prepared for commercial development.

Partnership strengths

The Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, is a $206 million biomedical research and training centre that will be a global leader of medical innovation and future healthcare solutions.

The University of Melbourne is a founding member and partnerships have also been established with research institutes and a leading tertiary hospital. The collaboration is removing traditional barriers between fields of research, engineering development and clinical application. The new facility currently being built at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne will include a clinical simulation laboratory and teaching facility to support future research leaders and innovators.

Capabilities

Addressing patient needs through the development of medical technology solutions including smart devices, bionics and implantables
Developing engineering systems for precision medicine, participatory medicine and digital health
Progressing technology for regenerative medicine

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials

Learn more: https://www.acmd.org.au/

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Austin Campus

245 Burgundy St, Heidelberg VIC 3084 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Metropolitan Melbourne
Mental health and neuroscience
Molecular science and biotech
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Up to a quarter of a million Australians have epilepsy and live with the unpredictability of seizures that make daily life, work and study challenging. The associated costs of epilepsy are around A$12.3 billion a year.

The Australian Epilepsy Project (AEP) aims to reduce epilepsy-related deaths and seizures and improve quality of life by making life-changing epilepsy technology available through a network of community hubs.

In 2021, the AEP received $30 million from the Australian Government to establish a new model of care. The model brings together cutting-edge imaging, cognition and genetics data, artificial intelligence and machine learning to produce reports for clinicians. The in-depth reports allow clinicians to more accurately predict an individual’s epilepsy experience.

The AEP brings together world-leading experts in neuroimaging, genetics, neuropsychology and artificial intelligence from the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Monash University, The Alfred and Auckland University of Technology.

Partnership strengths

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health (Florey Institute) is one of the largest and most highly-respected brain research centres in the world. It is a leader in imaging technology, stroke rehabilitation and large population studies.

The Florey has been a partner of the University of Melbourne since it was established in 1960 with researchers from the Florey Institute and the University’s Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, and Faculty of Science, collaborating extensively.

These collaborations are focused on imaging technology, histology, bioinformatics, statistics and decision-making analysis, biobanks and clinical trials.

Research focus

Developing new therapeutics for dementia
Reducing the burden of epileptic syndromes
Preventing and repairing damage to the brain
Understanding the molecular drivers of psychiatric diseases

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Joint academic appointments
Research infrastructure and platforms

Learn more: https://florey.edu.au/

The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville Campus

30 Royal Parade, Parkville VIC 3052 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Metropolitan Melbourne
Mental health and neuroscience
Molecular science and biotech
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Partnership strengths

These collaborations are focused on imaging technology, histology, bioinformatics, statistics and decision-making analysis, biobanks and clinical trials.

Research focus

Developing new therapeutics for dementia
Reducing the burden of epileptic syndromes
Preventing and repairing damage to the brain
Understanding the molecular drivers of psychiatric diseases

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Joint academic appointments
Research infrastructure and platforms

Learn more: https://florey.edu.au/

The Nossal Institute for Global Health

333 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Infectious diseases and immunology
Maternal and child health
Healthy ageing
Public health

Overview

The Nossal Institute for Global Health is a Centre of global health expertise housed within the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. It has focus on strengthening the health systems for populations across the Asia Pacific region.

The Nossal Institute establishes and extends the evidence base for strengthening health systems and extending universal health coverage to ensure access to healthcare. The institute is multidisciplinary and draws on academics and professional expertise from a broad range of disciplines, sectors and regions for our applied research, teaching and leadership.

Research themes

Disability, inclusion and rehabilitation
Social and cultural dimensions of health system
One Health
Health systems governance and financing
Education and learning
Emerging priorities in global health

Key partners and collaborators

Asian Development Bank
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT)
World Bank
World Health Organisation
UNITAID
UNFPA
UNICEF
Oxfam Australia
Australian Red Cross
World Vision
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Burnet Institute
Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia
Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique
Divine World University, Papua New Guinea
University of Leeds

Learn more: https://mspgh.unimelb.edu.au/centres-institutes/nossal-institute-for-global-health

The Royal Children’s Hospital

50 Flemington Rd, Parkville VIC 3052 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Health service
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Infectious diseases and immunology
Mental health and neuroscience
Maternal and child health
Molecular science and biotech
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Generation Victoria, or GenV, is a research program happening across all of Victoria. GenV is led from the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, supported by the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH), and the University of Melbourne.

