From the Vice-Chancellor

Research-led teaching is one of the things which makes universities unique among educational institutions and that relationship is central to the work of our University.

Because many of our world-class researchers are also passionate and committed teachers, our students have access to people who are at the forefront of research.

At Melbourne, this connection is augmented in several different ways, including:

• drawing on personal research in designing and teaching courses;
• placing the latest research in the field within its historical context in classroom teaching;
• designing learning activities around contemporary research issues;
• teaching research methods, techniques and skills explicitly within subjects;
• building small-scale research activities into undergraduate assignments, and
• involving students in departmental research projects.

For example, the University’s largest faculty, Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, is home to many researchers who have joint appointments at hospitals around Australia, and who work on some of the nation’s greatest health challenges. 

At the Faculty of Veterinary Science, research and teaching are closely linked, as students and staff work side-by-side at the University’s research-intensive Werribee Veterinary Clinic and Hospital. As well as providing a variety of veterinary services to the public, the hospital conducts clinical trials which provide new or promising therapies for diseases, and advance animal, human and environmental wellbeing through the education and development of veterinary scientists.

These relationships – and the other ways in which researchers combine their own projects with their teaching – mean students get the benefit of teachers who are experts in their fields, but who also have a wider understanding of the challenges and joys of a career in research, and the landscape in which budding researchers will find themselves. 

Such is the importance of the research/teaching connection that the University also encourages external experts to teach its students. 

Late last month, the celebrated British architect Peter Cook spoke as part of the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning’s public lecture program, then taught a two-week Masterclass for Masters-level students which culminated in an exhibition of their work on new underground public transport stations in Melbourne. 

These and many other opportunities throughout the year will expose all the University’s students, in one way or another, to the coalface of Australia’s research effort.

It takes some of the best and brightest teachers to educate and inspire tomorrow’s leaders. 

Glyn Davis
Vice-Chancellor