Making an impact
Research can lead to real benefits for the economy, the environment, animal and human wellbeing, and health. It may help to address humanity’s biggest challenges, such as social inequity and climate heating. Or it may solve a problem for a local community. Here is some of the impact arising from research by the University of Melbourne and its collaborators.
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Reducing restrictive practices for people with complex disabilities
Evidence-based education programs are restoring human rights for people with complex disabilities
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Fighting domestic abuse through legislative and judicial reform
Research to improve the legal system’s response to family violence has prompted a change in legislation across Australia
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Transforming music education using online delivery
A new framework is giving music teachers the tools and strategies needed to enhance student outcomes by harnessing technology
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Video calling tool ‘Dossy’ builds connections for older people
An innovative digital tool called Dossy is set to help connect isolated older people with their family and friends, thanks to a university-industry collaboration.
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Assessing the environmental impact of construction projects
Online databases Rephrame and EPiC enable industry stakeholders to make better-informed decisions about building materials
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Improving the eyecare experience for people living with dementia
Researchers have developed resources for clinicians and patients to support people living with dementia to see as well as possible for as long as possible
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Tools to improve learning for students with additional needs or disabilities
The SWANs assessment and teaching tools are improving education for children and young people with disabilities or additional learning needs.
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Reducing pain caused by knee osteoarthritis through diet and exercise
Researchers have developed a diet and exercise intervention for those living with knee osteoarthritis that is helping to reduce healthcare costs
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Matching South Sulawesi young people’s education with fast growing industry needs
New research from the Partnership for Australia Indonesia Research seeks to align workforce training and skills with local industry needs.
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Reducing energy use with phase-change nano-particles
New inks made of phase-change nano-particles that enable reduction of energy consumption have been developed, with various applications including in cooling and heating.
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‘MIST’ demonstrates a context-aware outdoor urban cooling system
An innovative and adaptive misting solution to outdoor cooling harnesses the interplay of technology and design.
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Supporting the successful eradication of foxes on Phillip Island
Modelling from the University of Melbourne helped Phillip Island Nature Parks decide how and when to scale back its fox eradication activities.
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Improving health and wellbeing through music therapy
Music and singing have the power to change our moods. They can also improve the health and wellbeing of people living with Parkinson’s.
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Lenexa Medical’s new technology to ease pressure for bed-bound patients
A Melbourne-based start-up has developed an innovative product, LenexaCARE, to help prevent pressure injuries by monitoring patient position and posture.
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More Australian students studying abroad would benefit education exports
New research has found that more Australian students studying abroad would complement Australia’s high inbound student flows.
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Designing better learning environments
LEaRN is changing the way schools and learning environments are designed, leading to a new peak body and informing government policy.
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A new technology to improve outcomes for corneal transplant patients
Working with medical specialists, researchers at the University of Melbourne have engineered a solution to simplify corneal endothelium transplants and to improve surgical prospects for patients worldwide.
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Preparing for and managing pandemics using mathematical modelling
A mathematical model is helping countries prepare for and manage infectious disease pandemics.
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Addressing the global challenge to conserve irrigation water
Rubicon Water’s automated irrigation system saves billions of litres of water each year, helping farmers survive drought and increase crop yields.
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Reducing the impact of zoo visitors on little penguins
Melbourne Zoo changed its enclosure for little penguins after studies showed that visitors can have unintended negative effects on the animals.
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A new framework to support inclusion in rural health services
A new framework will help generalist rural health service providers assess their existing practices to help create inclusive cultures that welcome diversity.
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Ethical guidance to help doctors navigate disagreements with parents over their child’s healthcare
Doctors and parents sometimes disagree about the best medical treatment for a child. The Zone of Parental Discretion helps healthcare professionals navigate decision-making with families.
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Reaching stroke patients in time to give life-saving treatment
Stroke patients in the Mobile Stroke Unit are ten times more likely to be treated in the ‘golden hour’ than patients who go to hospital by ambulance.
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What 20 years of data tell us about Australia
The annual HILDA Survey helps improve life in Australia by informing government policy in areas including health, employment and social services.
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Using history and theatre to build a just future
Testimony from an 1881 Parliamentary Inquiry in Victoria, Australia, has sparked public conversations about Indigenous justice and reconciliation.
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Pig vaccine Cysvax prevents a form of epilepsy in humans
Cysvax, a vaccine for pigs, stops the spread of a deadly parasite that is a leading cause of epilepsy in people in the developing world.
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Making work fairer for millions of workers
The International Labour Organization used evidence from Australian labour reform to help improve work conditions in India.
Banner image: “This is my evidence.” Melodie Reynolds plays Caroline Morgan, a witness at the 1881 Parliamentary Inquiry into the Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve. Image: Steven Rhall