Research at Melbourne

From the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research

Research is central to the mission of the University, linking Melbourne to the great centres of scholarship around the world. Our reputation is firmly built on strong research foundations – we are one of the largest research organisations in Australia and we provide a first-class graduate research environment.

Our researchers are at the forefront of international scholarship in fields as diverse as human rights law, chemical engineering, biomedicine, and telecommunications research.

We are also committed to cross-disciplinary research, creating opportunities for the best minds to work together to tackle some of the world’s most challenging problems.

The University’s research activity is enhanced by its location at the heart of Melbourne’s Parkville Precinct, on the edge of the central business district. The University is close to many of the nation’s leading independent biomedical research institutes and collaborates extensively with them. We have outstanding links with industry through joint projects and the commercialisation of our innovative research.

Melbourne has established itself as the leading research university in Australia, topping the key indicators in the Excellence in Research for Australia report. The report by the Australian Research Council (ARC), released in January 2011 shows Melbourne had the highest number of research disciplines ranked at the maximum possible – well above world standard. Of just over 100 research areas assessed by the ARC for three- and six-year periods, 42 at Melbourne had the highest rating. Another 40 were rated above world standard and 20 at world standard; overall, 88 were above the national average.

Our leadership in strategically important research is reflected in more than 90 research centres. Major Commonwealth-funded research centres include: 12 Cooperative Research Centres, 12 ARC centres (one co-funded with the Grains Research and Development Corporation); 2 National Health and Medical Research Council centres; two ARC Laureate Fellowships; and two NHMRC Australia Fellowships. An additional seven ARC Centres and three Cooperative Research Centres will receive funding from 2011.

For 2010 the University of Melbourne received the highest amount of Federal Government research infrastructure funding based on research performance (total research income, Australian Competitive Grant funding, weighted research publications, research higher degree load and completions) through the Research Block Grants.

I invite you to explore all aspects of Research at Melbourne, including: our Research Institutes; our research centres; our research expertise; and the extensive range of research projects currently underway.