News and Insights

The built environment can have a huge impact on our health and wellbeing. It’s well documented that some spaces can have a negative impact on the people who use them – whether that’s at home or in the office.The good news is that design can actually improve health and wellbeing. An emerging field of design is looking at the direct connection between good design and positive health and wellbeing outcomes.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many aspects of our lives. Three of the hardest hit areas were workplaces, education institutions and the aged care sector.How will these spaces look post coronavirus?The University of Melbourne’s design experts explore what design developments we can expect and how health and wellbeing will be high on the agenda.

‘Access all areas’: including people with disability as artists as well audience.

Equality in the arts means equal access across the board – to venues, to decision-making, to training and making an artistic contribution. A new program at the University of Melbourne is tackling the latter – ensuring those with disability get the same excellence in music training as everyone else so they can make a contribution.

Positive education has evolved as a field. Not only about teaching wellbeing in schools, it seeks to bring wellbeing into the very fabric of education systems too.

Professor Marcello La Rosa, leader of the Information Systems group within the School of Computing and Information Systems at the University of Melbourne on why both Lean Six Sigma and business process mining are key to process improvement.

Complex situations call for strong leaders. But what if leadership isn't built into the culture? Who should lead and how? Here we explore with Senior Lecturer in Development Studies, Dr Violeta Schubert, leadership in development right now.

The development sector needs more leaders and a rethinking of what leadership is. But what does that look like? With insights from says Senior Lecturer in Development Studies, Dr Violeta Schubert, we find out.

The launch of the Belong leadership Development and Rapid Uplift program marks the University’s first custom education training centring microcredentials and nods to the growing need for continuous, organisation-wide upskilling in priority areas. Designed for Belong’s top talent, the program focuses on leadership development and rapid capability uplift, it includes deep learning about the mechanics of leadership and builds an understanding of the individual’s leadership contribution.

Professor John Hattie on why it's the time to push an agenda that enhances the qualities of schools, leaders, and teachers - and how we make it happen.

We explore the Graduate Certificate in Business with Director of the program, Associate Professor Brad Potter.

In what is an uncertain and challenging time for many businesses, Associate Professor in accounting at the University of Melbourne, Brad Potter sheds light on how we can survive – and even thrive – despite the downturn.

We talk to Aaron about why he chose to study supply chain management and how it's expanding his career.

Further study can equip healthcare professionals with the tools they need to deliver better care.

The launch of the Master of Leadership for Development signals a first-of-its-kind international collaboration between the University of Melbourne and the University of Manchester.

Between work and your home life, you’ve already got a full schedule. And now you’re thinking of adding study into the balance.Going back to uni for professional development is a big step, but it doesn’t need to be a big life change. University of Melbourne courses are designed to fit in with your other commitments and enrich your career, not clash with it. Here are our top six tips for getting all the pieces into place.

The healthcare educators at the University of Melbourne are some of the brightest researchers in the world, and they're passing their findings directly onto students.

Choosing an early childhood teaching program plays a key role in the teacher you become. Here, we look at what makes a strong program and why Melbourne’s stands out.

Junior study coordinator in clinical trials Farha shares her experience of the online Master of Cancer Sciences – amidst a pandemic – and tells us how it’s improving her role now, and making a positive impact on her career.

Three practicing optometrists in Hong Kong and Pakistan share why taking the online Master of Clinical Optometry was so valuable.

If biotechnology is booming, why are companies failing to get their products into the market? Expert in the sector, Michelle McNamara tells us why, and how to succeed.

Professor Simon Bell reflects on leadership skills, mentorship, and his unusual path into a leadership role.

Community, social and mental health services is one of Australia's fastest growing industries, so it pays to know where it's heading.

Ready to take the next step in your organisation but need a leg-up? With practical approaches, guidance from industry experts and delivery methods tailored for working professionals, these five courses might be what you need to give yourself a career boost.

We talk to three past students who have made serious professional strides thanks to the skills they learnt from further study.

Mid-career study can release the pressure valve.

Industry partnerships can help you get a foot in the door even before you've graduated.

