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News, research and experts from the University of Melbourne
Research Updates
Updates from the University of Melbourne and its collaborators.
World's smartest traffic management system launches in Melbourne
Traffic engineers from the University of Melbourne have joined with Austrian tech firm Kapsch TrafficCom and the Victorian Department of Transport to introduce a world-leading traffic management system using the latest technology to reduce traffic jams and improve road safety at one of Melbourne’s busiest traffic hotspots.
Updates
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Message from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
The University of Melbourne carries out research to enrich our understanding of the world. To grow the store of human knowledge. And to address major social, economic, health and environmental challenges. We instil this spirit of discovery in future generations of researchers. And we ensure that all our graduates have essential research skills.
The University is one of the largest and most productive research organisations in Australia. In 2018, we invested more than $A1.2 billion in research. We have thousands of research projects underway at any one time.
I am immensely proud of this University and its research workforce. Our researchers create, curate and critique the knowledge that helps society thrive. They are at the forefront of fields as diverse as Indigenous knowledge, human rights law, quantum computing, vaccine development, and fine arts and music. They work together to respond to the world’s biggest challenges. And to enlarge the knowledge and understanding of what it means to be human.
The research we conduct on behalf of society is enriched through collaborations with industry, government and the community. And by working together with other universities in Australia and around the world. Indeed, we benefit in many ways from our rich global networks and a thriving international student community.
I invite you to explore how the University of Melbourne is discovering, creating and sharing knowledge through research.
Professor James McCluskey
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