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Monash University SDG Report 2024
Monash Report 2024 – Goal 3
Research

Research

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2024 Research Performance View

In 2024 Monash University researchers produced 3410 publications related to SDG 3, with a mean Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) of 2.85.

What is Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI)?

Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) refers to the ratio of the actual number of citations received by a research output and the total citations expected based on the average of the subject field. An FWCI value of 1 may be interpreted as having ‘world average impact’. Thus, a publication with an FWCI of more than 1 indicates higher than expected citations based on the global average for similar publications. As FWCI reflects citations received to date, a publication’s FWCI value may fluctuate over time.

Monash advances in global health and infectious disease research View

Through various initiatives, researchers at Monash University have made significant strides in advancing global health:

Professor Kim Good-Jacobson and Dr. Lucy Cooper from the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute discovered a rogue immune cell affecting antibody responses in chronic viral infections, potentially leading to earlier interventions for diseases like HIV and hepatitis.
Associate Professor Rachel Hill and Professor Suresh Sundram identified a link between severe maternal COVID-19 infections and neurodevelopmental delays in infants, emphasising the need to protect pregnant women from viral infections.
An international study co-led by Monash University developed a potential drug candidate, DNDI-6174, for visceral leishmaniasis, highlighting the importance of partnerships in healthcare innovation.
Researchers developed a technique to enhance vaccine efficacy by activating 'bystander' immune cells, improving responses to vaccines like those for SARS-CoV-2.
Dr. Romain Ragonnet and Professor Zoe McQuilten received NHMRC Excellence Awards for their contributions to TB control and blood cancer research, respectively.

Photo of woman receiving vaccination

Monash researchers were finalists in the 2024 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes for their work in health and infectious disease research, including innovative models of care for viral hepatitis and real-time data-informed modelling for COVID-19.

Related SDGs

Innovative health studies for First Nations and rural communities View

Photo of Dr Camilla Faoro

Innovative studies led by Monash experts are set to improve health outcomes for First Nations people and rural communities:

A study led by Monash University and the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity identified a gene variant affecting immune response in First Nations people, providing insights for tailored vaccines and immunotherapies.
Dr. Rochelle Hine from Monash Rural Health is investigating holistic healing approaches with Aboriginal researchers and international partners to enhance mental health outcomes in rural areas.

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Monash advances women's health research View

Pioneering research at Monash is enhancing women's health, focusing on menopause and related conditions through several key initiatives:

Professor Susan Davis leads the Women's Health Research Program focusing on menopause and testosterone treatment, including the Australian Women’s Midlife Years (AMY) Study surveying over 8000 women to inform healthcare and policy.
A systematic review of menopause guidelines by Professor Susan Davis from the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, published in BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health, provides clarity on menopause treatment options.
The Norman Beischer Medical Research Foundation awarded grants to the School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health for projects on women's and children's health, including preterm birth and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

A systematic review by the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), published in Obesity Reviews, addresses weight stigma in PCOS management, calling for systemic changes in healthcare practices.

Related SDGs

Improving rural healthcare for marginalized communities View

Monash Rural Health, in collaboration with the Burnet Institute and West Gippsland Healthcare Group, is leading initiatives to improve healthcare for marginalised communities in rural areas:

The MIXMAX study is expanding its research team to understand the healthcare needs of people using illicit drugs in rural areas, aiming to reduce stigma and improve health outcomes.
A new study is exploring a supportive care pathway for rural cancer patients prescribed oral anti-cancer medicines, addressing gaps in care and improving patient safety and quality of life.

Related SDGs

Monash initiatives to enhance stroke care and outcomes View

Several initiatives at Monash University are spearheading improvements in stroke care and outcomes:

The ReCAPS trial, led by Professor Dominique Cadilhac and the Stroke and Ageing Research Group, won the 2024 ACTA Consumer Involvement Award for its digital health self-management support package for stroke patients.