All babies born in Victoria during 2021 to 2023 — and their parents — are eligible to join the program via birthing hospitals across Victoria. This makes it the largest birth cohort ever, and will be particularly important in giving us insights into the effects of COVID-19 at a population level.

GenV is a ‘living laboratory’, designed to help researchers and clinicians better understand the things that affect both adult and child health. By recruiting tens of thousands of babies, GenV can find faster, better ways to treat and prevent problems like pre-term birth, common allergies, anxiety, obesity, and much more.

GenV is funded by the Paul Ramsay Foundation (PRF), the Victorian Government, and the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Partnership strengths

With the University of Melbourne and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, the RCH is part of the Melbourne Children’s – a fully integrated paediatric teaching hospital and research institute.

These organisations are collaborating to advance child and adolescent health through prevention, early intervention and health promotion. Melbourne Children’s partners have established research platforms, including The Mental Health Central and LifeCourse, to accelerate and translate world class research.

The RCH also plays a key role in the clinical training of University of Melbourne students from disciplines including medicine, nursing, physiotherapy and social work. The RCH campus has a Health Education and Learning Precinct (HELP) developed by the hospital and Department of Paediatrics to enhance education and learning within the RCH community.

Research focus

Aboriginal health
Adolescent health and wellbeing
Allergy
COVID-19
Heart failure
High-risk infants
Infection
Kidney disease
Neurodevelopment
Population health
Rare diseases
Stem cell medicine

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research training
Research infrastructure and platforms
Education and professional development
Clinical trials

Learn more: https://www.rch.org.au/home/

The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital

32 Gisbourne St, East Melboure VIC 3002 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Health service
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Molecular science and biotech
Clinical sciences
Eye health

Impact highlight

Middle ear infection, or otitis media, causes hearing loss that can last into adulthood and has a negative impact on learning, educational, job and social opportunities. The infection is highly prevalent in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, with as many as one-third experiencing its effects.

Researchers from the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and the University of Melbourne’s Otolaryngology Unit are hoping to find ways to reduce the prevalence and severity of the ear disease.

They are leading a large-scale NHMRC supported clinical trial to identify the best surgical treatment options for otitis media and so improve the educational and life opportunities for young Australians in remote communities.

Partnership strengths

The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH) is Australia’s only specialist eye, ear, nose and throat hospital.

A lengthy partnership with the University of Melbourne includes collaboration between the hospital and the University’s departments of Surgery, Optometry and Vision Sciences, and Audiology and Speech Pathology. The hospital also works with the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology.

RVEEH provides clinical training opportunities for Doctor of Medicine, Master of Nursing Science and Master of Clinical Audiology students. The University’s Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology units are co-located at the hospital where researchers work together to enhance clinical service and discover new therapies for conditions that impact hearing and vision.

Research focus

Clinical pathways and health services research
Technology and new clinical practices
Health economics research
Acute services and referral pathways
Community partnerships and education

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Co-appointment of clinical-academic positions

Learn more: https://eyeandear.org.au/

The Royal Women’s Hospital

20 Flemington Rd, Parkville VIC 3052 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Health service
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Mental health and neuroscience
Maternal and child health
Molecular science and biotech
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Finding the most effective ways to identify and respond to family violence in the healthcare setting is important for the safety and wellbeing of patients and hospital staff.

The System Audit Family violence Evaluation (SAFE) Project was established to audit the effectiveness of the Victorian Government’s Strengthening Hospital Responses to Family Violence (SHRFV) program in public hospitals and health services.

The Royal Women’s Hospital Centre for Family Violence Prevention and the University of Melbourne led SAFE and worked with 18 Victorian health services to evaluate the SHRFV program. The results were used to pinpoint system changes that could better address family violence at patient, staff and organisational level.

SAFE is part of a New South Wales Ministry of Health pilot and was recognised in the 2022 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards.

Partnership strengths

The Royal Women’s Hospital (the Women’s) was Australia’s first specialist hospital for women and newborns.

The leading specialist hospital has a long history of partnership and collaboration with the University of Melbourne, particularly the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences via the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and the School of Health Sciences.

