News | Research, University of Melbourne

Decarbonising our cities

Cities are a major source of carbon emissions. Our expert panel discussed how we’ll reduce the climate impact of the built environment.

Better safety with infrared thermography training

Dr Bagus Nugroho researches fundamental fluid mechanics and its applications. He is a member of our accredited infrared thermography training team.

Supporting the ethical engagement of victim survivors in co-production of research

The University of Melbourne Safer Families Centre has released a new framework to guide researchers in the ethical engagement of victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence in co-produced research and evaluations.

New partnership to fast-track Australia’s offshore wind and renewable energy future

The University of Melbourne has partnered with Ørsted, the world’s largest offshore wind developer, to bolster Australia’s shift towards renewable energy.

Materials to feed the green energy revolution

Dr Kathryn Mumford leads research which supports the transition to green energy, reduces environmental impact and develops smart mining and processing.

Connected transport systems that work for more than just cars

Dr Neema Nassir leads research projects in collaboration with governments in Australia in public transport, shared mobility and automated transport.

A zero-carbon transport sector needs more than electric vehicles

Understanding how and when owners like to charge their cars is important. Our research examines how to persuade the electricity demand to meet the supply.

Nanosatellites expedite satellite intelligence

The Melbourne Space Laboratory develops solutions and payloads for nanosatellites, enabling applications traditionally restricted to larger satellites.

University of Melbourne signed on as founding partner in Cremorne Digital Hub

University of Melbourne is a founding partner in an innovation incubator to generate new pathways for opportunity and growth in the digital economy.

New advice for health workers responding to family violence

A new evidence brief synthesising global research outlines strategies to improve health practitioners' response to family and domestic violence.

Smart traffic sensors that reduce gridlock – and unlock the economy

Traffic congestion is estimated to cost the economy $20 billion a year. To help solve the problem, the University of Melbourne and Telstra have partnered on research to model the impact of smart traffic lights.

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.

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.

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 raised $1.5 million in seed funding to market ‘Halo’ microscopy products.

How creative collaboration led to a cell therapy that repairs brains

A 10-year collaboration across three Australian universities has resulted in the development of a water-based gel that can repair damaged mouse brains.

A path to greater diversity in management of Indonesian ports workforce

A team of Australian and Indonesian researchers has identified the need for more soft skills and gender diversity in Indonesia’s ports workforce.

Battery recycling makes economic and environmental sense

As demand for lithium batteries skyrockets, our engineers are seeking to close the loop between battery manufacturers and recyclers.

EdFest Expo 2023

EdFest expo is a free one-day event celebrating the edtech sector, hosted at Melbourne Connect on Wednesday 31 May 2023.

From challenges, opportunities flow in the Murray-Darling basin

Irrigation in the Murray-Darling basin has changed rapidly. Our expert panel discussed challenges in river operations and water forecasting opportunities.

Partnering in the fight against disinformation

Experts have joined with leading cybersecurity organisation Leidos to combat the growing issue of disinformation.

Smart fertilisers for food security

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

Overcoming barriers to cell transplantation

Cell transplantation technologies are promising treatments for many conditions. Our expert panel discussed how to overcome the barriers preventing widespread adoption.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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’.

New mathematics leads to innovative solutions

Researcher profile series: Laureate Professor Kate Smith-Miles is an applied mathematician, working with industry partners to solve optimisation problems.

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, not walking.

Good health starts with good teeth

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

Predicting the risk of spinal fractures using bioengineering

Researchers have developed a novel predictive tool for spinal fracture in people who have osteoporosis, including activities and spinal joints that carry higher risk.

A window on memory loss in Alzheimer's Disease

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

Diamonds reveal neural secrets

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

Expressing trauma through creative arts – and boxing

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

Bringing quantity surveyors into the 21st century

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

Clinical Entrepreneurship program for health professionals launched

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.

Versioning history

Researcher profile series: Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation's Dr Jonathan Kemp discusses emerging partnerships between universities and government to conserve our heritage.

Research on the frontlines

Researcher profile series: Associate Professor John FitzGerald, researches the cultural significance and lived experience of substance use.

Using robots to rehabilitate

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

It’s time to rethink residential aged care

Researchers from Melbourne and MacKillop Institute are calling for a whole-of-sector rethink of Australian residential aged care, arguing for a 'sanctuary' model of care.

Blending architecture and ecology

Researcher profile series: Professor Alex Felson is a landscape architect and certified senior ecologist, whose work and research focuses on climate adaptation and resilient cities.

New funding for Melbourne, Manchester and Toronto projects

The Universities of Melbourne, Manchester and Toronto have announced new funding to develop bi and trilateral projects.

Improving implantable microphones in Cochlear implants

Medical Research Future Fund REDI Fellowship supports use of AI to improve the performance of implantable microphones in Cochlear implants.

New report on Intimate partner violence and mental illness

Many domestic or intimate partner violence survivors are being retraumatised when interacting with mental health services: report.

Collaborating with communities

Researcher profile series: Dr Anita D’Aprano is a paediatrician and senior research fellow in Indigenous health who created the ASQ-TRAK culturally appropriate development screening tool.

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.

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.

Embedding Indigenous ways of knowing into medical education

Evidence from research into how Indigenous Australians experience health and engage with health systems underpins new educational resources in the Melbourne Medical School.

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.

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.

Algorand supports cryptocurrency teaching and research

Computing and Information Systems partners with Algorand Foundation to develop learning and research in blockchain and cryptocurrency tech.

EMU robot arms up stroke patients for rehabilitation

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

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

The University of Melbourne and Osaka University have formalised a new joint research initiative.