ACTA award

An international research initiative, led by Associate Professor Natalie Trevaskis from the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, is developing a novel treatment for ischaemic stroke, focusing on non-invasive devices to enhance lymphatic clearance of brain waste.
Professors Thanh Phan and Henry Ma received a $2.2 million NHMRC Grant for a trial on thrombectomy versus standard therapy for medium-sized vessel occlusion strokes.
Dr. Zikou Liu and Professor Robert Medcalf demonstrated the potential of tranexamic acid as a secondary stroke prevention therapy for patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

Related SDGs

Global health impact studies on pollution by Monash researchers View

SDG-1 spending habit image

Under the leadership of Professor Yuming Guo, Monash researchers have published pivotal studies on the global health impacts of wildfire and air pollution in The Lancet and The Lancet Planetary Health. These studies highlight the severe mortality burden from landscape fires and short-term PM2.5 exposure, emphasising the need for urgent interventions and policy changes to mitigate health impacts, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and urban areas. The research aligns with the SDG 3 targets for reducing mortality from environmental pollution, and supports climate action and sustainable urban planning.

Read two articles about this groundbreaking research in Monash News

Short-term exposure to high levels of air pollution kills 1m globally every year (March 2024)
New study: more than 1.5 million die each year from wild/bush fire pollution (December 2024)

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Monash university's groundbreaking neonatal health research View

Groundbreaking research initiatives at Monash University are propelling advancements in neonatal health, including:

Dr. Lindsay Zhou's cord blood cell therapy research, recognised by PSANZ, focuses on the CORD SAFE clinical trial to improve health outcomes for extremely premature infants.
Professor Arvind Sehgal's team received the ANZNN Chiesi Best Neonatal Respiratory Research Award for demonstrating the benefits of kangaroo mother care in preterm infants.
The KlebNET Genomic Surveillance Project, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to combat neonatal sepsis by developing genomic surveillance tools for Klebsiella pneumoniae.
A study by Monash Children's Hospital and collaborators demonstrated the safety of using umbilical cord blood cells to prevent brain injuries in preterm infants, published in eBioMedicine.

Related SDGs

Monash advances in mental health research View

Researchers at Monash University have contributed to numerous studies advancing mental health and well-being:

Dr. Amanda Stephens collaborated with the University of Gustave Eiffel on driving anxiety, emphasising support mechanisms and barriers to seeking help.
Dr. Izaak Lim's project explores the role of fathers in childhood anxiety, aiming to improve father-inclusive mental health services.
Monash scientists contributed to developing new medicines for schizophrenia, highlighting partnerships and innovation.
Dr. Claire Foldi's research on psilocybin for anorexia nervosa shows potential for cognitive flexibility improvement.
Dr. Anton Isaacs' study on systemic issues in Australia's mental health system calls for integrated care.
Elizabeth Fisher and Professor Jakob Hohwy's research on psilocybin for depression suggests improved mental health outcomes.
Professor Jayashri Kulkarni's work on women's mental health has led to significant advancements in care and treatment.
A study by Turning Point and Monash University highlights the need for gender-specific mental health interventions during COVID-19.

Related SDGs

Monash University's pioneering mRNA vaccine research View

Leading the way in innovative mRNA vaccine research, Monash University contributes to global health by reducing mortality from infectious diseases and improving health outcomes:

The Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences are developing a universal influenza vaccine using mRNA technology, aiming to provide broader and longer-lasting immunity against diverse influenza strains.
The Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, in collaboration with the Peter Doherty Institute, is developing Australia's first mRNA COVID-19 vaccine candidate, addressing 'immune imprinting' and showing stronger antibody responses to Omicron variants.
The launch of the Moderna Technology Centre at Monash's Clayton campus will produce up to 100 million vaccine doses annually, enhancing access to vaccines for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.
Researchers led by Professor Tony Purcell and Dr. Asolina Braun have identified over 200 new vaccine target candidates from SARS-CoV-2, potentially leading to vaccines with longer-lasting and broader immunity.

Opening of Moderna Technology Centre

The Monash Ramaciotti Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy, in collaboration with the University of Oxford, has solved the structure of the T cell receptor on γδ T cells, enhancing understanding of immune responses and supporting immunotherapy and vaccine development.

