Research Higher Degree (RHD) Program
The Department of Surgery strongly encourages the undertaking of RHD by research (PhD, MD M Surg and MSc). The main focus of such research is related to hepato-biliary-pancreatic disorders, organ transplantation and regulatory peptides. Students from both the medical and biomedical fields are welcome. There is also strong international interest from regional centres in this program leading to international post doctoral students undertaking this course.
Currently active research projects include the treatment of liver metastases by vascular disrupting agents, macromolecular drugs and hyperbaric oxygen, the role of liver regeneration in tumour growth, the role of microcirculatory disturbances and hyperbaric oxygen in severe acute pancreatitis, xenotransplantation and the role of regulatory peptides in the development of liver, colon, prostate and kidney tumours. In vivo and in vitro models for each of these projects are well established in the Department. Clinical material and tumour banks are extensively used.
Postgraduate Coordinator
Associate Professor Graham Baldwin,
The University of Melbourne,
Department of Surgery, Austin Health,
Studley Rd., Heidelberg, Vic 3084.
T: +61 3 9496 5592
E: grahamsb@unimelb.edu.au
Application Process
View the research projects offered by the HBPT, Regulatory Peptides, Cancer Biology and Transplantation Immunobiology research groups and decide which area most interests you. Contact the relevant researchers in your preferred research area to discuss your research interests in more detail. You must meet your potential supervisor in person before you apply as it is a criterion for acceptance into the course. (International applicants are advised to communicate in writing with a prospective supervisor to clarify and develop their research proposal before submitting a formal application).
Once a researcher has agreed to supervise you, and you have prepared a research outline/proposal, you will be required to formally apply to the University for admission into the postgraduate course. Application forms are available from the Melbourne School of Graduate Research or for International Students through the International Student Office.
Complete the application form, and lodge the application along with the required documentation, (either by post or in person) with the Department’s Postgraduate Student Coordinator, (Assoc Prof Graham Baldwin) or email to surgery-armc@unimelb.edu.au.
Each candidate must apply for a University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences’ scholarship or other scholarship. More details can be found on the Dept of Surgery Web site Research Scholarships & Prizes page.
The application process may require up to 12 weeks for local applicants (International applications can require even longer time).
A formal letter of offer or rejection will be sent to you. You should not commence your research project until you have received a formal letter of offer. If you require any further information about the PhD course please contact our Postgraduate Student Coordinator, Associate Professor Graham Baldwin.
Expectations and Outcomes of Research
The departmental philosophy supports the timely completion of all research undertaken by providing the necessary facilities, mentorship, technical expertise and funding support. In general everyone who undertakes research activities in the department will be expected to present their results at local, national or international meetings and be strongly encouraged to publish in peer reviewed journals. All full time enrolled research students are expected to present their work at the annual Austin Health Research Week and at any other appropriate conference. All clinical research undertaken by surgical trainees and junior hospital doctors will be encouraged to be presented at the annual Austin Surgery Research prize.