Research Updates

Updates

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  Smaller plants show promise for future food crops

  Researchers have bred smaller soybean plants with the same yield, raising the possibility that smaller crops could grow more food from less land in our changing climate.

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  Redefining Farmland value for climate and food security

  Regenerative agriculture can translate environmental health into economic value and address climate change. But scaling up will require financial innovation.

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  Seeing the invisible vulnerable in our cities

  The Global South’s urban poor are often violently displaced and excluded from the processes and places which determine their lives.

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  RAPID intelligence to analyse large datasets

  The Real-time Analytics Platform for Interactive Data-mining (RAPID) absorbs and analyses exceptionally large datasets, producing high-quality targeted information for researchers from a range of real-time, fast-moving data streams, including social media.

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  Testing whether a Medicare rebate for adolescent health checks would improve outcomes for young people

  Investigation to determine if a specially targeted Medicare rebate would support increased annual health assessments of young people is underway, through the RAd (Rebate for Adolescent health assessment) health trial.

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  Quantum diamond magnetic field sensors for improved situational awareness

  Quantum sensors using deliberately flawed diamonds are useful in navigation, underground and undersea sensing, but also healthcare.

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  Diamonds reveal neural secrets

  A new diamond voltage imaging microscope will give us more insight into the neural micro-circuitry that runs our brains

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  Planning floodproof cities

  Our natural environments must be prioritised and understood when designing infrastructure for modern cities. The 2022 flooding in Seoul is a devastating example.

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  Five priorities for managing nitrogen pollution

  Nitrogen is essential for life on Earth, but excess can damage the environment. Researchers recommend five areas of focus for management: Production, People, Planet, Policy and Partnerships.

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  Using AI to predict hospital costs in real time

  Hospitals only know how much a patient costs once they’ve gone home, making it difficult to plan spending efficiently, but predictive algorithms can estimate costs soon after diagnosis.

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  Smart fertilisers for food security

  Fertilisers that increase nitrogen efficiency are being designed to boost crop productivity while reducing farming costs and environmental impact.

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  Protecting Australia's Citrus Industry

  Researchers have identified an Australian strain of fungus that causes citrus rot, calling for effective controls to protect the citrus industry.

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  A window on memory loss in Alzheimer's

  Using a miniscope to observe the brain in action, researchers find evidence that memory loss in Alzheimer’s may partly be a signalling problem.

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  Predicting the risk of spinal fractures using bioengineering

  Researchers have developed a first-of-its-kind predictive tool for spinal fracture in people who have osteoporosis, including activities and spinal joints that carry higher risk.

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  Australian cities failing on walkability

  The World Heath Organization has set targets to promote physical activity but an international study shows Australian cities are built around cars rather than encouraging walking

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  Melbourne joins new global research centre to investigate using plants for food and medicine in space

  Finding novel ways to provide nutritious food and medicine from plants for the next generation of space explorers is the focus of a newly established ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space (P4S), of which the University of Melbourne is a Member.

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  Designing homes for extreme weather

  The devastating effects of extreme weather mean we must design homes to protect human life and buildings. Failure to do so risks some areas becoming ‘uninsurable’.

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  Lawyers must adapt to the age of digitilisation

  Controversial facial recognition technology highlights the need for in-house lawyers who are trained in the legal risks of emerging technologies.

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  Good diet and regular resistance-based exercise key to retaining muscle strength as we age

  While many people are aware humans typically lose strength and mobility as they age, fewer realise this is not inevitable and can largely be prevented by diet and appropriate exercise.

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  Next generation road barriers to increase safety and decrease waste, using concrete and old tyres

  Australian ingenuity will deliver the next generation of road barriers made with concrete and end-of-life tyres to increase public safety and decrease waste.

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  Lifting standards in Victoria’s building industry

  Victoria’s regulatory system leaves home-buyers vulnerable, but the Government has an opportunity to raise the bar for builders.

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  Australia’s risky food supply chains

  Australia can’t rely on industry and charities to feed people during disasters - government must lead in food security.

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  Helping crops survive heatwaves

  Global warming threatens both the yield and survival of crucial crops. By understanding how extreme heat impacts plant genetics, researchers aim to breed in more resilience.

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  Better bus networks for fairer suburbs can cut emissions

  Zero-emission buses are important but we also need to redesign suburban networks to get people out of their cars.

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  How data can help prevent overdiagnosis

  The increasing use of digital technologies in medical screening may lead to a rise in overdiagnosis that could be prevented by a new focus on patient data

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  Challenging decisions made my algorithm

  If an algorithm makes a decision about you that you think is unfair, a lack of process can make it difficult to challenge, appeal or even contest that decision

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  Explainer: What are non-traditional research outputs, and why do they matter?