The Women’s brings together scientists, researchers and health professionals to collaborate on high quality research programs and it also provides clinical training for University of Melbourne students, including students enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine and Master of Nursing Sciences.

Research focus

Newborn research
Women’s infectious diseases
Gynaecology research
Women’s cancer
Pregnancy
Women’s mental health
Midwifery and maternity services
Allied health research
Anaesthetics research

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Co-appointment of clinical-academic positions

Learn more: https://www.thewomens.org.au/

University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research

Level 10, 305 Grattan St. Melbourne VIC 3000 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Cancer sciences
Medtech and digital health
Molecular science and biotech
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Researchers at the University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research (UMCCR) have made significant contributions to improving the diagnosis, detection and treatment of cancer through the use of genomics.

The UMCCR has a focus on cancers of unmet need. These are the most challenging to treat cases, including rare or aggressive tumours, those resistant to standard therapies, or those that are traditionally difficult to diagnose.

While the overall outlook for people with cancer has almost doubled in recent decades, UMCCR’s initiatives targets those classes of cancers that have not seen these improved outcomes.

Sequencing a cancer patient’s genome essentially produces a genetic blueprint of their tumour. As well as mapping individual genomes, the team are aiming to build up enough combined data to establish patterns that will further advance treatment. Drug trials could also be personalised by pinpointing which trial drug a patient is better suited to.

UMCCR has sequenced over 3,500 cancer samples and more than 850 patients have had information provided to their clinicians or have been screened for inclusion into clinical trials, integrating patients’ genomic data into routine clinical decision-making for a truly personalised approach to treatment and care.

The Centre’s research groups have achieved a number of outcomes including discovering biomarkers of diagnosis, predisposition and treatment resistance, delivering public campaigns to reduce diagnostic delay, developing palliative care triaging tools and establishing international cancer registry cohorts used by researchers worldwide.

Overview

Since it was established in 2017, the University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research has become an international leader in driving discovery, innovation and implementation for clinical impact in cancer care.

Part of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, the UMCCR has collaborations spanning the Melbourne Medical School, School of Health Sciences, School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology.

The UMCCR’s location within Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre facilitates collaboration and partnerships with specialist biobanking, organoid and rapid large-scale next generation sequencing labs.

The UMCCR also has a valued partnership with global genomic sequencing company, Illumina, and this has led to a flagship initiative called ‘The Advanced Genomics Collaboration’. The initiative supports multi-disciplinary collaborations that use genomics to create world-leading, commercially successful biomedical projects and businesses that make healthcare more effective, efficient and affordable.

Research focus

Causation, prevention, early detection and precision screening
Detection and diagnostics
Treatment and optimal therapy selection
Defining familial predisposition
Combatting recurrence
Survivorship, primary care, palliative care
Health data and policy

Key partners and collaborators

Illumina
VCCC Alliance (10 partners)
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Royal Melbourne Hospital
St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne
WEHI
MCRI
Doherty Institute of Immunity and Infection
Victorian Clinical Genomics Service
Florey Institute
Australian Cancer Research Foundation
Australian Genomics Health Alliance
Australian Pancreatic Cancer Genome Initiative
Pancreatic Cancer Foundation
Cancer Council Victoria
Cancer Council Australia
Melbourne Genomics Health Alliance
Victorian Cancer Agency
Primary Care Collaborative

Learn more: https://mdhs.unimelb.edu.au/centre-for-cancer-research

UoM @ Austin Hospital

145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg VIC 3084 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Metropolitan Melbourne
Mental health and neuroscience
Cancer sciences
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Overview

The University has a well-established presence at the Austin Hospital, Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital and the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre. This on-site presence fosters opportunities for lab-based or clinical research and direct involvement in patient care, and this leads to effective translational research outcomes.

Austin Clinical School is the result of a strong partnership between the University of Melbourne and Austin Health. Based at the Austin Hospital in Heidelberg, the School supports integrated, interdisciplinary learning for medical students.

A number of University departments and research groups are also embedded at the Austin Campus.

The Department of Medicine has laboratories at the Austin Hospital and Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital. Research at the Austin incorporates biomedical research on cancer, cardiovascular disease, endocrinology, genetics, neurosciences and pharmacology.

The Department of Psychiatry leads the academic activity of the Mental Health Clinical Service Unit at Austin Health. The research focus is on somatoform disorders, psychopharmacology and perinatal psychiatry.

