Key strategic achievements and milestones
An extraordinary year
2020 was a year like no other. After devastating Australian bushfires, the entire world faced a pandemic that affected individuals, communities and institutions in almost every country. Standing firm in the face of the global pandemic, the University re-evaluated its purpose and focus in line with the new strategy, Advancing Melbourne.
Throughout the pandemic the health, safety and wellbeing of the entire University community has been paramount in its response to COVID-19.
Following the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Victoria in January 2020, the University established a dedicated Incident Management Team to lead and manage the institution’s response.
Victoria declared a state of emergency to respond to the coronavirus outbreak and in response, the University ceased face-to-face learning for large lectures and started moving other classes online, stopped sports and physical events, and closed galleries.
Early introduction of travel restrictions meant that some students were unable to return physically return to Australia, including a large number of international students. The University supported them to continue their studies remotely, introducing new services and new ways to stay connected as a global community.
The University was one of the first to offer financial assistance to affected students through the establishment of Student Support Grants for those affected by travel restrictions. Further support was provided to students experiencing financial hardship.
Additional student and graduate researcher support measures included:
- Expanding the University’s suite of health and wellbeing services to include telehealth, a new outreach program for students, a COVID-19 hotline and testing at the University’s Health Service
- Moving all student services to virtual delivery with online appointments, workshops and drop-ins
- Changing census, withdrawal and fee-due dates, updating special consideration requirements, and revising Weighted Average Mark calculation methods
- Extending candidature and stipend of graduate researchers nearing the end of their candidature
- Distributing more than 39,000 free meals to students through a partnership with SecondBite.
The University thanks its students and academic staff for the roles that they have played in adapting to and using new modes of teaching, learning and working.
In response to the pandemic, staff were also supported through a range of initiatives and programs in relation to working from home. This included the introduction of a COVID-19 Special Payment for casual employees, for those who were diagnosed with COVID-19, or were self-isolating and unable to work from home, and Quarantine Leave for permanent and fixed-term staff.
As a result of prudent fiscal management, the University was able to manage the financial impact of the pandemic and continue to deliver results. In 2020, the University introduced one-off cost-saving measures, drew down on reserves, increased borrowings, and commenced the process of finding significant ongoing savings to address the long-term financial challenge. Almost 200 valued staff members left the University through voluntary redundancy as part of the University’s approach to minimising the need for involuntary redundancies.
Despite these challenges, the University remains committed to delivering outstanding teaching, learning and research and continuing to play a significant role in the life and development of Melbourne, Australia and the world through its global networks.
Contributing to combat COVID-19
Throughout the pandemic, the broader University community has continued to demonstrate the value of research, with many researchers involved in the response to COVID-19.
There was incredible support for the work of the Peter Doherty Institute – a joint venture between the University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hospital – with individuals, foundations and organisations around the world contributing $16.4 million to support its work.
In January, scientists at the Doherty Institute were the first outside China to grow and share the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) from a patient sample.
In November, the University announced that it would partner with the Victorian Government and close research collaborators to create a new hub for infectious diseases and global health.
This all points to a promising future.
For more information about the COVID-19 expert panel series, see pages 42, 51 and 81 of the annual report PDF.
Introduction to Advancing Melbourne
Launched in mid-2020, Advancing Melbourne sets out the University of Melbourne’s strategic direction for the coming decade.
Advancing Melbourne exemplifies the University’s ambition in addressing future challenges and providing societal benefit through the transformative impact of education and research, and keeping students at the heart of everything we do.
The University of Melbourne is an institution foundational in the intellectual and cultural life of the city of Melbourne and the contemporary Australian nation.
Advancing Melbourne reflects the University’s commitment to its people, its place, and its partners. The aspiration for 2030 is that the University be known as a world-leading and globally connected Australian university, with students at the heart of everything it does.
“Advancing Melbourne describes a broad direction and set of aspirations for the University. This framework underpins a set of flexible tactical delivery plans that ensure that the University will be able to reset and reposition for the future, dealing with external developments as they arise.”
Vision for 2030
- Students will be offered a distinctive and outstanding education and experience, preparing them for success as leaders, change agents and global citizens.
- The University will be recognised globally for leadership on matters of national and global importance
- The University will be empowered by a sense of place and connections with communities
Advancing Melbourne is structured according to five intersecting themes – ‘Place’, ‘Discovery’, ‘Education’, ‘Community’ and ‘Global’.
More information can be found on the University of Melbourne website.
Our purpose is to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research
Place
Great universities have a strong presence in the world, beginning with their place of foundation. The University’s history of service shapes the University it is today, and into the future.
The University's commitment to place starts with the importance of its relationship to the Traditional Custodians of the land on which its campuses stand.