Related SDGs

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MUARC advances in injury prevention and safety research View

Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) has been instrumental in advancing injury prevention and safety research through several key initiatives:

The Victorian Injury Atlas has been updated with the latest hospital admissions data, providing enhanced analysis of injury rates and frequencies to support research, policy-making, and community health initiatives.
The Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit's Hazard publication offers a comprehensive overview of fall-related injuries during hospital admissions in Victoria, highlighting trends and aiming to improve health outcomes by reducing fall-related injuries.
A study published in Injury Prevention by MUARC researchers, led by Associate Professor Janneke Berecki-Gisolf, enhances the predictive accuracy of injury severity scoring using the International Classification of Disease Injury Severity Score (ICISS), with significant implications for trauma care and injury management.

Related SDGs

Advancements in autoimmune disease treatment at Monash University View

Monash researchers are making significant progress in treating Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases:

Associate Professor Sarah Jones and MD-PhD candidate Iolanda Miceli's research on a novel drug targeting strategy for SLE has been recognised by the American College of Rheumatology, with Iolanda receiving the Emerging Investigator Excellence Award.
Associate Professor Joshua Ooi and Professor Richard Kitching have developed 'SMART-regs' to suppress disease-causing immune responses in lupus, with potential applications for other autoimmune diseases.
Monash researchers have advanced treatments focusing on the glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ), leading to the formation of the biotech spinout company GILZ Rx.
The Regulatory T Cell Therapies Group and the Centre for Inflammatory Disease have discovered a method to reprogram defective cells in lupus patients, potentially applicable to other autoimmune diseases.

Related SDGs

Forensic medicine studies on drug exposure and health risks View

Multiple studies from Monash's Department of Forensic Medicine and other research centres address health risks associated with drug exposure, promoting health and well-being in line with SDG 3:

A study revealed 50 child deaths in Victoria linked to methylamphetamine exposure, highlighting the need for improved detection methods and further research on long-term health impacts.
The EDNAV project found unreported illicit drugs in music festival goers, emphasising the need for harm reduction measures like pill testing.
Research on opioid tapering pathways identified successful strategies and highlighted socioeconomic disparities in healthcare access.
The Monash Addiction Research Centre reported increased naloxone availability in pharmacies, promoting overdose prevention.
Dr Zoe Duncan's research on methamphetamine users' mental health needs provided insights for targeted interventions.
A study identified stigma in healthcare affecting Alcohol and Other Drug treatment seekers, advocating for policy changes and person-centred care.

Related SDGs

Monash initiatives in dementia and Alzheimer's research View

Various initiatives at Monash University are advancing the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of dementia and Alzheimer's disease:

Dr. Amandeep Kaur from the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences developed a method using fluorescent sensors for early detection of neurodegenerative diseases.
Matthew Pase's research highlights the protective role of good sleep against dementia.
An international team, including Monash University's School of Psychological Sciences, developed a test predicting dementia up to nine years before diagnosis.
Professor Lei Zhang's study on gut microbiota's role in cognitive health suggests lifestyle changes to reverse cognitive decline.
Research by Associate Professor Chris Moran and Professor Velandai Srikanth links mid-life visceral fat to brain ageing and dementia risk.
The Centre of Research Excellence in Enhanced Dementia Diagnosis (CREEDD) conducted qualitative research to improve dementia diagnosis pathways.
A phase 2b clinical trial led by Professor Terence O’Brien and Dr. Lucy Vivash is assessing sodium selenate for treating behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia.
Research into terminal lucidity by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences explores end-of-life care for dementia patients.
Associate Professor Michele Callisaya advocates for gait measurement as a 'sixth vital sign' to prevent falls in dementia patients.