The Department of Surgery embraces basic science research, translational research and clinical research in liver and pancreatic malignancies and liver regeneration and transplantation.

Research focus

Cancer biology
Spinal biology
Diabetes and obesity
Cardiovascular disease
Endocrinology
Epilepsy
Hepatology
Gastroenterology
Neurophysiology
Trans health

Key partners and collaborators

Austin Health
Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health
Melbourne Brain Centre

Learn more: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/study/current-student-resources/md-students-resources/clinical-schools/clinical-schools-zones/metropolitan/austin-clinical-school

UoM @ Epworth HealthCare

185-187 Hoddle St, Richmond VIC 3121 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Metropolitan Melbourne
Mental health and neuroscience
Clinical sciences

Overview

The University of Melbourne’s Department of Surgery has established a strong presence at Epworth HealthCare in Richmond.

This presence and partnership create a steady stream of collaborative clinical research and opportunities for staff and students to participate in clinically focused, multidisciplinary research across diverse areas.

The principal research interests of the Department of Surgery at Epworth HealthCare focus on musculoskeletal disease. This incorporates three broad areas: inflammatory mechanisms of knee osteoarthritis, the biomechanics of healthy and replaced knee joints, and health services and patient outcomes.

The Epworth Musculoskeletal Research Centre provides University researchers with access to on-site laboratories. This enables synovial, bone and articular cartilage tissue collection that supports ongoing study in osteoarthritis research, prostate cancer linkage and articular cartilage biomechanical models.

Research focus

Musculoskeletal disease
Knee replacement surgery
Health services research

Key partners and collaborators

Epworth HealthCare
ARC Training Centre for Medical Implant Technologies

Learn more: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/study/current-student-resources/md-students-resources/clinical-schools/clinical-schools-zones/metropolitan/epworth-clinical-school

UoM @ Northern Health, Northern Hospital

185 Cooper St Epping, Vic 3076 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Metropolitan Melbourne
Maternal and child health
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Overview

The University is integrated in the Northern Health network of hospitals and centres. The close proximity to these health facilities creates an ideal environment in which to deliver excellence in teaching. It also allows for the translation of research outcomes into real improvements in clinical practice.

The Northern Clinical School illustrates the University’s presence at Northern Health. It supports students to complete clinical placements at Northern Hospital Epping, Broadmeadows Hospital, Bundoora Centre and Craigieburn Centre. The School is a supportive and cooperative setting that promotes integrated, interdisciplinary learning.

A number of the University’s skilled researchers are based at the Northern Centre for Health Education Research. These include researchers from the Department of Surgery who are strongly focused on translational research in orthopaedic surgery, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology researchers investigating reproductive health and perinatal genomics.

Research focus

Surgery
Reproductive health
Perinatal health

Key partners and collaborators

Northern Health

Learn more: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/study/current-student-resources/md-students-resources/clinical-schools/clinical-schools-zones/metropolitan/northern-clinical-school

UoM @ Royal Melbourne Hospital, City Campus

300 Grattan St, Parkville VIC 3050 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Infectious diseases and immunology
Mental health and neuroscience
Cancer sciences
Healthy ageing
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Overview

The University of Melbourne is embedded within the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) and the two organisations cooperate on lab-based and clinical research and patient care. This creates highly productive translational research outcomes and the University’s presence at RMH allows those outcomes to result in better clinical practice.

The RMH Clinical School allows University students to complete clinical placements at RMH and University departments and research groups are also integrated within RMH.

The Department of Medicine is embedded within RMH, the Melbourne Brain Centre, the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity and the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre. Key research areas span arthritis and inflammation, endocrinology, epilepsy, stroke and gastrointestinal health.

The Department of Surgery is involved in clinical research in oncology, cardiovascular health, anaesthesia, clinical ultrasound, urology, general surgery, trauma and neurosurgery. Basic science laboratories are focused on cancer and genetic research and the Department has an extensive online learning platform. The Ultrasound Education Group (UEG) is one of the world’s largest providers of clinical ultrasound training.

The Department of Radiology includes the Brain Imaging Laboratory that analyses imaging data. Special areas of expertise include neuro-interventional radiology, vascular and non-vascular intervention, hepatobiliary imaging and intervention, oncological diagnosis, trauma radiology, breast imaging, musculoskeletal imaging and general and vascular ultrasounds.

