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

Three women wearing activewear are standing outdoors, smiling and chatting while holding yoga mats. They appear relaxed and happy, possibly after a workout or yoga session. Trees and a metal railing are in the background.

How does menopause affect bone loss in women?  

Menopause increases the risk of fractures in women, largely due to a decline in bone mineral density, otherwise known as bone loss.    While the effects of postmenopausal bone loss...

Research news
A woman with curly hair is smiling while preparing food in a kitchen. She is holding a wooden spoon in one hand and leafy greens in the other, standing at a wooden bench with a cutting board, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and radishes. A bowl of salad and an avocado are also on the bench. The kitchen has white cabinets and a patterned tile backsplash.

World-first trial proves lifestyle medicine as effective as psychological treatment for mental health issues

Food and Mood researchers have published a world- first trial in Lancet Regional Health showing that lifestyle therapy is as clinically- and cost-effective as psychotherapy for helping relieve depressive...

Research news
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Using biomaterials to support the body’s ability to restore itself

Associate Professor Richard Williams works in the field of regenerative medicine, where he develops naturally inspired nanostructured materials to guide the formation of new tissue, drug delivery, and tissue-engineered...

Research news

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