It also recognises the significance of the University’s relationships to and within the City of Melbourne, a globally connected knowledge hub in an increasingly networked region.
2020 Highlights
Strong partnerships and community engagement reinforced the University’s purpose as a place to create, challenge and share knowledge.
Strong partnerships and community engagement reinforced the University’s purpose as a place to create, challenge and share knowledge.
- Place-based partnerships flourished, with a range of key projects undertaken with the City of Melbourne
- The University took steps to strengthen the recognition of Indigenous knowledge and design principles in campus development
- The University’s work in the Goulburn Valley was enriched by funding support from the Victorian Government
- Work continued on the development of the proposed Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence in Shepparton
- Good progress was made on the development of University precincts
In 2020
The University’s work to develop and nurture its place-based partnerships continued unabated.
Recognition of Indigenous design principles in campus development, and addressing the Indigenous history of the University, were a priority.
The importance of place
Reconciliation Action Plan 3
The Reconciliation Action Plan, April 2018–December 2022 (RAP 3) recognises the opportunity to improve the lived experiences of not only the University’s Indigenous community, but also that of the society broadly, through promoting Indigenous cultural recognition (and diversity more broadly) within built and natural environments on all campuses.
Accordingly, in 2020 a project has been launched to produce a publication addressing the Indigenous history of the University. Recognition of Indigenous custodianship, heritage and design principles increasingly informs campus development.
Indigenous heritage and culture is reflected in the naming, public art, plantings and storytelling featured within the new precinct.
Research colloquium on place and Indigenous cultural heritage: resolutions
- Transparent and formal acknowledgement of the University’s institutional and colonial history
- Recognition of connection with eugenics and scientific racism
- Appropriately reflect Indigenous culture and heritage
- Research to articulate the contested history of the University
Place-based partnerships
City of Melbourne: a partnership spanning more than 170 years
Since its foundation in 1853, the University has been an integral part of the City of Melbourne.
This includes participation by the Vice-Chancellor and senior staff in a range of City committees and forums designed to guide recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and collaboration across a range of projects.
It also includes close collaboration with the City and partners in development of key urban infrastructure, including Melbourne Connect (due to open in 2021) and the planned campus at Fishermans Bend, which will facilitate large-scale experimental research and development in partnership with industry.
In 2020, partners worked together to deliver the Open Talent Program (also supported by LaunchVic).
Development Goals into city planning
A partnership between the City and the University of Melbourne is working to integrate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the City of Melbourne’s strategic planning environment.
The research project will outline a sustainable development framework for the City through to 2030, in line with national, regional and global efforts.
Goulburn Valley: working together to strengthen regional Victoria
The University has a deep engagement with the Goulburn Valley. In 2020, the University undertook a comprehensive mapping of its work in the region, which include Indigenous custodians, local and state government, education and health providers and local business.
Diploma in General Studies (Extended) launched
A new Diploma in General Studies (Extended) (D-GENST) was developed in 2020 to be delivered on the Dookie campus. D-GENST is designed to provide a pathway to reduce barriers to educational entry and provide financial assistance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in regional Victoria.
North East Arnhem Land: knowledge exchange and strengthening partnerships
The 2020–2025 Memorandum of Understanding between the Yothu Yindi Foundation (YYF) and the University was signed in October 2020, setting out shared objectives to achieve the vision of Yolngu-led education in North East Arnhem Land.
The University and YYF worked together in 2020 to consolidate the shared vision for Yolngu-led education in remote Australia and refocused the partnership’s work in ways that would make a contribution to the community during the pandemic.
Community
The University is a place where all people are valued, encouraged to fulfil their potential and make a difference in the world.
The University community is both local and global and comprises all of its students and staff, alumni, affiliates in research institutes and colleges, and partners in learning, research and innovation.
The University is, and must always be, a safe place where knowledge is valued and shared, where truth and ideas can be discussed and debated freely and rigorously, and where innovation flourishes.
2020 Highlights
In the face of a global crisis where people’s lives and jobs changed virtually overnight, the University came together to support each other.
- In response to COVID-19, a comprehensive program of initiatives and support services were introduced
- Alumni and supporters donated more than $1.3 million to fund 17,000 emergency Student Support Grants
- The University received recognition for its work in furthering gender equity from SAGE Athena SWAN
- The new Cultural Commons Strategy was launched
In 2020
The University grasped an extraordinary opportunity to reimagine how to gather as a community and reaffirm its commitment to welcoming and valuing diversity of thinking.
With donations, volunteering and philanthropy, University alumni, staff and partners were generous in helping provide emergency staff and student support, and funding for critical research.
Supporting our community
The COVID-19 pandemic affected members of the University community in different ways. Many of our students experienced physical and financial hardship and staff grappled with significant workload challenges and changes.