Australian Clinical Entrepreneur Program – applications now open

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

The emergence of political 'protestware' in the software ecosystem

In the world of software development a new form of ‘protest-ware’ is emerging – varying from genuine social protest to deliberate malware.

World's smartest traffic management system launches in Melbourne

Melbourne traffic engineers have joined with Austrian tech firm Kapsch TrafficCom and the Victorian Department of Transport to introduce a world-leading traffic management system.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Creating an evidence-base for policy response to family violence

Melbourne researchers will partner with community organisations to provide evidence for policy responses to family violence, as part of new reforms commissioned by Family Safety Victoria.

Metro tunnel trial shows sustainable future of heating and cooling

A first-of-its-kind trial in Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel station has demonstrated the efficiency of capturing geothermal energy in the foundations of buildings for heating and cooling buildings.

Research snapshot 2021

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

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

The rate of academic publishing by authors after their death has increased significantly in biomedical fields since 2000, a new study has found.

Universities of Melbourne and Hokkaido foster promising new research linkages

The University of Melbourne is building its research relationship with the University of Hokkaido, Japan, with a joint conference discussing healthy ageing.

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.

University of Melbourne-Bukalapak partnership to boost tech innovation and entrepreneurship

Melbourne-Buka Australia agreement to boost Victorian tech innovation and entrepreneurship.

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.

New microscopy technique to transform structural biology

A new Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins (CCeMMP) has been established at the Bio21 Institute.

Building a sustainable and socially responsible future for the resources sector

A Sustainable Resources Platform has been established to consider how the mining and resources industry can transform for a more sustainable and socially responsible future.

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.

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.

A retreat to nature that stimulates new mathematical thinking

The MATRIX institute is a Monash, Melbourne and ANU partnership that provides infrastructure for facilitating and supporting research in the mathematical sciences.

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.

National expansion planned for novel photovoltaic upcycling

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

New Melbourne, Manchester and Toronto alliance

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.

Building our research partnerships with Japan

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

New global research alliance between Melbourne and Toronto

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

Training in personalised medical devices licensed to Praxis Australia

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

Can physical activity in older people help prevent dementia?

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

VaxFACTS videos answer your COVID-19 questions

Expert views from the world's best researchers on the COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness is irrefutable. Watch Associate Professor Margie Danchon answer common questions.

Neo-Bionica to make prototype implantable medical devices

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

Seer Medical to take at-home epilepsy testing service global

An at-home technology helping reduce epilepsy diagnosis wait times and making diagnosis accessible to remote areas, is launching in Europe, with University of Melbourne investment.

New Melbourne-Toronto funding program supports research collaboration

Projects ranging from ecology to artwork conservation and immunology will share $AU150,000 through the Melbourne – Toronto Joint Research Program.

Running clinical trials during a pandemic: PEBBLES call for participants

Researchers need more families for a study testing skin cream designed to reduce the chance of babies developing allergies.

Apromore raises $A6.8 million through Series A investment

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

Recommendations for achieving emissions targets through technology

Twelve recommendations to the Australian Government’s Technology Investment Roadmap for a low-emissions future.

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.

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

OPTIMA, an industry-university partnership, will provide the optimisation skills and tools needed for global competitiveness.

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.

Community Fellows Program

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

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.

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.

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

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

Nominations open for Untapped: the Australian Literary Heritage Project

Help out-of-print Australian books reach new audiences. Nominate an eligible book for digitisation.

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.

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.

Illumina partners with Melbourne to conduct genomics research

The Victorian Government, global genomics company Illumina and the University of Melbourne have partnered to establish a new genomics hub.

Designing safe, inclusive workplaces for consumer mental health workers

A new report recommends ways to make workplaces safe and inclusive for consumer mental health workers.

Reset: Ross Garnaut – conversation series

To overcome the economic challenges left by COVID, Professor Ross Garnaut AC has proposed some practical new ideas in his book Reset.

CERN particle accelerator equipment arrives in Melbourne

A system for developing and testing particle accelerators has arrived at the University from CERN in Switzerland. The MelBOX is now settling in.

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

By tracking people over time, the AgeHAPPY survey hopes to identify factors that promote physical and mental health throughout life. Anyone can take part.

Melbourne Climate Futures launched

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

National Reconciliation Week

Learn about research that is preserving Indigenous languages, using theatre to explore Aboriginal justice, and improving rural health.

Radio broadcasts from Indigenous people in Victorian prisons added to library collections

3CR Radios' Beyond the Bars live series airs and records songs, poetry, opinions and conversations of Indigenous men and women in Victorian prisons.

Berlin University Alliance and University of Melbourne offer joint doctoral degrees

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

The AI pretenders

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

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

A trial to determine if a targeted Medicare rebate would support increased annual health assessments of young people is underway.

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.

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.

Centre to investigate using plants for food and medicine in space

New ways to provide food and medicine from plants for the next generation of space explorers is the focus of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space (P4S).

Diet and resistance-based exercise key to retaining muscle strength

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.

Road barriers from concrete and old tyres increase safety

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Non-traditional research outputs: explainer

Dean of Melbourne's Faculty of Fine Arts and Music Professor Marie Sierra explains the growing influence of non-traditional research outputs.

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.

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.

Destroying weeds, not the environment

Researcher profile series: Associate Professor Graham Brodie, from the Faculty of Science has designed an antenna that effectively channels microwave energy to kill weeds, without the use of chemicals.

Engineering new solutions

Researcher profile series: Professor Andrea O’Connor researches biomaterials, tissue engineering, antimicrobial materials and medical devices.

Clear skies and longer lives

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

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.