Projects on offer

Ongoing and prospective research projects are wide-ranging and encompass broad fields relating to the use of diagnostic and therapeutic medical applications:

1. Oncology and Radiation Oncology:

Projects are ongoing in collaboration with clinical sites including Peter McCallum Cancer Institute, The Austin Hospital (Olivia Newton John Centre) and Monash Medical Centre.  These projects have an emphasis on molecular imaging of lung, breast and prostate.  Investigators are focussing on the use of PET and PET/CT with a range of novel radiotracers, as well as respiratory-gated PET/CT and factors affecting the motion of tumours during radiation therapy.

2. Musculo-skeletal Imaging:

Projects are ongoing in collaboration with clinical sites including Imaging @ Olympic Park and The Avenue Hospital. These projects have an emphasis on tendon injury and repair.  Investigators are focussing on rehabilitation using stem cell therapy.

3. Neuro Imaging:

Projects are ongoing in collaboration with the University of Melbourne, the Brain Research Institute (Howard Florey Institute) and industry partners.  These projects have an emphasis on functional networks.  Investigators are focussing on applications such as surgical planning for tumour resection and determining whether interventions can be established to relieve sufferers of chronic cough.

4. Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Paediatrics:

Projects are ongoing in collaboration with clinical sites including Monash Medical Centre, Royal Children’s' Hospital, The Mercy Hospital and Townsville Hospital.  These projects have an emphasis on the effects of prematurity on cardiac and renal structure and function.   Investigators are focussing on the limits of ultrasound imaging in determining clinical risk factors.

5. Forensic Imaging:

Projects are ongoing in collaboration with the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine and industry partners.  These projects have an emphasis on improving decision making based on image analysis.  Investigators are focussing on the role of machine learning in identifying the characteristics of gunshot wounds.

6. Synchrotron Imaging:

Projects are ongoing in collaboration with Breast Screen Victoria, the University of Sydney and the CSIRO.  These projects have an emphasis on improving breast imaging.  Investigators are focussing on the role of phase contrast enhancement to facilitate low dose breast tomography.

7. Work Practice:

Projects are ongoing in collaboration with academic institutions including the University of North Carolina.  These projects have an emphasis on professionalism (fitness to practise), burnout, and radiographer role extension.

8. Education:

Projects are ongoing investigating assessment, curriculum design, simulated and online learning, clinical education, outcomes focused education and program evaluation.