  With the Federal Government pausing the next Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) round, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music at the University of Melbourne Professor Marie Sierra writes now is a good time to consider the value, and growing influence, of non-traditional research outputs.

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  Seed fund investment to revolutionise microscopy of 'tiny'

  Tiny Bright Things ­– a Microscopy company transforming the way researchers and manufacturers see and measure tiny objects – has announced it has raised $1.5 million in seed funding to drive their ‘Halo’ microscopy products to market.

• 

  Purifying water with a simple powder

  Researchers have found a material that quickly kills bacteria in drinking water, creating a safe and cheaper alternative to chlorine.

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  A big build or a big bet?

  Melbourne’s Suburban Rail Loop aims to help the city become more equitable – but better integration of land use and transport could deliver more benefits for less money

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  Airwallex partners with University of Melbourne to forge Australia’s future tech leaders

  Global fintech Airwallex has embarked on a pivotal partnership with the University of Melbourne, which will help build the next generation of Australian tech leaders.

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  The cascading crisis of global food supply chains

  The world is experiencing a food crisis linked to war and climate change – but there are some possible solutions to soften the blow

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  Clear skies and longer lives

  Global COVID-19 pandemic restrictions provided a natural experiment in understanding the relationship between transport and air pollution

• 

  The AI pretenders

  As artificial intelligence advances, should we be concerned about robots and virtual bots pretending to be human or human like?

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  Can robots really be companions for older adults?

  Researchers are working to understand whether robots are able to battle social isolation in older adults by initiating conversations, playing games and providing general support.

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  Researchers perishing and publishing: Journal publishing by deceased authors is increasing

  Academic publishing by authors after their death has increased significantly in biomedical fields since 2000. In the absence of current guidelines, the findings highlight the need for an agreed framework to recognise deceased authors.

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  Nine mid-career Melbourne researchers named ‘Future Fellows’

  Nine University of Melbourne mid-career researchers have been awarded Australian Research Council Future Fellowships across areas including engineering, health and social sciences.

• 

  Metro tunnel trial shows sustainable future of heating and cooling

  A world-first trial to capture geothermal energy in the foundations of the Metro Tunnel’s new State Library Station could start a revolution in clean energy to keep buildings warm in winter and cool in summer.

• 

  The emergence of political 'protestware' in the software ecosystem

  In the world of software development, third party software libraries are a common form of code sharing for developers. Most open-source material has been apolitical, but a new form of ‘protest-ware’ is emerging – varying from genuine social protest to deliberate malware.

• 

  Creating an evidence-base for policy response to family violence

  University of Melbourne researchers will partner with community sector organisations to provide evidence intended to inform policy responses to family violence, as part of a new reform agenda commissioned by Family Safety Victoria.

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  Embedding Indigenous ways of knowing into medical education

  Using evidence from research into the ways Indigenous Australians engage with the healthcare system and experience health, a new educational resource has been introduced in the Melbourne Medical School to embed Indigenous ways of knowing into health communication and training of medical students and the medical workforce.

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  Research into practice: Victorian Government Land Use Victoria ‘ePlan’ Partnership

  e-Plan, a partnership between the Centre for Spatial Data Infrastructures and Land Administration, and the Vic government has modernised the Victorian land administration system.

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  Collaboration with Rockwell Automation to help reach industry decarbonisation goals

  An MOU with Rockwell Automation will help Australian industries use digital innovation to reach their decarbonisation goals.

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  Three University of Melbourne projects shortlisted for 2022 Eureka Prizes

  Three University of Melbourne projects have been shortlisted for Australia’s premier science awards – the Australian Museum’s 2022 Eureka Awards.

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  Fourteen years of collaboration on sustainable societies

  The end of the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute (MSSI) research initiative leaves a legacy of collaborative research, outreach and thinking about planetary health, and human and species wellbeing.

• 

  Resurfacing vital Indigenous history through historic film footage

  Academic, advocate, singer and now filmmaker, Tiriki Onus discusses the film made by his grandfather William "Bill" Onus and the new documentary it inspired.

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  Australian Clinical Entrepreneur Program – applications now open

  Applications are now open for the Australian Clinical Entrepreneur Program (AUSCEP).

