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

An image containing two headshots. The image on the left is Deakin Distinguished Professor Felice Jacka standing in front of a green leafy background. Felice is wearing black pants, a navy jumper, a black hat and round sunglasses. The second image on the right is Amelia Mcguinness in front of a green leafy background. Amelia is wearing a burgundy jumper with a collared shirt underneath.

MRFF funding for research into Long COVID causes and treatment via the gut microbiome

Researchers from Deakin University’s Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation’s (IMPACT) Food & Mood Centre have received funding totalling close to $1 million through the 2023...

Food and Mood
Professor Julie Pasco and GOS participant Rhonda Gambetta who is the 300th person in the 25 year check up for woman

Geelong study celebrates 30 years of knowledge gains in healthy ageing

A Geelong based study looking at bone health in the broader population has reached a significant scientific milestone, notching up 30 years of data collection that is helping build...

Population Health

Food and exercise can treat depression as well as a psychologist, our study found. And it’s cheaper

Around 3.2 million Australians live with depression. At the same time, few Australians meet recommended dietary or physical activity guidelines. What has one got to do with the other?Our...

Food and Mood

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