Data science, quantum technologies and machine learning are improving decision-making and protecting against pandemics, biosecurity, and disease.
Further afield, space satellite technologies are helping to solve the mysteries of the cosmos and provide early warning on impending natural disasters. Technology is advancing every day, and our researchers are at the forefront of innovation to help us live smarter, brighter, and better lives.
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Advanced materials
Our expertise includes inorganic and organic chemistry, photochemistry, spectroscopy and microscopy, rare earth metals, polymers and nanomaterials. We investigate and synthesise new molecules, materials and devices for emerging electronics, sensors and displays, solar energy, biomedicine, and environmental monitoring.
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Biosecurity, cybersecurity and food security
We extend understanding of traits and behaviour of crops, pest organisms and disease vectors – including environmental stress adaptations and species interactions – to develop management solutions. We also apply deep knowledge of intelligence systems and policies to strengthen cyber-safety.
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Biotechnology
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Computational modelling
Applying expertise in mathematics, statistics, and advanced computing, we simulate and analyse complex phenomena in diverse research fields and industry sectors, from chemistry to climate change, epidemiology to ecology, foundational physics to future drugs.
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Data science
We combine mathematics, statistics, and computer science to extract knowledge from big, complex datasets, finding patterns and relationships in experimental results and other records. Applications are never-ending, from health to agriculture, archaeology to ecology, human behaviour to machine learning.
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Epidemiology
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Genetics and genomics
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Machine learning and AI
We study and design smart devices, processors, and software with learning algorithms to analyse data and predict future needs and outcomes in complex networks and systems. Our research helps to optimise healthcare systems, transport, communications, agriculture, and industrial processes.
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Mathematical biology
Our collaborative, cross-disciplinary field develops and applies mathematics, statistics, and computational methods to expand understanding of biological systems and solve challenges in health and medicine. We work closely with clinicians and patients to improve disease prevention strategies, diagnostics, and therapies.
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Medical technologies
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Quantum technologies
We apply principles of quantum mechanics to develop novel materials and devices, including molecular switches, ultra-sensitive sensors, medical implants, and solar energy technologies. Our quantum computing experts are rapidly developing new methods for storing, processing, and transmitting information, with unprecedented scale, speed, and security.
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Satellites and space
Our expertise spans cosmology, extragalactic astronomy, extreme objects, relativistic astrophysics, cultural astronomy, virtual observatories, and software telescopes. We also develop innovative miniaturised payloads and technological solutions for nanosatellites, enabling scientific investigations, commercial opportunities, and defence applications.
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Sensing and sensors
We harness new knowledge across fields including inorganic chemistry, photochemistry, quantum mechanics, optics, and biophysics to develop novel materials and technology for next-generation sensors and displays. Applications include precision agriculture and land management, pollution detection and control, health, and sustainable energy.
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Sustainable technology
Research centres, partnerships and institutes
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ARC CoE for Biosecurity Risk Analysis
Ensuring Australia and New Zealand remain at the forefront of practical biosecurity risk analysis by the provision of collaborative, relevant and practical research outcomes.
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ARC CoE for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers (ACEMS)
Combine innovative methods for the analysis of data with theoretical, methodological and computational foundations, provided by advanced mathematical and statistical modelling.
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ARC CoE for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology
The Centre is focused on delivering world-leading quantum research to develop full-scale quantum systems.
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ARC CoE for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS)
Our research outcomes will underpin future technologies, including real-time holographic displays, artificial vision for autonomous systems to see the invisible, remote Earth observation, and wearable medical devices.
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ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre in Optimisation Technologies, Integrated Methodologies and Applications
OPTIMA will advance an industry-ready optimisation toolkit while producing a highly skilled workforce of change agents for industrial transformation.
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Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP)
ACAP's objective is to develop the next generation of photovoltaic technologies, providing a pipeline of opportunities for performance increase and cost reduction.
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Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute
Bio21 Institute is a multidisciplinary research centre, specialising in medical, agricultural and environmental biotechnology.
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Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Ethics
CAIDE facilitates cross-disciplinary research, teaching and leadership on the ethical, regulatory and legal issues relating to Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies.
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IBM Quantum Hub at the University of Melbourne
The IBM Quantum Hub at the University of Melbourne offers a complete approach for Members to gain early entry into quantum computing with the support of deep research expertise and the global quantum community.
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Melbourne Centre for Data Science
An interdiciplinary centre set up to lead advances in data science for the benefit of society.
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Melbourne Integrative Genomics (MIG)
Computational statistics for big datasets from multiple sub-cellular levels, anchored in the genome.
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Melbourne Energy Institute
The Melbourne Energy Institute delivers influential, interdisciplinary research on the transition to a clean energy system. We work with the community, industry and government on some of the world's most pressing energy challenges.
Explore other research areas
Life, the Universe and everything in between – our discoveries build an understanding of the world around us and help make it a better place.