To support a healthy and productive work environment from home, the University continued to provide access to equipment.
Dedicated online resources were created to share up-to-date information, provide support for staff and students working remotely and to assist them in managing wellbeing.
Robust COVIDSafe plans were established and shared with those who needed to work on campus.
Virtual campus
With closure of campus and the move to online learning in March 2020 due to COVID-19, the University developed an online Virtual Campus Community for students, staff, community and stakeholders.
The platform hosted a series of curated ‘portals’ selected and developed to:
- Provide essential support and services to students and staff in times of stress and isolation
- Replicate as fully as possible the different aspects of campus life
- Allow students, staff, community and stakeholders to experience the broad range of expertise, collections and creativity that resides within the University community
Free meals and access to the internet provided for students
The University partnered with SecondBite, to provide students with free, healthy and nutritious meals.
More than 47,040 kilograms of food was provided to approximately 6500 students, supported by a team of 150 staff volunteers.
Students at the heart
The University put in place a suite of vital supports for students affected by the pandemic. These included strengthened health and wellbeing services and financial aid programs via Student Support Grants and the Emergency Support Fund.
The University’s support for lifelong learning was enhanced with the introduction of new opportunities to stay connected, the launch of Melbourne MicroCerts, and a range of alumni engagement programs.
Staff secondment to Jawun partnership continues to provide mutual benefits
Jawun is a not-for-profit organisation partnering with Indigenous communities to build capacity, empower Indigenous-led change and foster meaningful connections between Indigenous and non- Indigenous Australians.
Jawun places skilled professionals from Australia’s leading companies and government agencies into Indigenous organisations on six week secondments.
Meet Jawun Secondee, Christine Lancaster
Christine Lancaster, executive assistant in the University’s Department of Medicine at St Vincent’s Hospital, recently undertook a ‘virtual’ six-week secondment through Jawun to the Yadu Health Aboriginal Corporation.
Advancing diversity and inclusion
A new Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (2030) was developed in 2020, establishing an overarching framework and approach to diversity and inclusion for both students and staff.
The strategy articulates a 10-year vision for the University community and captures aspirations for wide-reaching cultural change.
The strategy has focused attention on other dimensions of diversity, including disability, mental health, anti-racism, and cultural and linguistic diversity.
For more information, see pages 34 of the annual report PDF.
Racism. It Stops with Me campaign supported
To assist international students and respond to the issues raised by the global Black Lives Matter movement, the University signed up to the Racism. It Stops with Me campaign in 2020, with implementation to commence in 2021.
Public commitment to gender equity
The University is a signatory to the Australian Higher Education Joint Sector Position Statement on Preserving Gender Equity as a Higher Education Priority During and After COVID-19.
The statement responds to the well-documented gendered impacts of COVID-19 and asks universities to commit publicly to preserve gender equity as a key priority during and after the pandemic.
Prioritising accessibility and infrastructure investment
Improving accessibility for all members of the University community was a key focus in 2020.
- The establishment of 215 all-gender bathrooms across all campuses has significantly improved safety and inclusion for trans and gender diverse people
- A focus on accessibility of events ensures meetings, conferences, exhibitions, ceremonies and functions are as accessible as possible
- An Accessible Events Guide developed by the Melbourne Disability Institute will be piloted in 2021
- Extensive consultation was undertaken to inform development of a new disability, accessibility and inclusion policy
- The University committed to developing a new Disability Action Plan in 2021 to respond to gaps and needs identified in the policy consultation process
Improving lives of people with disability
During 2020, 15 seed funding grants were awarded to support people living with a disability under pandemic conditions.
Two of the projects enabled by the seed funding were:
- A survey was undertaken to examine the experiences of adults and children with a disability who received care under the National Disability Insurance Scheme during the pandemic.
- The Living with COVID-19 public health campaign featuring 30-second videos telling the story of school student Eden and her experience of coronavirus resources specifically for adolescents.
The cultural commons
The University’s Cultural Commons comprises 15 galleries, archives, museums and over 40 individual collections, including the Donald Thomson Collection, one of the world’s most important anthropological collections.
Museums and Collections was established as a department in January 2020 with a strong and inspiring charter and purpose: to build a collaborative and flexible network around the University’s cultural assets so that global communities gain knowledge and understanding of contemporary and traditional cultures, scientific discovery and creative practices.
Highlights
- The Ian Potter Museum presented MACHINE, covering timely themes including the interface between humanity and machines and visual art and mathematics
- Science Gallery Melbourne produced 10 digital programs and one physical event
- The Grainger Museum hosted over 1500 individual virtual student visits
- The University struck a $1.7 million partnership with the Victorian Department of Education and Training to establish a STEM Centre of Excellence within Science Gallery Melbourne.