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  Research snapshot 2021

  The University of Melbourne has published a snapshot of its research achievements during 2021 in its latest Annual Report

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  The University of Melbourne and Osaka University become ‘Global Knowledge Partners’

  June 2022: The University of Melbourne visited Osaka University to sign a Memorandum of Understanding and launch a joint research initiative.

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  EMU robot arms up stroke patients for rehabilitation

  Stroke patients around the world may soon have an effective new rehabilitation resource at their disposal, thanks to University of Melbourne researchers and their collaborators.

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  New cryptocurrency subject and research opportunities launched with industry partner

  The School of Computing and Information Systems has partnered with the Algorand Foundation to develop a first-of-its-kind subject in blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies for Masters’ students.

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  Purifying water with pencils - making catalysis simple

  Researchers are looking at ways to make water purification simple by developing pencils that can draw cleansing catalysts on any surface – and can be transported to where they are needed safely, cheaply and easily.

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  Methane gas capture engineers share commercialisation tips

  Driven by their passion to help combat climate change, three chemical engineers commercialised their ground-breaking methane capture technology. Read their commercialisation tips, recently shared in Nature.

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  Collaborating with communities

  Researcher profile series: Introducing Dr Anita D’Aprano, a consultant paediatrician and senior research fellow in Indigenous health in the Department of Paediatrics.

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  New report on tackling intimate partner violence to reduce incidence of mental illness

  Health professionals have marginalised the issue of domestic or intimate partner violence (IPV) with many survivors being retraumatised when interacting with mental health services a new report from the Lancet Psychiatry Commission has found.

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  Improving implantable microphones in Cochlear implants – REDI Fellowship for Dr Demi Gao

  Using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the performance of implantable microphones – an integral component of Cochlear implants ­– has won support from the Medical Research Future Fund’s REDI Fellowships initiative.

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  New Clinical Entrepreneurship Program to support skills growth for Australian healthcare professionals

  Entrepreneurship and innovation in the Australian health sector is set for significant expansion, following the announcement of a new Clinical Entrepreneurship program for health professionals.

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  It’s time to rethink residential aged care

  Researchers from the University of Melbourne and MacKillop Institute are calling for a whole of sector rethink about the delivery of residential aged care in Australia, arguing the system should move beyond a ‘nursing’ model to a concept of residential settings as home sanctuaries for residents.

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  Blending architecture and ecology

  Researcher profile series: Introducing Professor Alex Felson from the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning. He is a landscape architect and certified senior ecologist, whose work and research focuses on climate adaptation and resilient cities.

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  New funding for Melbourne, Manchester and Toronto research projects

  April 2022: The Universities of Melbourne, Manchester and Toronto have announced new funding to develop bi and trilateral research projects between the three institutions.

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  Building a sustainable and socially responsible future for the resources sector

  Australia is a key exporter of minerals and metals to the world and the resources sector is a cornerstone of Australia’s economy. The worldwide demand for minerals and metals continues to increase unabated.

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  Bringing quantity surveyors into the 21st century

  Researcher profile series: Introducing Associate Professor Ajibade Aibinu. His research focuses on helping the construction industry use machine learning and artificial intelligence to find efficient solutions to cost blowouts.

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  World's smartest traffic management system launches in Melbourne

  A world-leading traffic management system using the latest technology will reduce traffic jams and improve road safety at one of Melbourne’s busiest traffic hotspots.

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  Transforming the grid for a renewables-based future

  Researchers at the University of Melbourne are part of a world-first project to develop a blueprint for an electricity network that supports local low-carbon technologies.

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  Universities of Melbourne and Hokkaido foster promising new research linkages

  March 2022: The University of Melbourne is building our research relationship with the University of Hokkaido, with a joint conference and the launch of a Research Workshops Fund.

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  Using robots to rehabilitate

  Researcher profile series: Introducing Professor Denny Oetomo, a roboticist and mechanical and mechatronics engineer and co-director of the University’s Human Robotics Laboratory.

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  Australian Academy of Science medal for geotechnical engineer Dr Samintha Perera

  Lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering Dr Samintha Perera has been awarded the Australian Academy of Sciences 2022 Dorothy Hill Medal for early career researchers.

• 

  Accelerating the discovery of novel cancer therapies

  Researchers at the University of Melbourne have partnered with Pfizer to build on crucial research that will likely change the game for cancer immunotherapy.

• 

  No longer science-fiction: new TIGRR hub established to de-extinct thylacine

  The University of Melbourne is establishing a world-class research lab for de-extinction and marsupial conservation science thanks to a $5 million philanthropic gift.

