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. AI for Quantitative Medical Imaging

This research area explores the development and application of artificial intelligence to enable accurate and efficient quantitative imaging biomarkers. Projects may focus on quantitative MRI techniques such as proton density fat fraction (PDFF), T1 mapping, or intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), while remaining open to other imaging modalities. The goal is to improve image reconstruction, parameter estimation, and clinical interpretation to support more reliable disease assessment and monitoring.

3. Generative AI for Synthetic Medical Imaging

This topic investigates the use of generative artificial intelligence to create realistic synthetic medical images for research and clinical applications. Research may involve developing physics-informed diffusion models to generate synthetic MRI data tailored for data augmentation within deep learning frameworks. These approaches aim to enhance model robustness, address data scarcity, and support the development of advanced medical imaging algorithms.

4. 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.

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. Preclinical Imaging

Preclinical imaging focuses on developing and applying physical techniques to study biomedical processes in small-animal models prior to clinical translation. Research may involve advancing optical or multimodal imaging methods, improving image reconstruction, and developing quantitative tools to track disease progression or treatment response. These approaches help deepen biological understanding and support the development and validation of new therapies.

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.

9. Visualisation and Data Storytelling:

Visualisation and data storytelling explore ways to present complex scientific data through clear and engaging visual narratives. This research may involve interactive visualisation, 3D rendering, and cinematic approaches to communicate multidimensional imaging data. By combining scientific visualisation with principles from design and filmmaking, these methods aim to improve understanding and communication of complex biomedical information for researchers, clinicians, students, and the public.

10.  Cutting edge Medical Imaging innovations:

Projects are ongoing in collaboration with the Design Health Collab from MADA (Monash Art, Design and Architecture). These projects are interdisciplinary in nature, focusing on designing new innovative ways of imaging in remote and austere settings.

11. Professional Identity and Role Evolution in Radiography:

Radiography is an evolving profession shaped by technological innovation, workforce pressures, and expanding scopes of practice. This project investigates how radiographers develop professional identity and adapt to changing clinical roles. Through interviews, surveys, or ethnographic approaches, the research will examine professional boundaries, interdisciplinary collaboration, and career development within contemporary imaging departments.

12. Image Quality and Dose Optimisation in CT Imaging:

Computed tomography contributes significantly to population radiation exposure. This project will experimentally evaluate CT acquisition parameters to determine optimal balances between radiation dose and diagnostic image quality. The study may involve phantom experiments, objective image quality metrics, and radiologist observer studies to assess clinical acceptability. The findings aim to support improved protocol design and dose optimisation strategies.