- Science Gallery Melbourne delivered a touring program
Philanthropy and advancement
Generous philanthropic contribution in a difficult year
The University’s generous community of alumni and friends donated more than $110 million directly to the University in 2020.
Major gifts contributing to crucial COVID-19 research
$118M
Believe Campaign income
>14.5M
Donated to COVID-19 research
$10.38M
Donated to student support
3684
Students supported through philanthropic awards and grants
4561
Donors
3091
Alumni donors
2
Philanthropically funded chairs
1264
First-time gifts to the University
- Jack Ma Foundation, $3.2 million
- TikTok, $3 million
- Paul Ramsay Foundation, $4 million
For more information, see page 62 of the annual report PDF.
The University of Melbourne alumni community is made up of more than 430,000 alumni living and working in more than 170 countries.
Alumni relationships support lifelong learning
With more than 41,000 alumni engaged, 2020 saw a rapid shift to digital programming and new ways to engage alumni. In fact, 2020 was the best-ever year for engagement.
41433
Alumni engages 17,392 for the first time
37689
Event participants
4205
Alumni volunteers
6465
Participants in student/alumni mentor programs
Contributing to the greater good
Taking the Pulse of the Nation
During 2020 the Melbourne Institute developed and deployed the Taking the Pulse of the Nation project to understand and monitor COVID-19’s effects on Australian attitudes and behaviours.
Increases in unemployment and financial stress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in the number of Australians experiencing mental distress, with the proportion varying across industries, gender and age groups.
Contributing to Mental Health Royal Commission
The University made significant contributions to the Victorian Royal Commission into Mental Health during 2020.
Three of the four commissioners leading the Royal Commission hold positions at the University. Experts from across the University also made submissions and contributed witness statements to the Commission.
Education
Students are essential contributors to the intellectual life of the University,
Melbourne graduates are sought after for their creativity, rigorous and ethical approach, social awareness about global challenges and readiness for an increasingly digital and changing world.
Melbourne students remain part of the University community after they graduate.
2020 Highlights
The University launched the educational ambitions set out in Advancing Melbourne while responding to challenges created by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
- Teaching and support programs were rapidly and effectively mobilised to establish a new online environment
- More than 10,000 students were contacted for wellbeing checks
- Over 7480 students received grants from the COVID-19 Student Support Fund
- Over 9570 students received grants from the COVID-19 Emergency Support
- Over 20,000 students were supported with specialised resources to boost career and work-related skills
- Students were offered flexibility through modifications to census dates, adjustments to fee-due dates, special consideration requirements, changes to the course academic progress process and Weighted Average Mark calculations
- Enhanced student connection was provided
- Accessible Microcerts were introduced
Teaching and learning transitioned to remote delivery
In response to pandemic restrictions, and to continue delivering its characteristic curriculum to a global community of students, the University quickly and efficiently moved teaching and learning to a virtual environment.
The University provided academic staff with advice, support and skills development to assist with online delivery of subjects. Peer mentoring and academic advising were also delivered online.
Increased support for student health and wellbeing
New and expanded student wellbeing initiatives were delivered to increase support for students including:
- More than 10,000 students were contacted by phone to check on wellbeing and connect them with support services
- The University’s Counselling and Psychological Services employed additional staff
- An after-hours mental health crisis support line was introduced
- Mental health self-help resources were introduced
- Mental health and wellbeing webinars were delivered by CAPS
- Telehealth access for students to general practitioners was offered
Financial support for students during COVID-19
The University provided support to over 17,000 students through the establishment of two financial support schemes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The University’s COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund supported more than 9570 students experiencing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic.
The COVID-19 Student Support Fund provided grants to over 7480 students to support offshore students that were unable to return to Australia due to border closures.
Emergency student support fund
Ritika was a final-year Master of Cancer Sciences student who was almost forced to give up her studies in 2020.
Contemporary challenges shaping learning and teaching
The University’s Flexible Academic Programming Project (FlexAP) is designed to enhance the quality of the teaching, learning and student experience by providing flexible study options and improving the University’s physical and virtual infrastructure.
Highlights
- New grants addressing pandemic-related learning and teaching needs were made available
- Increased engagement in FlexAP initiatives from staff
- Digital assessment enhancements were deployed and widely adopted by staff
- The GEM Scott Teaching Fellowship program awarded an additional fellowship in 2020
Melbourne MicroCerts launched as major educational milestone
In July the Melbourne School of Professional and Continuing Education launched the innovative microcredential program Melbourne MicroCerts. These small, highly accessible short courses equip learners with in-demand skills and knowledge relevant to current work, and provide diverse skill sets for future application.