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  Research on the frontlines

  Researcher profile series: Introducing Associate Professor John FitzGerald, an expert in drug and alcohol policy whose research focuses on the cultural significance and lived experience of substance use.

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  Melbourne-Bukalapak partnership to boost Victorian tech innovation and entrepreneurship

  Victoria is set for a boost in technological innovation and entrepreneurship, thanks to a new partnership between the University of Melbourne and Buka Australia – the newly-launched technology hub of Indonesian “unicorn” Bukalapak.

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  New microscopy technique to transform field of structural biology

  A new Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins has been established at the Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute.

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  Versioning history

  Researcher profile series: Introducing Dr Jonathan Kemp from the Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation, who discusses the emerging partnerships between universities and government to conserve our heritage.

• 

  Good health starts with good teeth

  Researcher profile series: Introducing Laureate Professor Eric Reynolds AO, inventor of Recaldent. He shares his experience working with partners to commercialise important oral health research. 

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  Expressing trauma through creative arts – and boxing

  Researcher profile series: Introducing Dr Donna Lyon, a film producer and senior lecturer in producing at VCA Film and Television, who uses boxing and writing to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse. 

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  New mathematics leads to innovative solutions

  Researcher profile series: Introducing Laureate Professor Kate Smith-Miles, from the Faculty of Science. She's an applied mathematician, working with industry partners to solve optimisation problems.

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  A retreat to nature that stimulates new mathematical thinking

  The MATRIX institute is a partnership between the Australian National University, Monash University and the University of Melbourne that provides key infrastructure for facilitating and supporting research in the mathematical sciences.

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  National expansion planned for ‘first of its kind’ photovoltaic upcycling facility

  The University of Melbourne and RMIT University have partnered with the Melbourne-based company OJAS to develop an ‘upcycling’ facility that will convert end-of-life photo-voltaic modules to ‘value-added’ materials.

• 

  Destroying weeds, not the environment

  Researcher profile series: Introducing Associate Professor Graham Brodie, from the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences. He designed an antenna that can effectively channel microwave energy to kill weeds, without the use of chemicals.

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  Synchron: helping people with paralysis regain mobility

  A University-born start-up has developed a world-first device that helps severely paralysed patients operate digital devices with their minds. Securing AU$52 million venture capital funding, it is set to begin clinical trials in the US.

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  Engineering new solutions

  Researcher profile series: Introducing Professor Andrea O’Connor. This top researcher in biomaterials, tissue engineering, antimicrobial materials and medical devices discusses her passion for collaborative research with real-world impact.

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  New Melbourne, Manchester and Toronto alliance for post-COVID university landscape

  November 2021: Student exchanges, joint research and mutual bids to industry and funders, will be part of a new post-COVID alliance between the Universities of Melbourne, Manchester and Toronto.

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  Building our research partnerships with Japan

  November 2021: The University of Melbourne is growing its relationship with Japan, another global leader in research and innovation.

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  New global research alliance between Melbourne and Toronto

  October 2021: A partnership between the University's of Melbourne and Toronto offers new opportunities for collaboration in areas of common scholarly interest.

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  Training in personalised medical devices licensed to Praxis Australia

  A new online training module about PMD development has been licensed to PRAXIS Australia.

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  Can physical activity in older people help prevent dementia? Join a study

  Take part in a University of Melbourne study on the benefits of physical activity and brain health in middle and older aged people.

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  VaxFACTS videos answer your COVID-19 questions

  The expert view, from the best researchers in the world, on the effectiveness of vaccines is irrefutable. Watch!

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  Berlin University Alliance and University of Melbourne offer joint doctoral degrees

  August 2021: An agreement between the Berlin University Alliance and the University of Melbourne will increase PhD opportunities for graduate researchers.

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  Neo-Bionica will make prototype implantable medical devices in Australia

  Neo-Bionica, a joint venture between the University of Melbourne and the Bionics Institute, will manufacture prototype implantable medical devices.

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  Beyond the Bars: 3CR radio broadcasts from Indigenous people in Victorian prisons added to library collections

  Beyond the Bars is a live radio series which airs the songs, poetry, opinions and conversations of Indigenous men and women in Victorian prisons. It has been broadcast by 3CR Community Radio, Melbourne since 2001.

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  Webinar: Climate action through our food – 24 June

  What’s being done across the Australian agriculture industry to respond to climate change and reduce emissions? What’s possible through research and investment? How can we as food consumers help? Register now.

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  National Reconciliation Week

  Learn about research that is preserving Indigenous languages, using theatre to explore Aboriginal justice, and improving rural health. Join events across the University. Find opportunities for Indigenous researchers. View Indigenous collections.

