Melbourne Interdisciplinary Research Institutes
Working with global industry, government and not-for profits, the institutes challenge current thinking and offer new solutions to change our world.
Research at Melbourne
Understanding who we are. Creating a different future.
Knowledge, discovery and impact
From Indigenous knowledge to artificial intelligence, from climate change to cultural preservation. Research at the University of Melbourne is adding to human knowledge and understanding so that society can thrive. It is also translating discovery into meaningful, practical impact to benefit all of us.
We value research as a fundamental form of learning. Empowered by a sense of place, and the people we work with. Success requires collaboration, not just between scholars, but with community, industry and government.
Explore the precincts, people, platforms and multidisciplinary research bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise – and pushing forward the boundaries of knowledge.
Research spotlight: William Blake
An examination of William Blake’s poetry, paintings and prose, alongside items such as his letters and notebooks, gives new insight into his views on sexuality, creativity and social justice.
In contrast to many studies of the work of Blake, Professor Peter Otto focuses on the importance of Blake’s progressive ideas, giving us insight into what it is to be human in the modern world.
Multidisciplinary research
To solve humanity’s biggest challenges, research must embrace the unexpected through multidisciplinary collaboration.
It is here that researchers, industry, community and government can translate knowledge and discovery into advances in sustainability, global resilience, health, and economic and social empowerment.
Explore Hallmark and Interdisciplinary Research Initiatives, and research networks.
Just some of the places where vital research is happening every day.
Hallmark Research Initiatives
The Initiatives address significant local and global challenge that cannot be solved by one discipline alone.
Melbourne Energy Institute
MEInetwork is a unique program that gives participants a comprehensive view of the energy sector as it faces the challenges of reliability, affordability, and reducing emissions as new generating and digital service delivery technologies emerge.
BioInspiration
The Bioinspiration HRI works with institutes and industry partners to find bioinspired solutions to technological and design challenges.
Discovery & Impact
Using design to build resilience in bushfire-prone areas
Researchers have developed nine principles to help urban planners, emergency services and communities work together to reduce fire risk.
Preparing for and managing pandemics using mathematical modelling
A mathematical model is helping countries prepare for and manage infectious disease pandemics.
Gig economy requires a rethink of equality law
As the gig economy grows, research questions the relevance of current equality laws and calls for new ways to protect workers from discrimination.
Hallmark Research Initiatives
Today’s biggest challenges can’t be solved by one research discipline alone. This is why our Hallmark Research Initiatives exist. They bring together researchers from across the University to work on some of the most pressing local and global problems, including:
- affordable housing for Australian communities
- environmental sustainability in the building industry
- sustainable food creation for a growing population
Importantly, the initiatives connect researchers with industry, government and not-for profit organisations in Australia and internationally. In turn, they challenge current thinking and offer new solutions to change our world.
Explore our Hallmark Research Initiatives to learn more and to connect with an individual initiative.
Creativity and Wellbeing
The Creativity and Wellbeing Hallmark Research Initiative is uncovering ways that creativity can help people live happier and healthier lives.
Future Food
The Future Food initiative nurtures interdisciplinary research in the area of sustainable and healthy protein production.
BioInspiration
The Bioinspiration HRI works with institutes and industry partners to find bioinspired solutions to technological and design challenges.
Affordable Housing
The Affordable Housing initiative is working across disciplines to create new insights into the supply of affordable housing
Find an expert
Do you need an expert to help solve a challenge for your business or organisation, collaborate on research or give insight to a current issue? Use the University's Find an Expert tool to search for the best researcher for the job.
