University of Melbourne excels in National Industry PhD Program

Image credit: Yvette Scott
Image credit: Yvette Scott

The University of Melbourne has achieved outstanding results in Round 5 of the National Industry PhD Program, with six applications receiving funding. This builds on the University's strong track record in the program, bringing the total number of successful projects to 15.

The program supports PhD candidates to undertake industry-focused research projects, equipping researchers with the knowledge and skills to better translate university research into commercialisation outcomes.

University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Mark Cassidy said the results demonstrate the University’s deep commitment to industry engagement and collaborative research.

"By fostering strong partnerships with industry, we are ensuring our research has real-world impact and preparing our graduates for diverse career pathways,” Professor Cassidy said.

The successful projects span disciplines and industry partners including:

  • Impacts and requirements of physically effective fibre in commercial dairy goats. Led by Dr Kristy Digiacomo (Faculty of Science), partnered with Harwood Grains and Meredith Dairy.
  • Precision quantum sensing of magnetic fields using nitrogen vacancy defects in engineered diamond. Led by Professor Andy Martin (Faculty of Science), partnered with Phasor Innovation.
  • Exploring the core issue of mobility: the impact of postural alignment on mobility outcomes following acquired brain injury. Led by Prof Gavin Williams (Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences), partnered with Epworth Healthcare.
  • Co-developing new services and programs in agricultural land management for biodiversity outcomes and environmental market access in remote Australia. Led by Dr Margaret Ayre (Faculty of Science), partnered with Hammond Landcare Australia.
  • A novel non-surgical bracing intervention to facilitate anterior cruciate ligament healing after rupture. Led by A/Professor Stephanie Filbay (Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences), partnered with Bauerfeind Australia.
  • Optimising nebulised messenger RNA-lipid nanoparticle delivery for pulmonary therapeutics and clinical translation. Led by Professor Bruce Thompson (Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences), partnered with Misti and MCN.

Information on additional rounds and expressions of interest is available for staff here.