Student life initiatives
Activities and programs to support first-year students commencing their university studies in 2020 proved critical to help students establish a connection with the University community as teaching and learning transitioned to online as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions.
Take-up and adoption of student life initiatives
- 6014 students attended a Melbourne Commencement Ceremony
- 5517 commencing undergraduate students participated in peer mentoring sessions
- 95 per cent of students who participated in an academic advising post-meeting survey rated the meeting as beneficial
- More than 22,000 unique logins to the my.uniLife app, including over 118,000 event registrations, over 6000 posts in peer mentoring chat groupS
Careers and employability service
Specialised advice and skills development
During 2020 over 20,000 students engaged with services in a virtual environment for career development appointments, workshops and employer and alumni programs.
4000
approx. careers sessions
2800+
one-on-one career consultations
460+
small group sessions (often led by student peers)
11,500+
interactions with potential employers (careers fairs and employers presentations)
Creating opportunity for all students
For students whose unique circumstances may have prevented them from achieving the best possible final secondary school results, the University of Melbourne offers a special entry and scholarship scheme, Access Melbourne.
In 2020
33%
of all 2020 semester 1 commencing students qualified for entry under Access Melbourne
1886
student who were eligible for Access Melbourne enrolled in semester 1, 2020
Proportion of Access Melbourne applicants by category
58%
Under-represented school
28%
Disadvantaged financial background
24%
Rural or isolated
20%
Disability or medical condition^
13%
Difficult circumstances
6%
Non-English-speaking background
2%
Recognition as an Indigenous Australian
0%
Nature-age consideration (non-school leaver entry pathway)
Discovery
The University of Melbourne’s ambition is to strengthen its reputation as a place where students and academics come to do the highest-quality research.
The University facilitates breakthrough research in a highly collaborative environment, with a focus on cross-disciplinary and translational research.
Attracting talented people, nurturing ambition and supporting great performance, is critical to the University’s success.
2020 Highlights
The extraordinary breath and impact of University Melbourne research continued to grow across all levels and categories.
- Melbourne scientists were the first outside of China to grow and share the novel coronavirus globally
- The University supported the fight against spread of COVID-19 through the design of personal ventilation hoods for ICU beds
- The University announced establishment of a new genomics hub, the first in the Asia-Pacific to combine genomic expertise and technology
- The Indigenous Knowledge Institute was launched
- Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity funding was secured
- Melbourne became the first Australian university to sign up to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA)
900
graduate researcher completions
126
Intellectual Property disclosures
13,615
scholarly outputs
$657M
research income1
$245M
Category 1 income1
$403M
Category 2–4 income1
#31
Times Higher Education World University Rankings
#35
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) Rankings
- Estimated from 2020 results, confirmation from Higher Education Research Data Collection (HERDC) due June 2021
In 2020
In 2020 the University of Melbourne, played a critical role in applying the talents of its people to new challenges as the world leaned in heavily to expert advice on managing the social, physical and economic upheaval of pandemic.
Crucially, in the early stages of the pandemic, the University Melbourne led the world in reproducing the novel coronavirus in a laboratory setting.
Research in an extraordinary year
Key research performance targets (first set in 2015) were met and many exceeded. Innovative responses ensured continued levels of research output during a year when most researchers were required to work from home.
Prudent investment also allowed the University to continue supporting critical research in the fight against COVID-19 and strengthen the research infrastructure needed to thrive in a post-pandemic future.
Melbourne scientists first to grow and share novel Coronavirus
In January 2020 scientists from the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity – a joint venture between University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital – were the first outside China to grow a version of the Wuhan isolate SARS-CoV-2 virus from a Victorian patient sample.
The team was able to provide expert laboratories across the world with crucial information to enable ongoing research towards combating the virus.
The Doherty Institute-grown virus was used to generate an antibody test, allowing detection of the virus in patients who are not displaying symptoms, and to assess trial vaccine effectiveness.
Containing spread of COVID-19 in intensive care
Working in collaboration with Western Health, University researchers designed a personal ventilation hood for hospital beds to help contain the droplet spread of coronavirus in intensive care units.
New hub for infectious disease announced
The Australian Institute of Infectious Diseases and Global Health (AIIDGH) is a visionary collaboration initially involving a cluster of world-leading medical research organisations in Melbourne.
Announced in November 2020, AIIDGH will add key translational health and research infrastructure to Parkville Biomedical Precinct, making this the largest infectious disease centre in the region.
The initiative will enable greater capability in end-to-end research into infectious diseases and support transition of health-based research activity into clinical application for the public good.
Success for brain Stentrode clinical trial
A tiny device the size of a small paper clip can help patients with upper limb paralysis uses the power of thought to complete tasks they cannot do with their hands.