The University of Melbourne’s healthcare program is designed to give graduates the confidence and leadership skills to get where they want to be.

University academics are collaborating with some of the country’s top industry experts. It's all about bringing students the best access and insights into a growing field.

Studying at the University of Melbourne can help aspiring community workers stay abreast of the latest industry advancements.

Dr Lindsay Bridgford saw one field of medicine growing in Australia. So he studied it part-time at the University of Melbourne. Now he runs the show.

Choosing the right university and course is important. The University of Melbourne offers a wide range of community services courses, with unique opportunities to progress your career.

Uni is fertile ground for new networks and collaborations. We talk to an expert about how to make the most of your new network.

What's in and what's out for the future of teaching and training.

Studying online may sound like a remote way to study - but for Alistair Grant, a vet studying animal ultrasound, it’s an opportunity for hands-on learning.

The Master of Surgical Education took Dr Sean Stevens as far as Timor-Leste, where he explored the challenges of implementing a surgical training program within a developing country.

So you’ve taken the next step in your career and accepted your offer at the University of Melbourne. Congratulations! As a student you’ll get more than just a globally-recognised education. Here’s a list of handy perks to help you get the most out of your time at the University, whether you’re on campus or studying online.

You’re already a great educator, but how can you develop your existing skills to become even better?

Become an expert in your field and contribute to the ever-growing education industry.

So you’ve received a letter of offer… congratulations! Now what?

Two top healthcare academics weigh in on how their courses utilise real-world skills that you can take back to the workplace.

Even if you don’t aspire to teach the International Baccalaureate, understanding how it works can help you gain a fresh educational perspective – and give you access to a global teaching community.

Working in the business, IT or government sectors? Further education will catapult you to success, according to HR expert Nina Mapson Bone.

There’s no better time to develop your skills as a health professional.

Colorectal and general surgeon, Dr Raymond Yap, completed his Master of Surgical Education in 2017. He says that “all clinicians teach” but formal training has helped him improve his practice.

By 2050, Melbourne aims to have the most extensive urban forest in the world. A school at the University of Melbourne is helping to build the expertise so this plan can become a reality.

Hands-on learning: How professional development works in tandem with practical experience

Develop a brighter future in the community services sector with professional development

Continuing your education boosts your career and gives you the edge in your workplace. But with your uni days a distant memory and your career in full swing, the idea of opening the books again can seem daunting.Here are eight ways that the University of Melbourne makes it easy to keep learning and grow your career, from flexible study options to support services.

Striving for financial success? Here’s how much you could earn in the business and IT industries.

As a recent graduate of the Master of Ageing, 90-year-old Lorna Prendergast is looking forward to challenging misconceptions and advocating for older people in her community.

The University of Melbourne’s Master of Sports Medicine is now recognised on the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s academic pathway to Sports and Exercise titling.

As the community services industry grows and changes, we explore how higher education can bring you up to speed.

As businesses undergo increasing digital transformation, an innovative data-driven approach to organisational improvement — process mining — is being adopted by organisations around the world.

Positive psychology in schools is exploring how best to apply the science of wellbeing in key learning environments - helping students develop skills for life.

As the impact investment sector expands, new and improved measurement is helping to bring the practice into the financial mainstream.

As the optometry profession transforms rapidly, there is a demand for optometrists to expand their scope of practice to meet new clinical needs.

A ground-breaking collaboration between the University of Virginia and University of Melbourne is giving teachers the skills to influence change, inside and outside the classroom.

Evaluation is a field that can open doors across the world – just ask University of Melbourne graduate Marion Cabanes, who has a resume that spans multiple continents. Originally from France, Marion has always had a global outlook, which has taken her to Australia, West Africa, Asia, Latin America and beyond. Last year, she landed her current evaluation role: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Advisor within the Humanitarian team of Oxfam America, based in Boston.

As digital dominance and disruption pose new challenges, competition law professionals must be ready to question the status quo.

