IMPACT is unique in its transdisciplinary and collaborative structure. Our silo-free approach allows us to tackle the complex mental and physical disorders that are a significant burden of disease in Australia, and across the world.

About

Our story

IMPACT officially launched as an Institute in December 2019. We proudly sit within Deakin University’s School of Medicine.

Our team is made up of a diverse group of over 300 researchers, led by Director Alfred Deakin Professor Michael Berk and Deputy Director Professor Ken Walder.

2023 Annual Report
2022 Annual Report
2021 Annual Report
2020 Annual Report
2019 Annual Report

“We aim to improve mental and physical health at both the individual and population levels. Our team advance cross disciplinary, world-leading biomedical research and translate results into real-world medical or clinical practice that benefits the community.”

Where we work

Waurn Ponds

The Metabolic Research Unit (MRU) is a purpose-built molecular facility where our team performs cell culture and molecular biology research to discover novel factors involved in the development of obesity, type-2 diabetes and other disorders. The unit includes PC2 labs, an EchoMRI, echocardiography, histology core facility and microscopy suite.

Waurn Ponds is also home to our Molecular Medicine Research Facility (MMRF). We use this facility to investigate the molecular basis of cancer, immunology and host-pathogen interactions. The facility includes PC2 experimental and support laboratories for high-end molecular and cellular analyses.

Geelong

The Health Education & Research Building (HERB) is a collaboration between Barwon Health and Deakin University. The site hosts pre-clinical and clinical research in state-of-the-art biomedical and clinical research spaces. Facilities include PC2 labs, tissue culture facilities, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, microscopy, and a biobank.

Burwood

The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) is located on our Melbourne Burwood Campus. The centre provides advanced facilities to support our research across molecular, cell, animal and plant biology. This includes PC2 labs, atomic absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy and more.

The team making an impact

Meet our team of innovative thinkers who work in universities, laboratories, hospitals and community spaces across Geelong and Melbourne.