In its first human trial in 2020, the Stentrode was implanted successfully in two patients enabling them to wirelessly restore the transmission of brain impulses and successfully complete daily tasks such as online banking, shopping and texting.
Helmet technology to reduce traumatic brain injury
With contributions from the University in collaboration with Horizon Defence Systems and SORD Australia, significant developments in helmet technologies will help protect Defence personnel.
Putting cutting-edge technology into space
The University helped propel Australia into the competitive aerospace market.
Researchers will build a small satellite, called SpIRIT, for launch into space by 2022. It will carry innovative X-ray sensors, sophisticated on-board computers and radios, and a miniaturised electric propulsion engine.
Enabling medical practitioners to recognise family violence
A new framework to identify a health practitioner’s readiness to address family violence was developed.
The model addresses commitment, advocacy, trust, collaboration and health system support as vital components in building readiness to deal with family violence.Identifying gender inequities in low and middle-income Asian countries
50 Words Project celebrates Indigenous languages
Working with Indigenous communities, researchers from the University’s Research Unit of Indigenous Language have created a resource to help people connect with First Nations languages.
The project provides 50 words online in every Indigenous language of Australia, to showcase vast linguistic diversity and celebrate the Indigenous languages that continue to be spoken every day, as well as those being revitalised by their communities.
Interdisciplinary research initiatives
Bringing together researchers and students from across the University to address significant local and global challenges that cannot be solved by one discipline alone
2020 highlights
Melbourne Energy Institute
In 2020, the Melbourne Energy Institue co-sponsored research to examine organisational determinants of the uptake and performance of energy efficiency initiatives.
International research collaborations
Collaborations with global University partners to nurture the next generation of researchers, and drive exciting research opportunities continued in 2020.
2020 highlights
- The United States’ National Institutes of Health provided $33 million to the University’s Centre for Youth Mental Health
- The University of Melbourne and Shanghai Jiao Tong University signed an agreement to develop an International Research Training Group
- The German Research Foundation invested $5 million, matched by the University of Melbourne, to extend a joint PhD program in infection and immunity research
- A partnership was developed with Belgian research university KU Leuven to offer 30 joint PhDs
- The University of Melbourne forged a new partnership with the University of Toronto for joint research training
- The University of Melbourne partnered with the University of North Carolina, King’s College London, and the National University of Singapore to advance dentistry and oral and craniofacial health sciences
Government funding provides vital support
Throughout 2020 significant levels of funding were achieved in a highly competitive environment.
Australian Research Council
The University received wide-ranging support from the Australian Research Council in 2020, across a range of research projects to be implemented from 2021.
ARC funding highlights
- Dr Simon Connor and Associate Professor Michael-Shawn Fletcher were awarded a grant to test Indigenous cultural burning practices and changes to fuel loads, fuel type, fire frequency and fire intensity
- Associate Professor Irma Mooi-Reci and Professor Mark Wooden were funded to investigate non-standard employment on fertility behaviour
- Associate Professor Mark Davis, Professor Robert Hassan and Dr Philip Pond will use innovative temporal methods to assess the influence of extreme nationalist discourse on mainstream political discussion
- In a project led by Professor Charles Green, staff will work with Australian artists who have deep experience of portraying conflict to investigate Australian Government-commissioned war artists’ experience of conflict from World War I onwards
- Dr Kourosh Khoshelham, Professor Marcia Langton, Dr Agathe Lisé-Pronovost, Dr Juliana Prpic, and Dr Martin Tomko will explore the engineering processes that enabled the Gunditjmara people of southwest Victoria to site, plan, construct, operate and maintain the World Heritage-listed Budj Bim aquaculture complex.
National Health and Medical Research Council
Fifty University researchers were awarded five-year National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Investigator grants.
2020 NHMRC funding highlights
- Professor Erica Fletcher was funded to examine development of AD214, a novel anti-fibrotic treatment for advanced age-related macular degeneration.
- Professor Eric Reynolds will research repair of tooth enamel/dentine by biomimetic mineralisation.
- Associate Professor Christiane Theda (University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital) will examine the Neonav ECG Tip Location System to create better and safer care for paediatric intensive care patients.
- Professor David Grayden will continue development of the Stentrode Neurostimulator to enable those with upper- limb paralysis to complete daily tasks.
- Professor Stephen O’Leary will lead research into ways of preserving natural hearing during cochlear implantation.
- Associate Professor Andrew Wise from the Bionics Institute will work on a project to deliver hearing therapeutics, focusing on drug therapies.
Medical Research Future Fund
Researchers from across Melbourne Biomedical Precinct received additional funding from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) in 2020.