The Department of Psychiatry has a number of specialist clinical research groups at RMH, including the Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre. Research is focused on improving understanding and treatment of mental health disorders and includes psychiatric research, neuroimaging, psychosocial research, ethics and mental health service delivery.

Research focus

Infectious diseases
Digital health
Neurology and stroke
Neuropsychiatry and mental health
Clinical haematology and bone marrow transplant

Key partners and collaborators

Royal Melbourne Hospital
Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Learn more: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/study/current-student-resources/md-students-resources/clinical-schools/clinical-schools-zones/metropolitan/royal-melbourne-clinical-school

UoM @ Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Park Campus

34-54 Poplar Rd, Parkville VIC 3052 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Infectious diseases and immunology
Mental health and neuroscience
Cancer sciences
Healthy ageing
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Overview

The RMH Clinical School allows University students to complete clinical placements at RMH and University departments and research groups are also integrated within RMH.

Research focus

Infectious diseases
Digital health
Neurology and stroke
Neuropsychiatry and mental health
Clinical haematology and bone marrow transplant

Key partners and collaborators

Royal Melbourne Hospital
Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Learn more: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/study/current-student-resources/md-students-resources/clinical-schools/clinical-schools-zones/metropolitan/royal-melbourne-clinical-school

UoM @ Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital

32 Gisbourne St, East Melbourne, 3002 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Medtech and digital health
Clinical sciences

Overview

The University of Melbourne’s Department of Surgery has units in Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology that are co-located at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.

This direct interface between lab-based or clinical research and direct patient care fosters highly productive translational research outcomes.

Research within the Otolaryngology unit is focused on understanding the biological response of the inner ear to surgery and other types of stress. It applies drug delivery, gene therapy and regenerative strategies to protect or restore hearing and vestibular function. The unit also operates an otolaryngology histology service at the hospital.

Ophthalmology unit research is conducted in partnership with the Centre for Eye Research Australia which is located at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. The research is recognised for its clinical translational focus and aims to find solutions for blinding eye diseases and to pioneer vision regeneration programs to give hope to Australians who have lost their sight.

Research focus

Inner ear function
Cochlear implantation
Drug delivery to the ear
Hearing neurosciences
Indigenous ear health
Surgical simulation
Neuro-regeneration
Ocular genetics
Clinical trials

Key partners and collaborators

Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
Centre for Eye Research Australia
Hearing CRC
Bionics Institute

Learn more: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/school-structure/surgery/about-us/department-precincts/otolaryngology

UoM @ St Vincent's Hospital

41 Victoria Parade, FItzroy VIC 3065 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Mental health and neuroscience
Medtech and digital health
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Overview

The University has a strong presence at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne. This on-the-ground presence creates opportunities for lab-based or clinical research and direct involvement in patient care, leading to more effective translational research outcomes.

An example of the University’s presence is St Vincent’s Clinical School that allows students to undertake clinical placements at St Vincent’s Public, St Vincent’s Private, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and St George’s Hospital. The Clinical School supports integrated and interdisciplinary learning.

A number of University departments and research groups are also present at the St Vincent’s Campus.

The Department of Medicine is firmly focused on diabetes, kidney disorders, vascular disease, clinical neurosciences including epilepsy, innate immunity and infectious diseases.

The Department of Surgery has a strong research focus on cancer, musculoskeletal disorders, the repair of bone and joint defects using tissue engineering and regenerative technology.

Research focus

Diabetes and its complications
Kidney disorders
Vascular disease
Nutritional intervention
Inflammation and thrombosis
Clinical neurosciences including epilepsy
Innate immunity and infectious diseases
Gastrointestinal disorders
Advanced limb reconstruction
Total joint replacement

Key partners and collaborators

St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne
Bionics Institute
St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research
Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery
Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Learn more: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/study/current-student-resources/md-students-resources/clinical-schools/clinical-schools-zones/metropolitan/st-vincents-clinical-school

UoM @ Western Health, Footscray Hospital

60 Gordon St, Footscray VIC 3011 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Metropolitan Melbourne
Healthy ageing
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Overview

The University of Melbourne is strongly represented in Western Health. This supports lab-based or clinical research and puts the University in an ideal position to translate the outcomes of its research into improvements in clinical practice and patient care.

