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Number of Monash Research Outputs: 123

Mean Field Weighted Citation Impact of Monash Outputs: 1.37

3 Year Rolling Mean FWCI of Monash Outputs: 1.91

Centre for Development Economics and Sustainability researchers in Monash Business School have shared the findings of their work on a parental skill training intervention program to improve hygiene and sanitation among families in rural Bangladesh. The researchers implemented two methods to promote good hygiene practices, hand washing and balanced-food provision aimed at families with new infants. Findings from the studies have shown long-term gains in better childcare practice during the pandemic and substantial holistic family improvement, with older children also benefiting from the parent’s training.

Overall, the research has highlighted the importance of filling the gaps in parental skill knowledge as it improves the quality of childcare and future child outcomes.

Other SDGs:

Mining, fertiliser and pesticide runoff from intensive industrial and farming activity contributes to heavy metal pollution of our waterways. Conventional approaches to remedy this pollution are frequently ineffective and generate toxic sludge. Researchers at Monash University Malaysia’s School of Science have been working with Universiti Malaya and Universiti Sains Malaysia to explore the use of microorganisms, algae and plants for bioremediation of these polluted environments.

The research team’s latest study involved the use of exopolymeric substances (EPS), naturally occurring complex biopolymers produced by bacteria that are able to chelate and sequester heavy metals. These substances make attractive biomolecules for remediation of waterways, due to their environment-friendly nature and the ability to upscale their use. This study has significant benefits for green chemistry, in using EPS as the agent for metal removal in future wastewater treatment initiatives.