- Professor Kanta Subbarao is to use tissue models derived from human stem cells to identify drugs with antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2
- Associate Professor Wai-Hong Tham from the Walter and Eliza Hill Institute is working in collaboration with the Doherty Institute to develop new biologics to prevent or treat COVID-19
- Professor Monica Slavin is conducting an adaptive and rapid implementation trial of novel therapies to prevent and treat COVID-19 infection in high-risk cancer patients
MRFF funding boost for genomic research
University research projects totalling a combined value of $9.5 million were funded in 2020.
These include:
- ‘Achieving Equity in Genomic Health for Indigenous Australians’
- ‘Precision Medicine for a Life-Threatening Infantile Epilepsy’
- ‘SUPER-NEXT’
- Integrated Pathogen Genomics (P2HAGE)
- ‘Delivering a Clinical Metagenomics Platform for Australia’
- ‘2020 COVID-19 Immunological Studies’
Marles Medal established to recognise research excellence and impact
Established in 2020, the Marles Medal recognises research impact and celebrates ways scholarship can benefit society beyond academia.
Professor John Hattie (Melbourne Graduate School of Education) was awarded the inaugural Marles Medal in the Humanities and Social Sciences for his world-leading work on visible learning, introducing sustainable changes in educational and teaching practices and taken up in over 10,000 schools worldwide.
Professor Sharon Goldfeld (Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences) was awarded the inaugural Marles Medal in the Sciences and Technology for development of the right@home nursing home visit program.
Global
The measure of a great university lies in the extent and productivity of its collaborations in advancing the frontiers of knowledge.
The University of Melbourne is committed to playing a leading role in global knowledge partnerships, fostering a culture of international collaboration around the globe.
University of Melbourne students live and work in a global community, with all the opportunities and challenges that entails. Their education prepares them for this.
2020 Highlights
In an increasingly complex and changing global landscape, the University worked immediately and decisively to review its international activities and programs.
- The University mobilised support for and advocacy on behalf of international students
- The University strengthened its approach to engagement within the Asia-Pacific region through the launch of bespoke strategies for India, Indonesia and China
- New and extended agreements for student mobility, information sharing and project cooperation improved collaborative outcomes in many countries
- The University’s leading role in tackling global challenges related to the worldwide pandemic was exemplified
- University leadership in global Indigenous knowledge was showcased with development of the Indigenous Internationalisation Plan 2020–2024
Improving the international student experience after COVID-19
The transition to studying via the Virtual Campus was supported by the University in a range of ways. These included enabling internet access and either the purchase or loan of a computer, through to proactive outreach phone calls from staff to discuss any additional supports or services students might need to enable their studies to continue.
Financial support was provided through both the Student Support Grant and the Emergency Support Fund, which many international students were able to access, as well as the Victorian Government’s International Student Emergency Relief Fund. The University also partnered with SecondBite to provide free, nutritious meals to students, with Lentil As Anything and University House also joining this important initiative.
For more information on the Student Support Grant and the Emergency Support Fund see pages 8, 31, 48 and 50 of the annual report PDF.
Dynamic global partnerships
The University’s strong international connections reflect its global outlook. The strength of institutional partnerships assisted in navigating the impacts on collaborative research and student exchanges.
The University strengthened its engagement and leadership position across the Asia-Pacific region in 2020. Critical plans were implemented for India and Indonesia, and a new institution-wide plan, Engaging with China 2020–2024, was launched.
The University’s Engaging with China 2020–2024 strategy sets out a five-year plan, founded on the principles of shared aspirations, mutual benefit and respectful partnership.
- Co-hosting the national Asian-Australian Leadership Summit
- Convening Public Displays of Affection, an international conference focused on redefining soft power through the lens of arts and culture
- Launching Winning in Asia, a new report designed to help Australian companies navigate a prosperous future in Asia.
Strengthening ties with Indonesia
Throughout 2020, strengthened cooperation focused on health and social sciences, with new collaborations in negotiation between the University, the Indonesian Government and Indonesian universities.
The year saw the formalisation of a longstanding relationship with the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education, through a Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement of Cooperation.
The University announced 12 award recipients of the inaugural Melbourne-Indonesia Research Partnerships Program.
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Strengthening ties with India
The Australia India Institute (Aii) proceeded with its strategic objectives in 2020 by further nurturing engagement between the two nations, as outlined in Engaging with India 2020–2024.
In 2020, internal schemes such as the India Engagement Seed Grants and the India School Education Engagement Grants enabled development of new strategic projects, aligned with the objectives of Engaging with India 2020–2024, to advance and strengthen the University’s collaboration with Indian partners.
Institutional agreements affirmed
Despite pandemic challenges, in 2020 the University signed 36 international institutional agreements across 25 countries and regions including new compacts with partners in Belgium, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel and Nepal.