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  What’s the key to healthy ageing? Participate in an online survey

  Take part in the AgeHAPPY survey to help identify factors that promote healthy ageing and brain health throughout life.

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  CERN particle accelerator equipment arrives in Melbourne

  Researchers will use the particle accelerator test system to develop the technology and explore industrial and medical uses.

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  Researchers from many different disciplines launch Melbourne Climate Futures

  Researchers at the University of Melbourne are coming together to launch Melbourne Climate Futures to contribute to greater action on climate change.

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  Reset: Ross Garnaut – conversation series

  To overcome COVID-19, we need new, practical ideas to reset Australia. Learn about some of the possibilities in a series of events featuring economist Professor Ross Garnaut AC, author of the new book, Reset.

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  Designing safe, inclusive workplaces for consumer mental health workers

  A new report from the Melbourne Social Equity Institute recommends changes to the Victorian mental-health system to safely include consumer workers.

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  Illumina partners with University of Melbourne to conduct genomics research

  The Illumina-University of Melbourne Genomics Hub aims to use genomics research to help develop personalised treatments for diseases such as cancer.

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  Australia's new hub for infectious diseases and global health

  The Australian Institutes for Infectious Diseases and Global Health will be established in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct. The $550 million facility will strengthen Australia’s capacity to respond to current and future pandemics such as COVID-19, as well as local and global infectious diseases.

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  Nominations open for Untapped: the Australian Literary Heritage Project

  Nominate eligible books for digitisation, and help the Untapped project make out-of-print Australian books available to new audiences.

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  Dr Anthony Fauci appears on Conversations on COVID-19: The global view

  Dr Anthony Fauci joins Conversations on COVID-19: The global view, a new series exploring the pandemic and its effects.

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  Sudden unexplained death in epilepsy: public lecture on 29 Oct 2020

  Professor Terry O’Brien will describe research and efforts to reduce the risk of sudden unexplained death in people with epilepsy. Register now.

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  Evidence-based lifestyle guides for minimising the impact of multiple sclerosis

  People with multiple sclerosis and the medical community have two evidence-based guides on lifestyle changes that can reduce the impact of the disease.

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  New booklet shares Indigenous knowledge about plants with city dwellers or gardeners

  A new booklet about indigenous plant use aims to share Indigenous knowledge with people living in Victoria.

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  Creativity with constraints: Menzies Oration on 7 Oct 2020

  In a post-COVID world, can creativity and innovation help build a brighter future? Drawing on insights from Australia’s next generation entrepreneurs, Dr Tina Seelig will challenge you to explore creativity in your own life. Register now.

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  Community Fellows Program: Applications now open

  What could you do with research mentoring, funding and facilities? Apply now for the Melbourne Social Equity Institute’s Community Fellows Program.

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  People in share housing are struggling to cope in COVID-19

  New research finds that many people living in share housing in Victoria are facing a precarious future as a result of COVID-19, with reports of job losses and financial stress.

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  Head lice treatment Xeglyze gets US FDA approval

  Xeglyze™, a head lice treatment from Hatchtech based on University of Melbourne research, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

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  Australian Epilepsy Project featured on ABC's 7:30 program

  The Australian Epilepsy Project is competing for Medical Research Future Fund support to improve epilepsy diagnosis throughout Australia.

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  Recommendations for achieving Australia’s emissions targets through strategic use of technologies

  The University has made 12 recommendations in response to the Australian Government’s Technology Investment Roadmap for creating a low-emissions future.

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  OPTIMA: industry-university partnership to build optimisation tools and skills

  OPTIMA, an industry-university partnership, has received $A4.86 million from the ARC to develop optimisation tools and skills.

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  Apromore raises $A6.8 million through Series A investment

  A data-driven approach to analysing and improving business processes based on 10 years of University research has been commercialised as spin-out company Apromore Pty Ltd.

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  New Melbourne-Toronto funding program supports research collaboration

  Research projects ranging from ecology and artwork conservation to energy and immunology will share $A150 000 through the University of Melbourne – University of Toronto Joint Research Program.

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  Running clinical trials during a pandemic: PEBBLES call for participants

  The PEBBLES study is testing a skin cream designed to reduce the chance of babies developing allergies. Researchers need more families to take part.

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  Seer Medical to take home epilepsy testing service global

  An in-home epilepsy diagnostic technology that is helping to reduce diagnosis waiting times, create efficiencies in the health system and make diagnosis accessible to people living in remote and regional areas, is to be launched in the UK and Germany.