La Trobe University > Research > Research centres and institutes > Health and molecular research

Health and molecular research

La Trobe University focuses on research that attacks disadvantage, builds health and wellbeing, and advocates access to high-quality systems and services. We have a growing reputation in the Asia-Pacific region for our work in strengthening equitable health systems for communities most disadvantaged by poverty, poor educational achievement and reduced life opportunities.

Behavioral (1)

two glasses of beer, close upCentre for Alcohol Policy Research

The Centre for Alcohol Policy Research (CAPR) is a world-class academic unit at the forefront of alcohol research. Our discoveries are used to promote and inform the development of evidence-based, effective alcohol policy in Australia and internationally.

We work closely with the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) and other partners to ensure our findings are translated for policymakers and the public. We conduct research in three broad areas:

  • Monitoring which includes consumption trends, international comparisons, harms from alcohol, costs and method development.
  • Intervention opportunities covering taxation, trade agreements, liquor outlets, policy changes and behaviours.
  • Contexts such as the home, events, cognitions and cultures.

Care (6)

three elderly males and baby girl sitting in chairs, holding babyAustralian Institute for Primary Care & Ageing

Through research, consultancy and educational activities AIPCA advances knowledge and promotes quality improvement and consumer driven evidence based practice in all areas of:

  • primary health
  • community health
  • aged care

nurse's hands disinfecting young girl's arm for injection Centre for Health Communication and Participation

Our mission is to improve the health of consumers by supporting their participation in health care through effective communication with health care providers. We have an applied focus, with three principal roles:

  • coordinating the production and publication of evidence on interventions to communicate with people about health
  • generating innovative research on communication issues that have been neglected, such as multimorbidity
  • getting evidence into practice and policy and making the results of our research accessible to healthcare professionals, consumers and patients.

group photo outside with trees in background of the JRCRAR teamJohn Richards Centre for Rural Ageing Research

The development and implementation of a program of research that makes a difference to the well-being of a diverse range of older people living in rural communities.

The centre (JRC) is involved in four key research areas:

  • Ageing in Place
  • Health and Aged Care
  • Workforce and Informal Care
  • Technology

mum holding newborn baby with two la trobe female staff members smiling and interacting closely with babyJudith Lumley Centre

We have a broad public health and population focus and an inclusive approach to the social and medical aspects of health and care for parents and infants. A wide range of disciplines contribute to our research.

We emphasise the need for research, service development, evaluation and policy to be linked.

We support testing interventions in randomised trials, research translation into clinical practice, and implementation of effective and cost-effective interventions.

outside, with greenery background, in red filtered image of the olga tennison autism research centre teamOlga Tennison Autism Research Centre

Our mission is to advance knowledge of autism and to study and develop evidence-based strategies for supporting affected individuals and families. The objectives of OTARC are to:

  • facilitate large and/or ongoing research projects
  • facilitate collaboration with other research centres both nationally and internationally
  • foster and support a National Research Network
  • conduct campaigns to improve the public profile of autism research, thereby attracting  additional research funds via grants and donations
  • provide opportunities for student and early career research and mentoring programs
  • foster knowledge transfer to families and practitioners within the field.

Portrait photo of a young Violet Vines MarshmanViolet Vines Marshman Centre for Rural Health Research

Our Centre is transforming rural health outcomes through research, collaboration and community engagement.

Cellular research (1)

female in lab coat examining research on computer in lab Research Centre for Extracellular Vesicles

The Research Centre for Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) links basic, applied and clinical research strengths at La Trobe providing a focus for learning, academic and collaborative pursuit to understand and exploit EVs. Understanding cellular and tissue communication in all organisms will change how we view complex biological systems, such as:

  • aging
  • immunity
  • cancer
  • infection.

Led by Professor Andy Hill, the Research Centre for Extracellular Vesicles will significantly contribute to the School of Molecular Science objectives and University strategic priorities of translatable and excellent research, game changing partners and industry connectedness and a transformed student experience.

Sport and exercise medicine (2)

image of large sport stadium lit up with city landscape in background

Centre for Sport and Social Impact

The Centre for Sport and Social Impact (CSSI) strives to change the future of sport management practices and policy and their impact on society through real world research and engagement with industry and government.

The CSSI draws from the disciplines of organisational behaviour, management, marketing, economics, law, sociology and public policy to investigate issues that impact on the efficacy of sport organisations operating in the corporate, public and nonprofit sectors of the economy and their impact on society.

lower legs and shoes of athletes at start blocks on athletics trackLa Trobe sport and exercise medicine Research Centre

We are a world-leading collaborative centre for sport and exercise medicine research. Our research impacts on policy, clinical practice, activity participation, and health and well-being both here in Australia and internationally. Our mission is to:

  • Conduct world-class research in sport and exercise medicine
  • Disseminate sport and exercise medicine research
  • Foster sport and exercise medicine research training at La Trobe University
  • Translate sport and exercise medicine research into policy
  • Develop an international profile through collaboration and exchange

Prevention (1)

Research Centre for Molecular Cancer Prevention

The Research Centre for Molecular Cancer Prevention (RCMCP) is a research program for the discovery and implementation of molecular cancer prevention strategies.

Our objective is to lead innovative research and research training in molecular cancer prevention.

We do this by:

- integrating the expertise and capabilities at La Trobe University into new and innovative research programs, enabling molecular targeted cancer prevention therapies that benefit and impact society.

- providing cross-discipline education, training and career development opportunities in cancer prevention research and related skills.

National Research Centres (3)

La Trobe University participates in a number of collaborative research centres with other research organisations, industry and government bodies.

Aphasia CRE

Aphasia CRE - Life-changing research into aphasia

The Centre for Research Excellence in Aphasia Rehabilitation and Recovery (Aphasia CRE) aims to transform the health and wellbeing of people with aphasia and their families through research that leads to enhanced, cost-effective and sustainable interdisciplinary aphasia rehabilitation and community services.

We are a national research centre based at La Trobe University led by Professor Miranda Rose, with Chief Investigators (CI) based at numerous universities and institutes Australia-wide.

The $2.5 million centre is funded by the National Health Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

two male students closely examining cellular image/print out on wallARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging

The highly collaborative Centre brings together biologists, physicists and chemists from:

By building Australia’s knowledge, capabilities and capacity in advanced molecular imaging and immunology, the Centre will provide an unprecedented understanding of how immune recognition events result in immune responses. It will also pioneer the next generation of imaging at the atomic, molecular, cellular and whole animal levels.

small male child holding two square blocks up to his eyesCooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism

Our vision is to see autistic people empowered to discover and use their diverse strengths and interests. Our mission is to motivate, facilitate and translate collaborative autism research across the life span, underpinned by inclusive practices.

Our programs take a whole-of-life view from diagnosis and the early years, through the school years and into adult life.  We are committed to inclusive research practices and co-production of outcomes with those on the spectrum and their families to ensure our research provides practical and tangible outputs that benefit the community.