Leadership in tackling global challenges
The University launched a new web series of conversations titled Conversations on COVID-19: The Global View, addressing a range of different impacts from the pandemic on the global education sector, mental health, what the next pandemic could look like and working from home.
Strengthening Indigenous ties across the world
A signature commitment under the University’s Reconciliation Action Plan, the Indigenous Internationalisation Plan 2020–2024 was launched during the year.
It sets out commitments across four streams of activity:
- Research engagement and collaboration
- International exchange and mobility
- International engagement activities (including cultural exchange)
- Professional development opportunities for academic and professional staff
Unique Australian studies abroad opportunity
Bachelor of Arts student Sasha Gillies-Lekakis undertook an exchange to Cuba through the University’s membership of the Consortium for Advanced Studies Abroad (CASA).
“The thought of applying for the CASA Cuba program, organised and directed by the prestigious Consortium for Advanced Studies Abroad, was immediately enticing.’
“Just as impressive were the classes I took while there. My Cuban history class was taken by the president of the Cuban Office of the Historian, responsible for a range of prestigious academic publications and restoration of Havana’s historic district. Although my time was cut short by the unprecedented escalation of coronavirus globally, I am incredibly grateful that I was able to take advantage of this opportunity.”
— Sasha Gillies-Lekakis
Sustainability
Universities play a vital role in enabling sustainable and resilient futures for our communities locally, nationally and on a global scale. Sustainability is therefore embedded in all University of Melbourne disciplines, operations and activities.
2020 Highlights
In the face of the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Melbourne continued to work to tackle the impacts of global warming and to demonstrate exceptional green credentials.
- The development of the Sustainability Plan 2021–2025 commenced
- Sustainability performance results are on track to achieve zero net emissions electricity by 2021, and towards the University’s overarching commitment to carbon neutrality before 2030
- The Murra Warra Wind Farm in northwest Victoria became operational
- Impressive Green Star ratings were achieved for major projects, including 6-Star rating for Western Edge Biosciences and Werribee Teaching and Learning buildings, and 5-Star rating for Ian Potter Southbank Centre
- Funding was secured for the Leaders for Global Sustainability University-wide flagship scholarship program
- The first University virtual sustainability tour was launched
- The Joining Melbourne sustainability module was created for new 2021 undergraduates
- Biodiversity mapping commenced across all campuses
Environmental sustainability
Sustainability Plan 2017–2020
The University-wide Sustainability Plan concluded at the end of 2020. Development of a new five-year plan commenced and will launch during 2021.
Outcomes
- Sustainability principles and practices have now been embedded
- Sustainability Fellowships Program is progressively integrating sustainability into core and compulsory curricula
- Successful adoption of University-wide Green Impact program
- Waste reduction and resource recovery have been driven by tackling waste at its source
- Sustainability principles in practice have been demonstrated across design, implementation and commissioning of major projects
- Carbon neutrality was progressed through power purchase agreements, on-campus energy projects, and assessment of indirect emissions of purchased goods and services such as air travel
- Biodiversity baseline data collection for all campuses commenced
The University’s new five-year Sustainability Plan is currently under development, bringing together inputs from over 400 staff, students and alumni.
Recognition for leadership in sustainable design
In 2020, the University’s commitment to a sustainable built environment was recognised with:
- Green Star ratings achieved on three major projects – 6-Star rating for Western Edge Biosciences and Werribee Teaching and Learning buildings, and 5-Star rating for the Ian Potter Southbank Centre
- Fishermans Bend Stage 1 project joined the Green Building Council of Australia Early Access Program
Assessing risks of climate change
The University collaborated with the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to understand and address the vulnerability of international students to climate-related risks as part of the Victorian Government’s Greater Melbourne Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.
Operational outputs demonstrate savings and efficiencies
2020 saw significant reductions in operational outputs and associated energy and cost savings, due to the move of most staff and students off campus in March.
Sustainability gains across 2020
Energy reduction and emissions
In 2020, the University reported a significant reduction in electricity usage.
Encouraging team participation and ownership of sustainability
The Green Impact program is a behaviour change and engagement program. The program encourages individuals to form teams and implement sustainability-based activities in their departments.
In 2020, due to COVID-19, with all on-campus activities ceased, the program went virtual, and instead individuals implemented green-based actions at home.
Organisational and student statistics
2020 enrolment by area of study (EFTSL)
3207
Architecture, building and planning
9001
Arts
9033
Business and economics
2278
Education
4317
Engineering and IT
1913
Fine arts and music
1593
Law
8332
Medicine, dentistry and health sciences
10,707
Science
1554
Veterinary and agriculture science
For more information, see page 92 of the annual report PDF.