Online education continues to grow in popularity across the higher education sector. Here’s why you should step inside the virtual classroom according to Aparajita Mitra, one of our graduates from the Master of Education International Baccalaureate.

Completing a master’s degree while raising an 18-month-old may sound like an impossible task, but for Christie Cline it was a challenge that she relished. The Perth resident became the first graduate from the University of Melbourne’s online suite of graduate courses, gaining a Master of Evaluation.

26-year old Aerlie Vade is a teacher in Sydney and Head of K-6 Curriculum at her school. She’s also on a journey to further her education and has recently commenced the online Master of Clinical Teaching through the University of Melbourne.

Universities are no longer the bastions of privilege they once were. The once hallowed halls of learning have been replaced with global institutions all competing for a piece of the knowledge pie. So, what does this mean for the tertiary education sector?

The cost of going to university can be a real obstacle. For some it’s simply a matter of lacking family resources to fund their studies, while for others the worry of getting into debt is a disincentive to enrol in the first instance.

Dr Sonya Moore will take part in her second Commonwealth Games as Team Physio for Guyana. She gives an insight into the build up to Gold Coast 2018 and her memories from Melbourne 2006.

I’m a physiotherapist involved in sport and exercise at all levels - including high performance, recreational and foundational skills. For many years my “clinic” has been pitch-side, poolside, courtside or beachside - in jobs with professional and travelling athletes in sports including netball, basketball, tennis, beach volleyball and swimming.

Tech giants like Google and Facebook are increasingly coming under scrutiny from competition authorities and governments around the world. From Europe to the US, there are investigations looking into the impact of digital platforms and the possible use and effects of market power.

The digital transformation of business is rapidly changing the role of CTOs, CIOs and broader technology management. As I.T. executives embrace forward facing challenges, how will their key responsibilities evolve and what does the future look like?

Data is the currency of the digital age. The focus of policy action, global economic forums, and influential boardroom agendas, its power and potential has earnt its modern-day celebrity status. And although it is now said to rival oil in terms of most valued global economic resource, the collection of data is not new. Intrinsic to our nature, humans have recorded and stored data (which is just a fancy word for information) for thousands of years. The Ishango bone, discovered in 1960, is what is now known as Uganda, is thought to be one of the earliest examples of a tally stick. Paleolithic peoples from 18,000 BC would record trade and supply activities by marking notches into the bone.

The digitisation of our world cannot be reversed. In fact, it is speeding up. We have entered an era of exponential growth, and traditional organisations must come to terms with the shifting of power underfoot and start implementing their own digital transformation strategies if they are to remain in the game.

Remote working has been steadily growing worldwide over the last decade, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the world’s hand and made this method of work mainstream. When businesses have the majority of their workforce working from home, what are the implications for cyber security and threat management?

By 2025, it is estimated the population will generate half a zettabyte every single day – that’s 100 times a trillion gigabytes. By understanding the amount of data humanity produces and how to leverage it effectively, businesses will have the ability to find more success in the modern age.

The dual forces of digital transformation and technological innovation are the new normal in business. This means that all workers, not just those orchestrating these endeavours, need to accrue an arsenal of skills to remain relevant in their roles and competitive in their careers.

We know the future calls for new skills and knowledge. We know what’s in demand. But here we take a closer look at the details and how these areas intersect across sectors, garnering insights from experts in public policy, economics and the world of technology.

The fourth industrial revolution (4IR), is upon us and affecting almost every industry globally, transforming how organisations operate and shaping a world where consumers are enabled and empowered by digital technologies, platforms and processes. But is Australia and its business community well placed to succeed in an environment of transformative technologies, automation and human-machine interaction?

If boardroom walls could, talk they would share chatter of the growing threat of digitisation and its disruption of nearly all economic sectors. The ultimate question always stems from: how should they respond? Bend, bow or fight?

As cybersecurity threats become increasingly frequent and sophisticated, organisations of all stripes require the expertise to remain secure. The case of Huawei vs T-Mobile exposes the need to extend the existing technology lens in cybersecurity to better include the business perspective and its management practices if organisations are to avoid future significant security breaches.

