International research partnerships

We value our partnerships with universities and research organisations around the world. They increase the quality, output and impact of our research.

Supporting international collaboration is a strategic priority for the University of Melbourne. We work with international organisations whose research interests and values align with our own and who share our commitment to high-quality joint research and research training activities. This drives us both to push boundaries together as we discover new knowledge that benefits society at a global level.

How do research partnerships create impact?

International research partnerships make a difference to the lives of people around the world. They create knowledge that leads to better, healthier and more sustainable societies. Recent partnership discoveries include:

Message from the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Graduate and International Research)

The University of Melbourne partners internationally on research that addresses global challenges. These include social, economic, health, and environmental challenges. Our partnerships enhance our collective research and research training opportunities, and instil a truly global perspective into research. As partners, we benefit from each other’s complementary expertise. This enables us to undertake joint research programs with high impact. Professor Justin Zobel, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Graduate and International Research)
Portrait of a Professor Justin Zobel against a blue background

Why partner with us?

Engage in genuine collaboration

Collaboration between institutions and researchers is fundamental to success. We commit to long-term partnerships that are based on trust, openness and shared goals. And we will work with you to ensure the partnership benefits both parties.

Work with high-quality researchers

The University’s research covers a broad range of research fields. This means that you can access deep expertise across all disciplines. Use our Find an Expert tool to search for the best researcher for your proposed project.

The University of Melbourne attracts top PhD candidates from all over the world. By working with us, you will benefit from high calibre graduate researchers working on joint research projects.

Use our research infrastructure

As a research partner, you’ll have access to our technology and infrastructure, including bespoke platforms. When based in Melbourne, your researchers can work at purpose-built research precincts. These innovation hubs bring together the very best minds, technology and resources. Researchers work side-by-side with industry partners, experts and entrepreneurs to create solutions.

Build on our experience

The University was founded in 1853. Since then, we’ve made a big contribution to life in Australia and globally. We’ve built strong capabilities in research, teaching and community engagement. And we’ve formed close links with other universities and research organisations.

We are proud of our track record for intellectual rigour and robust research methods. We’re a highly ranked University with a strong reputation. And we conduct ourselves with the highest commitment to ethics and integrity.

How can you partner with us?

There are two main ways that your organisation can collaborate.

Seed funding

Support the initial phase of research collaborations between our two institutions. We fund joint projects with the most potential for high-quality research output and real-world impact.

Joint PhD programs (IRTGs)

Develop a unique research training program – an International Research Training Group (IRTG). One that recruits outstanding PhD candidates to both institutions.

IRTGs are organised, cohort-based programs. Graduate researchers enrol at both the University of Melbourne and the partner university. They are supervised by academics from Melbourne as well as your institution. Joint PhD candidates will spend at least 12 months at each institution.

We establish joint PhD programs, or IRTGs, in one of two ways:

  • Researchers from each institution have an existing relationship and shared research objectives. Together they want to grow their collaboration and apply to the IRTG scheme.
  • Your institution wants to support broad collaboration with the University of Melbourne.  Your institution approaches us and then we negotiate a competitive call for joint research proposals.

IRTGs generate joint projects, research collaboration and co-authored publications. These outcomes help PhD candidates to establish international connections and strengthen research profiles. Learn more about the fully funded joint PhD opportunities currently available to candidates at our IRTGs.

International Research Training Groups (IRTGs)

Support your research projects

Regardless of which organisation you’re from, there are avenues for you to fund your collaborative research with our researchers. We can help identify potential funding opportunities to support international research collaborations. This includes funding opportunities within Australia and internationally.