Research
In order to ensure that the breadth of our research activity produces the best health outcomes, our research efforts will be prioritised according to the following criteria: 1. Excellence. Our research will be conducted at a nationally competitive level 2. Strategic direction. Our areas of research focus will deliver a strategic advantage to the University of Melbourne as a leading national and international Centre of Learning and Research Excellence 3. Translation and relevance. Our research will be of direct relevance to and informed by the health needs of the community and will be undertaken with the overt intent to enhance practice knowledge for improved health outcomes. 4. Collaboration. Our research will involve colleagues across the University, health services, government and non-governmental agencies, patients and the community 5. Sustainability. Our research will be sustainable in the long term and will leverage new sources of research income. In order to deliver against the aspirations of our research strategy we will: • Build on our existing strengths • Strategically invest in research aligned with FMDHS priority investment areas • Encourage research capacity growth and capitalise on collaboration and funding opportunities as they arise
Optimising the health and wellbeing of the community we serve

Research at the Melbourne School of Health Sciences spans the six disciplines of Audiology, Speech Pathology, Nursing, Optometry & Vision Sciences, Physiotherapy and Social Work. The aim of our research is to optimise the health and wellbeing of the community we serve. We achieve this through research programs which have a major impact on the safety, effectiveness, equity and accessibility of clinical care and preventative interventions delivered by professionals across the six disciplines.
We have established three research hubs:
Sitting across these hubs are two key themes:
These cross-cutting themes aim to investigate the implementation of innovative practices and the use of data and digital technologies to improve the quality and delivery of healthcare services in each of the hub areas.
In addition to the health research undertaken in the Melbourne School of Health Sciences, the School’s teaching community are active contributors to pedagogical scholarship. Our teaching academics are recognised for their outstanding expertise within their disciplines and for innovation across curricula.
Explore our work in the Health Sciences Learning and Teaching Innovation Hub.
Find out more
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Research Hubs and Cross-Cutting Themes
Our researchers are working to improve the health and wellbeing outcomes for the communities we serve. Learn more about the inter-disciplinary work taking place.
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Our Departments
The Melbourne School of Health Sciences encompasses the six disciplines of Audiology & Speech Pathology, Nursing, Optometry & Vision Sciences, Physiotherapy and Social work. Explore our research by discipline.
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Graduate Research
We are passionate about the training and mentoring of the next generation of health professionals, a range of research degrees are offered at Master and Doctorate level.
Early to Mid-Career Academic's Association (EMCAA)
The School of Health Sciences Early to Mid-Career Academic's Association (EMCAA) is established to facilitate inter-connectedness and collaboration between anyone in the School who identifies as an early or mid-career academic.