With Artificial Intelligence set to displace jobs typically performed by women at a faster rate than men’s, a group of women were invited to discuss the growing digital gender divide. We asked three Australians how they might step into the male-dominated world of tech and develop their technical literacy to ensure that their future is both secure, and more gender neutral.

There was a time when the digital underbelly of our world was neatly hidden out of view. The secrets behind technology’s inner workings were placed in the care of our digital and IT experts, while the rest of us dealt only with the beautifully designed and consumer-friendly ‘front end’. For the large majority of us, all we needed to know was that by pressing a button on our phones, we could call a friend. Beyond that, there was no reason to care.

The third industrial revolution saw the swift spread of digital technologies, such as telephones, televisions and personal computers, to people across the globe. At this time, novelist Thomas Pynchon asked whether it was “OK to be a Luddite?”, ‘Luddite’ meaning someone who is opposed to technological progress based on a fear of mass job disruption and loss. In response, Richard Conniff, also a novelist, noted that “a better question today is whether it’s even possible. Technology is everywhere”.

As the global march of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) powers on, blurring boundaries between the physical, digital and biological elements of our lives as it goes, how it can and will influence Australia’s future economy is of growing relevance. For a country in theory well placed to prosper, understanding its implications and opportunities offers the best chance of adopting the skills and measures which will see competitiveness retained in this age of change.

The lightning speed at which industry is innovating is threatening to leave the world’s workforce behind. Those who wish to keep pace will do well to mirror technology’s insatiable desire for advancement and agility by continually investing in upskilling, so that they are prepared to lead, rather than follow, or fall off  the wave of inevitable disruption.

It’s true, the robots are coming, and the computers that are already here are getting smarter by the day, but how much should workers really be worrying about tech taking their livelihoods?

As businesses undergo increasing digital transformation, an innovative data-driven approach to organisational improvement — process mining — is being adopted by organisations around the world.

The digital transformation of business is rapidly changing the role of CTOs, CIOs and broader technology management. As I.T. executives embrace forward facing challenges, how will their key responsibilities evolve and what does the future look like?

Technology has been the great facilitator for our time. As it advances, we continue to find new and innovative ways to integrate technology into our lives, and the education process is no exception. But while for years we may have been asking ourselves just how tech will come to enable better learning outcomes for our students, 2020 brought unprecedented acceleration, plunging educators into the deep end with entirely new, digital classroom environments. So now, as we embark on a new school year, and are largely back in physical spaces together, we can reflect on the frustrations, the problems, and the advantages of 2020, to establish the potential value of technology in education and determine what elements of the experience are worth bringing with us to the ‘back to normal’.

As we continue to develop the ways technology can assist the education process, moving teaching online to digital classroom environments is now a possibility. And in 2020, COVID-19 restrictions took us straight there. Now, whether as a way to fill our existing local classrooms with students spread far and wide, or to open ourselves up to entirely remote ways of teaching, digital classrooms are likely here to stay in some form, but can we ensure all students are set up to thrive within this new way of learning? In classrooms that are, virtually, big enough for everyone, are there students for whom  digital classrooms aren’t such a good fit?

Following a University of Melbourne survey into the struggles teachers faced when COVID-19 restrictions moved lessons online, one teacher remarked that the strains felt could be a real growth opportunity for Australian educators.

When considering that the average age of a teacher in Australia is 42 years old, it’s quite remarkable to reflect on and contrast the world in which they went to school, to the world their students inhabit today. As we entered 2020, teachers prepared lesson plans for coding, and were divided on how to address the influx of tablets and mobile phones into classrooms. In comparison, historians maintain that in 1980s Australia, the debate focussed on the possible health risks associated with calculators, and rather than learning to write code, students concentrated on securing their pen license.

In the article Transforming schools for a whole new world Melbourne Graduate School of Education’s Dr Marian Mahat suggested the COVID-19 pandemic offers a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to transform schools, moving towards an education system that is purpose built for the development of adaptable 21st century skills. Here, we find out how.

