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

A father gently cradles his newborn baby against his chest. The baby is sleeping peacefully, nestled into the father's shoulder, while the father looks down with a calm, loving expression. Both are dressed in white, and the background is softly lit, creating a tender and intimate moment.

Research finds link between gene activity in babies noses and wheezing illnesses

New findings from the Barwon Infant Study show the pattern of gene activity in baby’s noses is strongly linked to their risk of subsequent wheezing illnesses. The research published...

Research news
Two young girls with blonde hair, wearing matching white ribbed sports shirts with different coloured collars (one red, one navy), stand closely together in front of an indoor soccer goal. They are smiling, with one girl holding a basketball.

Genes, environment or a special bond? Why some twins talk and think in unison

Written for The Conversation by Professor Jeffrey Craig, Deakin University and Nancy Segal, California State University, Fullerton An interview with Paula and Bridgette Powers – identical twins who witnessed...

Research news
A pregnant woman sitting comfortably on a bed in a softly lit room, gently cradling her belly with both hands. She is wearing a cream-coloured textured knit sweater and dark blue jeans.

New NHMRC grant funding for Deakin autism research

Professor Peter Vuillermin from the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT) has been awarded $937,221 in funding as part of the National Health and Medical...

Research news

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