The University has established the Western Clinical School of Medicine and Allied Health where students undertake clinical placements at Western Health.

The Clinical School is part of the Western Centre for Health Research and Education (WCHRE) at Sunshine Hospital that houses University researchers, academics and educators. It is a cooperative environment that supports integrated, interdisciplinary learning.

Some University departments are embedded at Western Health including the Department of Surgery and the Department of Medicine.

The Department of Surgery is located across Footscray Hospital, which has a significant clinical load, and Sunshine Hospital. At Sunshine Hospital, the Department is within the WCHRE and has purpose-built, state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities.

The Department of Medicine conducts high-quality research into acute and chronic diseases common in Melbourne’s western suburbs. The multidisciplinary team has extensive experience in designing and conducting large-scale, clinical randomised controlled trials and public health and translational research.

Research focus

Colorectal surgery
Metabolic bone diseases
Osteoporosis prevention
Endocrinology and diabetes
Gastroenterology
General internal medicine
Emergency medicine

Key partners and collaborators

Western Health

Learn more: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/study/current-student-resources/md-students-resources/clinical-schools/clinical-schools-zones/metropolitan/western-clinical-school

UoM @ Western Health, Sunshine Hospital

176 Furlong Rd, St Albans VIC 3021 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Metropolitan Melbourne
Healthy ageing
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Overview

The University has established the Western Clinical School of Medicine and Allied Health where students undertake clinical placements at Western Health.

Some University departments are embedded at Western Health including the Department of Surgery and the Department of Medicine.

Research focus

Colorectal surgery
Metabolic bone diseases
Osteoporosis prevention
Endocrinology and diabetes
Gastroenterology
General internal medicine
Emergency medicine

Key partners and collaborators

Western Health

Learn more: https://medicine.unimelb.edu.au/study/current-student-resources/md-students-resources/clinical-schools/clinical-schools-zones/metropolitan/western-clinical-school

Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance

305 Grattan St, Melbourne VIC 3000 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
Metropolitan Melbourne
Cancer sciences
Molecular science and biotech
Public health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

The rising number of cancer cases worldwide is threatening to create a shortfall of skilled practitioners in the oncology workforce. The suite of Cancer Sciences courses are Australia’s first cancer-specific, multidisciplinary and completely online programs and they have been developed to help tackle this shortfall.

The programs were designed by the University of Melbourne and the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance (VCCC Alliance). More than 200 subject coordinators, tutors and mentors have contributed to the leading-edge curriculum that equips graduates to produce high-quality research and deliver best practice cancer care.

The inaugural classes graduated in December 2020 and since then the programs have attracted graduates from many disciplines, including oncology, nursing, neurosurgery, pharmacy and dentistry.

Partnership strengths

The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance (VCCC Alliance) is a joint venture between 10 academic, clinical and medical research institutes, including the University of Melbourne. It delivers a highly integrated, world-leading program of cancer research, education and clinical care across every corner of Victoria, with benefits extending beyond state borders.

VCCC Alliance members drive discovery research, implement evidence and value-based care into routine practice, and build the cancer workforce. For example, the VCCC Alliance has increased participation in clinical trials and established a collaborative program in the Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy with the University and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, home to the VCCC Alliance team, is located in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct which is Australia’s first purpose-built comprehensive cancer centre.

Research focus

Immunotherapy
Precision oncology
Precision prevention and tailored screening
Understanding response and resistance to targeted therapies
Nurse-led research

What we do together

Research collaboration
Education and professional development
Clinical trials
Research infrastructure and platforms
Academic chair appointments

Learn more: https://vcccalliance.org.au/

WEHI, Biotechnology Centre

4 Research Avenue, La Trobe R&D Park, Bundoora VIC 3086 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Metropolitan Melbourne
Infectious diseases and immunology
Cancer sciences
Molecular science and biotech
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Nearly 1,000 women in Australia die from ovarian cancer each year. It is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related death in Australian women and, during the past 30 years, survival rates have shown little signs of improvement.

WEHI researchers, in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, have made a discovery that could help more Australian women with ovarian cancer be able to access game-changing cancer treatments, called PARP inhibitors.