In this opinion piece, Senior Research Fellow Dr Marian Mahat at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education (MGSE), considers what Australia’s education system needs to do to respond to the realities of a new post-pandemic world.

There are many qualities that define good leadership in typical times. These can vary from consistency in identifying, assessing and overcoming challenges, to interpersonal excellence and the ability to inspire. But there are some traits which hold particular relevance in times of uncertainty, when information is fractured and the time for decision making is shortened. In these circumstances ‘normal’ ways of working are compromised and these latter leadership skills become imperative in the workplace.

Innovation in the context of the fourth industrial revolution has become about more than ideation and invention – it’s really to do with adding unique value quicker and more frequently than the competition.

In the post-truth world, where society and social media in particular are awash with fake news, false rumours and out-of-context conversations, public opinion is increasingly shaped more by emotion and personal belief than objective fact. So how worried should brands and businesses be about the influence of this trend on their industries and operations? And what role does authenticity play in mitigating and managing both the threat and the fallout?

As careers and ways of working adapt to our social and economic needs, new ways of accessing and experiencing learning are also evolving. From microcredentials and degrees, to podcasts and TED talks, the diversification of education has made it easier for professionals to find what suits their needs best. Extra knowledge, deeper understanding and adaptable abilities can all help enhance professional resilience in the face of rapid change. But where to start when deciding on the most appropriate options for acquiring new and deepening skills and knowledge?

In the new normal, the virtual world has joined the real one. As we move our work lives online, it’s time to reimagine the way we interact to ensure positive workplace culture and productivity.

In the past decade, we have seen an unprecedented acceleration in our willingness to consider new ways of living and working. Technology continues to expand our horizons, sparking our inherent human ambition to craft our own careers. New generations are pivoting towards a ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ approach to professional pursuits because of the thrill of flexibility, dynamism, and opportunity it provides.

The 100-year life has been steadily approaching for some time. Due to scientific advances, such as tackling infant mortality, cardiovascular disease and the reduction of smoking rates, around half of those aged 20 today are expected to live to 100 (Deloitte, 2018).

In this opinion piece Head of School for MSPACE, Simon Bell, at the University of Melbourne, reflects on the true value of extending education and how new ways to acquire new skills are unlocking payoffs both professional and personal.

The value of lifelong learning and upskilling has been amplified through a rapid change in macro forces such as technological breakthroughs, urbanisation, resource scarcity and climate change. As a result, the main question for many people is no longer should they undertake further education, but what the focus of their studies should be.

As recent events have shown, to most, diversity matters. But can it really contribute to the bottom line of a business and its operational strength, as well as to long overdue shifts in how we learn from and engage with one another? In short, yes.

Associate Professor in Organisational Studies, Management and Marketing Susan Ainsworth, Associate Professor of Sociology and Co-Director of The Policy Lab, Leah Ruppanner, and Dr Andi Pekarek, Lecturer in Human Resource Management (HRM) in the Department of Management and Marketing, share their expertise to help us understand where the world of work is heading and what needs to happen to ensure it benefits everyone.

Remote working was already on the rise in the pre-pandemic landscape. But with social distancing forcing the hand of management across the board, it has become THE ways-of-working trend of 2020, and appears to be well on the way to greater mainstream penetration for the foreseeable future.

Even if widespread recovery from COVID-19 exceeds expectations, reference to ‘pre-’ and ‘post-’ pandemic ways-of-working is becoming part of the vernacular of our industries and the organisations that make them up.

In this opinion piece, Associate Professor Kate Tregloan, Director of the Built Environments Learning + Teaching (BEL+T) group in the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, considers the value of design thinking in these topsy-turvy times and beyond.

The ethical judgement of a business has always been important in guiding its approaches and shaping the perceptions of the people who engage with it, be that employees, customers or communities. However, in recent times, ethics has been pushed to the forefront of corporate and communications strategies to combat the rise of cancel or call-out culture.

There’s no denying that strong soft skills are increasingly attractive to employers looking to support more technical operations with more humanistic qualities.  But as well as being highly transferable and adaptable across industries digitally and socially transforming, can these types of skills actually improve individual productivity and with that career trajectory?

