Medical research that works, together

At Deakin’s School of Medicine, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT) develops new and effective responses to mental and physical health for our community. We use cutting-edge approaches to translate our medical research from the laboratory to real-world solutions.

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About us

Our team of over 300 researchers has a shared aim to improve the quality of life of our global community. We work to develop innovative diagnostics, treatments and therapies for mental health conditions and chronic diseases.

Our multi-disciplinary, collaborative and responsive approach allows us to quickly translate our biomedical discoveries, made at the science lab bench, into treatment possibilities at the bedside of our trial patients and the broader community.

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What we do

Cells

In our state-of-the-art biomedical and clinical research labs, we explore the molecular basis of health and disease, such as basic gene discovery and molecular analysis.

Body

We explore the complex interrelation between mental and physical health, including identifying and modifying factors in our environment, diet and chronic diseases.

Mind

We work to find new approaches to treating mental health disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder by discovering novel drugs or repurposing pre-existing ones used for other conditions.

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See what we've been up to lately

Two girls sitting outdoors at a table, laughing and enjoying glasses of yogurt parfait topped with granola and fresh berries. The image is mostly black and white, except for the vibrant red and orange colours of the fruit and yogurt, which are in full colour. Trees and greenery are visible in the blurred background.

MRFF funding to investigate probiotic yoghurt as a treatment for childhood depression 

A team of researchers from Deakin University’s Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT) have received almost $1 million in funding from the Medical Research Future...

Food and Mood
An older couple sits together in a sunny indoor space near a large window. Both are wearing sunglasses and smiling at the camera. The woman has short white hair, a beige jacket, and a chunky brown scarf. The man has short white hair, a dark sweater, and holds a grey jacket on his lap. Trees and a rooftop are visible outside the window behind them.

Treating depression may extend healthy life in older adults 

New research from Deakin University’s Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT) suggests that appropriate antidepressant treatment in older adults may help extend the number of...

Depression
A close-up photograph of a mosquito perched on the edge of a green leaf. The mosquito's delicate legs are clearly visible, along with fine details of its body. The background consists of blurred green foliage, creating a natural setting

Identifying new pathways for malaria treatments

Malaria cases are rising, prompting the World Health Organisation to call for new treatments to combat this global health challenge.  Transmitted by infected mosquitoes, malaria is most common in...

Infectious Diseases

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