Related SDGs

Innovative cancer research at Monash University View

At the forefront of cancer research, Monash researchers are driving advancements in health and well-being:

Collaborating with the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, they have uncovered significant insights into the Hippo signalling pathway, crucial for understanding organ growth and cancer development.
Tim Baker and the Prostate Cancer Research Group are pioneering less toxic treatments for prostate cancer.
The Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute is using mathematical models to predict effective therapies for breast cancer, addressing treatment resistance.
Dr. Gwo Yaw Ho's team is exploring new treatments for ovarian cancer, focusing on the drug eribulin.
Associate Professor Jeremy Grummet is leading efforts to improve prostate cancer diagnostics and treatment.
Professors Ralf Schittenhelm and Anthony Purcell have discovered how natural killer cells target cancer cells, opening new treatment avenues.
The Victorian Paediatric Cancer Consortium, with Monash's involvement, is advancing childhood cancer research.
Researchers have solved the structure of the LYCHOS protein, a potential drug target for cancer and neurological disorders.

Related SDGs

Monash studies enhance older adults' health and well-being View

Leading multiple studies, Monash researchers focus on improving health and well-being among older adults, addressing ageing and medication use:

A study led by Dr. Christina Ekegren and others investigated subsidised exercise classes for older Australians, showing improvements in physical function and reduced sedentary time.
The Centre for Medicine Use and Safety (CMUS) collaborated with Japan’s Institute for Health Economics and Policy to study painkiller use in aged care, highlighting the need for improved pain management strategies.
CMUS also identified opportunities for deprescribing unnecessary medications among frail residents in aged care, promoting safer medication practices and addressing health inequalities.
Research on social activities and well-being among older people highlights loneliness as a significant issue, emphasising community engagement and social inclusion.
The AGELESS Research Project at Monash University Malaysia addresses cognitive frailty, aiming to enhance well-being and self-sufficiency in older adults, supporting SDG 3's targets for healthy lives.
A study on gabapentinoids by CMUS revealed increased hip fracture risk, emphasising careful medication assessment, supported by international collaboration with Austin Health, Harvard Medical School, and the University of Eastern Finland.
Research led by Professor Roger Pocock discovered pathways linking nervous system signals to mitochondrial health, with implications for ageing and metabolic diseases.
Professor Anita Wluka's study found that small weight gains in men increase back pain risk, highlighting modifiable risk factors to reduce the burden of back pain.
Dr. Aung Zaw Zaw Phyo and Professor Joanne Ryan's research on epigenetic age acceleration reveals links to frailty and cognitive decline, emphasising sex-specific healthcare strategies.

Related SDGs

Advancements in combating antibiotic resistance View

Monash University researchers have made significant advancements in combating antibiotic resistance through various innovative studies and collaborations:

Associate Professor Cornelia Landersdorfer from MIPS developed a QSP model to predict antibiotic resistance emergence, optimising dosing regimens and improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers at the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) discovered how Acinetobacter baumannii uses the T6SS to outcompete bacteria, providing insights into engineering new protein toxins.
Associate Professor Mike McDonald from the School of Biological Sciences revealed molecular reverse evolution in antibiotic resistance, opening avenues for restoring antimicrobial drug effectiveness.
A collaboration with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation led to the discovery of bacteriophages in Merri Creek that combat superbugs, emphasising ecological and partnership values.
Dr. Francesca Short from BDI highlighted the role of consumer products in driving antimicrobial resistance, advocating for better regulation and responsible production.
An international clinical trial coordinated by Monash Health and Monash University demonstrated the efficacy of a shorter antibiotic course, reducing resistance and healthcare costs.

Related SDGs

IBD and IBS health outcomes View

Several initiatives at Monash University are focused on enhancing health outcomes for patients with inflammatory and irritable bowel diseases:

Dr. Rimma Goldberg and Associate Professor Joshua Ooi, in collaboration with BioCurate, are developing a new cell therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) using a patient's own T cells.
Dr. Jessica Biesiekierski received the 2024 International Rome Foundation Research Award for her research on disorders of gut-brain interaction, focusing on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Dr. Leticia Camargo Tavares led a genetic study uncovering links between IBS and cardiovascular diseases, identifying potential therapeutic targets.
Monash University Malaysia partnered with My Myracle Sdn Bhd to conduct a trial on the effects of postbiotics on IBS, exploring potential health benefits and effective treatments.