Dr Jeanne Marie Iorio and Dr Jayson Cooper of the University of Melbourne share why we need to re-think early childhood teaching in Australia to foreground and value Indigenous Worldviews – both for the benefit of all children and as a responsibility of living in contemporary Australia. (Dr Jeanne Marie Iorio and Dr Jayson Cooper are both non-Indigenous scholars).

Sometimes businesses evolve due to desire – to diversify, to improve or to innovate in search of success or greater levels of it – other times through necessity – when the forces of consumption or competition, supply or demand make change essential, to prosper or survive.  The velocity of technological change society is experiencing has already deemed foresight and flexibility core capabilities for the modern organisation, who need to be willing and able to apply both in preparing for what they suspect will be next.But what about their response when caught unsuspecting and unawares by the speed, scale or severity of a challenge?  Are they ready or could they never have been, not enough anyway?

In this opinion piece, Dr Victor Sojo of the University of Melbourne’s renowned Centre for Workplace Leadership within the Faculty of Business and Economics explores how and why business leaders should be fostering empathetic thinking and related soft skills in the name of growing and managing a diverse team for business success.

In the past there were those people, teams, functions and companies that were dependent on creativity and those that were based on knowledge.  The age old tussle between art and science.  In the modern world, art and science must co-exist. By bringing the two together, businesses can offer a competitive advantage.

In today’s rapidly evolving modern world, an ability to define, develop and deploy fresh, flexible thinking and doing is perhaps more important than ever. With technological advancement and automation at play, we strive to maintain our own sense of self and wellbeing on one hand and enhance relevance through resourcefulness on the other.Hence, the positive effects of creativity for individuals and industries, plus the nature of the relationship between its presence in and out of work, have received growing interest in recent years. It seems the more we understand its inherent problem-solving and psychological benefits, the more we can move to harness these across the board to build creative capability.

One of the biggest issues facing developed nations in the 21st century is the dramatic shift in demographics to an ageing population. The Australian Treasury’s 2015 Intergenerational Report confirmed that if projections are correct, the number of Australians aged 65 and over will close to double by the middle of the century. What implications does this have for the workforce, and how can businesses respond?

Choosing the right university and course is important. The University of Melbourne offers a wide range of community services courses, with unique opportunities to progress your career.

What's in and what's out for the future of teaching and training.

Positive psychology in schools is exploring how best to apply the science of wellbeing in key learning environments - helping students develop skills for life.

The cost of going to university can be a real obstacle. For some it’s simply a matter of lacking family resources to fund their studies, while for others the worry of getting into debt is a disincentive to enrol in the first instance.

Tech giants like Google and Facebook are increasingly coming under scrutiny from competition authorities and governments around the world. From Europe to the US, there are investigations looking into the impact of digital platforms and the possible use and effects of market power.

Professor Hannah Lewi and Dr James Lesh tell us why urban and cultural heritage is more dynamic and future-oriented than is recognised – and why that matters for our cities.

As the 21st century’s most formidable and far-reaching threat to our planet and people, climate change has already begun to impact and influence a broad range of corporate interests in a number of ways. But while it’s fair to say certain industries will bear the brunt of its inconvenient truths, it’s also true that opportunities to overperform exist for those able to act swiftly and strategically.

The effects of human-induced climate change are becoming increasingly apparent with each passing year. Recent extremes of temperature, flooding and fire have reinforced that there is a vast amount of work to do in harnessing carbon emissions and reducing their impact on our own backyard and far beyond.

As companies become increasingly aware of the number and nature of risks and opportunities presented by a greener future, the ways in which sustainability influences their decision-making and directs their operations is shifting from sporadic and sometimes token to strategic and fundamental.

By 2050, Melbourne aims to have the most extensive urban forest in the world. A school at the University of Melbourne is helping to build the expertise so this plan can become a reality.

Evaluation is a field that can open doors across the world – just ask University of Melbourne graduate Marion Cabanes, who has a resume that spans multiple continents.