Science
Explore the University’s science research opportunities, including biology, chemistry, earth and environmental sciences, geography, maths and physics.
IT and Computer Science
5 minute read
Join a community of researchers who are dedicated to creating a better world through information technology.
As a graduate researcher, you will study in a multidisciplinary research environment, where important discoveries are being made, and where research outcomes have real-world impact.
You will work alongside and be supervised by researchers who are world leaders in information technology (IT) and computer science.
You will contribute technological solutions to some of the key challenges of the 21st century. In doing so, you will have the potential to improve the lives of many people.
Learn how we’re making a difference
We are designing intelligent agents whose decisions can be easily understood by humans, as part of a project that is examining the problem of “Explainable AI”.
Our distributed computing research group is pushing the boundaries of how we can extract more performance and computer-power from large-scale networks of computing devices. These include fog, edge, cloud and grid computing issues.
We are examining how to keep your data private and safe by developing effective protections against malicious attack and intrusion.
We are working with health researchers to examine how new technologies can deliver better outcomes for patients in a range of health domains, from youth mental health to aged care. Our Smart Hospital Living Lab is developing technology to improve how hospitals run.
Working with Melbourne Zoo, we have created a motion-based video game to provide cognitive enrichment for the orang-utans.
This is just a snapshot of research in IT and computer science. We’re continuing to push the boundaries of technological inquiry, on a global scale. And to tackle great challenges in a collaborative environment.
Explore our research themes
We aim to create a better world by devising solutions to significant societal problems. Research focuses on several key themes within the following core disciplines.
Biomedical engineering
Research covers medical technologies, health informatics and healthcare delivery. We create innovative medical solutions that benefit society and the economy. Research themes include:
- Biomaterials and tissue engineering
- Biomechanics and mechanobiology
- Bionics, biomedical imaging and neuroengineering
- Systems and synthetic biology
For information on current projects, visit research projects.
Chemical engineering
As chemical engineering researchers, we use our knowledge of chemistry, biology, computation and engineering to solve problems. Research covers the following themes:
- Bioprocessing and food engineering
- Materials design and multiscale modelling
- Nano-medicine and biotechnology
- Sustainable technologies, processing and remediation
For information on current projects, visit research projects.
Computing and information systems
Research groups include:
Research centres and themes include:
- Academic Centre of Cyber Security Excellence
- ARC Training Centre in Cognitive Computing for Medical Technologies
- Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Ethics
- Centre for Digital Transformation of Health
- Digital Health
- Melbourne Centre for Data Science
For information on current projects, visit research projects.
Electrical and electronic engineering
Through electrical and electronic engineering research, we solve significant challenges across many areas within society.
Research takes place across the following specialised research areas:
- Communication and networks
- Control and signal processing
- Electronic and photonic systems
- Power and energy systems
For information on current projects, visit research projects.
Mechanical engineering
In mechanical engineering research, we create machines to solve complex problems and work across the following themes:
For information on current projects, visit research projects.
Work with experts from other disciplines
Hallmark Research Initiatives
These initiatives support priority areas of research. In some cases, they run for three years. In other cases, they become a permanent Melbourne Interdisciplinary Research Institute.
Right now, IT and computer science researchers are working within Creativity and Wellbeing. This initiative investigates the impact of creativity on wellbeing across the lifespan.
Previous Hallmark Research Initiatives involving IT and computer science include:
Ageing – brought together researchers working in creative ageing solutions across disciplines, including technology and ageing.
Computational Biology – established to strengthen collaborations between the faculties of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.
Materials – an initiative created to support and develop interdisciplinary research in scaleable nano to meso-materials across three research themes: Materials into Medicine, Materials for Energy, and Controlled Assembly of Materials.
Melbourne Interdisciplinary Research Institutes
The Melbourne Interdisciplinary Research Institutes strengthen and spark interdisciplinary research at the University. They involve industry, government and communities in areas of importance to society.
Previous IT and computer science related institutes include:
The Networked Society – created to realise the opportunities of a society connected through digital, networking and automated technologies.
Materials – created to enable researchers and industry to work with leading researchers at the University of Melbourne on innovative solutions in the materials science domain.
The Melbourne Neuroscience Institute – this institute contributed to the translation of neuroscience research into clinical outcomes for institutional, hospital and commercial partners.
Interdisciplinary PhD Programs
PhD Programs enrich your core PhD studies. They create the opportunity to extend your networks beyond your own faculty. You will attend seminars and workshops with researchers from other relevant disciplines.
As an IT and computer science PhD candidate, you could explore the Biomedical Engineering Innovation PhD Program.
Other interdisciplinary opportunities
Interdisciplinary PhD opportunities are also available in digital ethics and cognitive computing for medical technologies.
Join a stimulating research community
Melbourne Connect
There will be a new and exciting innovation centre in the heart of Melbourne: Melbourne Connect. It will be situated within walking distance of our Parkville campus.
It will place researchers, industry groups and other great thinkers in one place. This will encourage collaborative innovation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Melbourne Connect will include a variety of workspaces and labs including the ‘Superfloor’ – a place to connect, learn and share.
It will also house the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre and Science Gallery Melbourne. The gallery is a living laboratory that shows how art and science collide. As a researcher, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with artists and curators. Together, you could create an interactive exhibit to explain your research to the public.
Next steps
- Search for a supervisor in your field of research.
- Learn more about completing a Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering and IT.
- Learn more about completing a Master of Philosophy - Engineering and IT.
- Find out more about international applications or domestic applications.
- Explore the School of Computing and Information Systems website to learn more about engineering research.
- Read about the latest research findings in IT and computer science.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our graduate researchers have temporarily transitioned to a ‘virtual campus’. We are still accepting enquiries and applications for graduate research in 2021. The University is planning a gradual, phased and safe return to our physical campus, in line with government guidelines.
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Biomedical Engineering Innovation
Learn more about the University of Melbourne’s Biomedical Engineering Innovation PhD Program.
Melbourne Connect
Melbourne Connect is powered by the University of Melbourne. An industry precinct where the brightest minds collaborate to speed up innovation.