Clinical research strengths
The Melbourne Biomedical Precinct’s five clinical research strengths are the areas where it will generate the strongest health and economic impact over the next 10 years.
They represent areas of comparative advantage for the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct based on research output, reputation, world-class expertise and landmark institutions and facilities.
These five clinical research strengths are not the only areas of high-quality health research occurring in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct. For example, Precinct Partners are also globally recognised in electrophysiology, dental research and maternal and women’s health.
01 - Infectious diseases and immunology
The Melbourne Biomedical Precinct has a proud history of leadership in infectious diseases. There are also established partnerships within the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct with global health institutions including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, American Foundation for AIDS Research, National Institutes of Health and The Wellcome Trust.
02 - Neurosciences including mental health
Neurosciences, including mental health, is one of the pillars of research excellence in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct. There is a strong translational thread running through the program, bringing the science out of the research institutes and into the community, hospitals, clinics and patients. The spirit of collaboration is evident in the establishment of pioneering umbrella organisation Neurosciences Victoria (NSV).
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03 - Cancer
The multi-site, multi-disciplinary VCCC Alliance aims to reduce the burden of cancer in the community by creating an international centre of research, clinical care and teaching excellence. In 2012, the VCCC Alliance members recruited approximately 70% of all cancer patients involved in Victorian clinical trials.
04 - Child health
The Melbourne Biomedical Precinct’s expertise in child health provides a critical mass for generating and translating research that improves children’s lives across the globe. It does so with the united vision to advance child health through prevention, early intervention and health promotion. The Melbourne Biomedical Precinct leverages multi-disciplinary expertise, discovery science, genomic medicine, large patient registries and linkages to healthy population data to conduct child health research.
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05 - Healthy ageing
Healthy ageing is a growing field of excellence in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct. The doubling of Australia’s older population to 5.7 million adults aged 65 years and older by 2031 presents major challenges and opportunities for innovative research. The work of the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct represents internationally recognised themes that improve quality of life, prevent disease and manage cardiovascular, hearing, vision and musculoskeletal health into later life.