The researchers found that tumours from some ovarian cancer patients showed changes that silenced a gene involved in DNA repair, making tumours sensitive to PARP inhibitors.

This discovery can identify women most likely to benefit from PARP inhibitors trials and who should be closely monitored for any changes that affect gene silencing and so could make their cancers resistant to therapy.

Partnership strengths

WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research) was established in 1915 and is the oldest medical research institute in Australia. WEHI is closely affiliated with the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences through the Department of Medical Biology.

Collaborations between WEHI and the University span basic science, translation and clinical outcomes and cover the prevention and treatment of diseases including breast, ovarian and blood cancers, Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac disease and malaria.

WEHI, the University and CSL are also creating an incubator and commercial wet lab space to support and grow early-stage Australian biotech companies.

Research focus

Cancer research and treatments
Infection, inflammation and immunity
Healthy development and ageing
New medicines and advanced technologies
Computational biology

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Research infrastructure and platforms

Learn more: https://www.wehi.edu.au/

WEHI, Main Campus

1G Royal Parade, Parkville VIC 3052 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Research Institutes, Centres and Networks
Metropolitan Melbourne
Infectious diseases and immunology
Cancer sciences
Molecular science and biotech
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

The researchers found that tumours from some ovarian cancer patients showed changes that silenced a gene involved in DNA repair, making tumours sensitive to PARP inhibitors.

Partnership strengths

WEHI, the University and CSL are also creating an incubator and commercial wet lab space to support and grow early-stage Australian biotech companies.

Research focus

Cancer research and treatments
Infection, inflammation and immunity
Healthy development and ageing
New medicines and advanced technologies
Computational biology

What we do together

Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Research infrastructure and platforms

Learn more: https://www.wehi.edu.au/

Western Health, Footscray Hospital

160 Gordon St, Footscray 3011 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Health service
Metropolitan Melbourne
Healthy ageing
Molecular science and biotech
Public health
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

More than 11 million Australians have at least one major chronic disease – accounting for more than 1 in 3 potentially preventable hospital admissions and costing the health system between $322 million and $2 billion a year, according to the Grattan Institute.

Future Health Today is a proactive digital health intervention that uses health record data to automate the detection of chronic disease and chronic disease risk and potentially increase early intervention and better health outcomes.

The project has been developed by the University of Melbourne and Western Health with support from participating general practices. Information collected by the general practices has been analysed and used to design the Future Health Today technology and provide new insights into how chronic diseases can be treated better.

Partnership strengths

For many years, Western Health has had a close affiliation with the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Dentistry, Medicine and Health Sciences and the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology.

Western Health partnered with the University and Victoria University to open the Western Centre for Health Research and Education (CHRE) – a shared teaching and research facility with a state-of-the-art simulation centre located at Sunshine Hospital.

Western Health is also a major provider of clinical training for University of Melbourne medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, psychology, audiology, speech pathology and other allied health students, including at Sunshine and Footscray Hospitals.

Research collaborations include the Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science and a number of university departments and research groups are embedded within Western Health to undertake research and research training from bench-to-bedside.

With the University of Melbourne, Western Health has also established the Innovation Acceleration Program to foster entrepreneurship within the healthcare sector. The program tackles the health sector’s compelling problems and unmet needs using world-class research and commercialisation expertise. A success story is the McMonty by medihood, a protective hood that contains droplets from an infectious or potentially infectious patient.

Research focus

Chronic disease
Pregnancy
Midwifery and maternity services
Emergency medicine
Surgery
Metabolic bone diseases
Diabetes

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Co-appointment of clinical-academic positions

Learn more: https://www.westernhealth.org.au/Pages/default.aspx

Western Health, Sunshine Hospital and Joan Kirner Women's and Children's Hospital

176 Furlong Rd, St Albans VIC 3021 (Wurundjeri Country)

Categories:

Health service
Metropolitan Melbourne
Healthy ageing
Molecular science and biotech
Public health
Cardiometabolic health
Clinical sciences

Impact highlight

Partnership strengths

Research focus

Chronic disease
Pregnancy
Midwifery and maternity services
Emergency medicine
Surgery
Metabolic bone diseases
Diabetes

What we do together

Clinical teaching and training
Research collaboration
Research training
Clinical trials
Co-appointment of clinical-academic positions

Learn more: https://www.westernhealth.org.au/Pages/default.aspx