Research snapshot 2021

The University of Melbourne has published a snapshot of its research achievements during 2021 – an especially challenging time for everyone with COVID in its second year, and recurring, long lockdowns in Victoria.

Through it all, the University has sustained its commitment to the pursuit of research excellence and impact and to being a place where students and academics come to undertake the highest-quality research to address the difficult questions and crises facing the world.

The snapshot is published as part of the University’s Annual Report 2021 which was released during June 2022.

Explore the Annual Report

The University facilitates breakthrough research in a highly collaborative environment, with a focus on driving impact through collaboration, and cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary research.

Also of importance is strengthening opportunities for academics to translate their research and providing them with the support they need to bring their discoveries to fruition for public benefit. This includes contributing to public debate, informing and improving economic, social and public policy, and commercialising research.

2021 Highlights

• The University’s research excellence continued to be recognised and supported by the Australian Research Council, National Health and Medical Research Council, and other funding programs such as the Medical Research Future Fund.
• University academics continued to make significant contributions to the Academy and society, publishing their research and scholarship locally and internationally across the full range of disciplines, including with Cambridge University Press and other world-leading imprints.
• The University expanded its support for early-stage Australian start-ups, including working in partnership with CSL and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) and with State Government funding to establish a biotech incubator within the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct.
• The University’s commitment to translating research for the public good was exemplified by the opening of Neo-Bionica, the first facility in Australia with the capability and capacity to create medical devices for clinical trials, resulting in improved patient outcomes.
• The University continued to nurture early and mid-career researchers, establishing the Researcher Development Unit (RDU) to support coordination, delivery and evaluation of programs across all career stages and levels, including early career.