Research initiatives

We aim to challenge current thinking and translate our knowledge through unexpected connections

Our University is a place where students and academics come to do the highest quality research to address some of the world’s most difficult questions and pressing challenges. Through collaboration, our researchers work together at the intersection of expertise and imagination to drive problem-solving. It’s here that researchers, industry, community and government translate discovery into advances in sustainability, global resilience and health, alongside economic and social empowerment.

Some of our researchers come together in interdisciplinary clusters and programs of work. Keep reading to explore our Hallmark Research Initiatives, Melbourne Interdisciplinary Research Institutes, International Collaborative Research Academies, themed research groups and research precincts.

Interdisciplinary research programs

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International Collaborative Research Academies

ICRAs bring our academics together with international peers to support cohorts of joint PhD candidates. Unique, formalised programs, they provide collegiate research training environments that facilitate collaboration projects and increase the quality, output and impact of our research.

Discover International Collaborative Research Academies

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Hallmark Research Initiatives

From challenging racism to exploring the connection between creativity and wellbeing, Hallmark research is future-focused  bringing together inspirational thinking across a spectrum of themes to re-imagine life and society.

Explore Hallmark Research Initiatives

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Melbourne Interdisciplinary Research Institutes

To address the challenges of our times, our people rally around meaningful issues. We work with industry, governments and not-for-profit organisations globally to bring expertise and creativity together to investigate, invent, and solve.

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Themes in research innovation

Environmental Research Hub and Melbourne Climate Futures

Global warming and climate change is a crisis that needs our full attention. It’s an urgent challenge that affects all of us and is dependent on expert knowledge and leadership. Melbourne Climate Futures brings together science, medicine, wellbeing, law and creativity to conceive a better climate future for our planet. Read stories about our climate action on Environmental Research Hub.

Visit Environmental Research Hub

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Digital health capability and innovation

From mental health digital solutions to clinical decision support across primary and specialty care, our researchers are driving the future of digital health innovation. Partner with us to help shape tomorrow's healthcare technology landscape and improve patient outcomes worldwide.

Explore digital health innovation

Food research capabilities

The University of Melbourne’s food sector research is exploring new approaches to sustainable manufacturing, nutrition and food enjoyment. Through partnerships with like-minded organisations, we're investigating how food is produced and how we experience it. We’re working toward solutions that benefit industry, people and the planet.

Explore our food research capabilities

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National security and defence capabilities

The University of Melbourne supports Australia's commitment to a whole-of-nation effort to increase its sovereign defence capabilities through research in the national interest. We share our expertise across disciplines and prepare our graduates with advanced technical and professional skills. Our research capabilities range from law and ethics to automation and computation.

Explore our defence and national security capabilities

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