Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research

The Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research (MMIHR) aims to address critical public health issues by identifying and responding with innovative programs that deliver better health outcomes and transform lives. 

MMIHR collaborates with team of renowned researchers and international academics alongside HDR students and professional staff to tackle today's most pressing health challenges. 

Meet the team

Our team of award winning, world-class researchers bring together their diverse strengths through each of our research programs.   

Meet our people

An aerial photo of the Melbourne cityscape. StPatrick's Cathedral is prominently featured.

Behaviour, Environment and Cognition Research Program

The Behaviour, Environment and Cognition Research Program explores the interaction between urban environments and physical and cognitive health.

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Bone Health and Fractures Research Program

The Bone Health and Fractures Research Program has a strong focus on improving fracture prediction and identifying novel prevention and treatment strategies for osteoporosis.

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A woman in a lab coat and wearing gloves looks through a microscope.

Exercise and Nutrition Research Program

The Exercise and Nutrition Research Program investigates the roles of exercise and diet in the prevention of chronic lifestyle-related diseases.

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News and events

Move for three minutes every half hour to counteract effects of sitting

20 September 2021

Standing up and moving for three minutes every half hour may lessen the health impacts of sitting too much, a new study shows.

How to feed an Olympian: Professor Louise Burke on the delicate mix of timing, carbs and protein

20 September 2021

When all else is equal the difference between Olympic gold and silver may come down to something as seemingly simple as what an athlete eats.

Keto diet may ramp up fat burning but comes at direct expense of elite performance

26 July 2021

The ketogenic diet may turn elite Olympic athletes into fat-burning machines but new ACU research has found it does not improve endurance.

Cyclists fail the nutrition test

12 July 2021

Eating isn’t cheating, according to an Australian Catholic University study that found inadequately fuelled cyclists could be sabotaging their most important rides.

More greenery and less traffic around schools may help young children learn better

17 June 2021

Green space around primary schools may improve students’ academic performance.

Evening is the best time of day to exercise for glycaemic control, ACU study

26 May 2021

Men who were overweight and at risk of diabetes had better overnight blood sugar control when they exercised in the early evening rather than in the morning.

Featured projects

MMIHR project - exercise therapy

Exercise therapy

Men with prostate cancer experience increased rates of mental health issues. This project examines whether exercise aids the management of mental health issues in men with cancer.

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Built environment and physical activity

We’re supporting the International Physical Activity and the Environment Network (IPEN) Adolescent study, which explores how the built environment affects physical activity and obesity in teenagers.

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Greenery and mental health

Mental health issues are common in residential aged care facilities. This project investigates whether exposing new residents to greenery may protect them against declining wellbeing.

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MMIHR research - epigenetic control

Epigenetic control and the circadian clock

We are collaborating with the University of Copenhagen, Karolinska Institute and the University of Carolina to further understand the benefits of exercise for people with type 2 diabetes.

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Get in touch

Level 5, 215 Spring Street,
Melbourne, VIC, 3000

Connect with us

Chat with our team via social media.

Call (03) 9230 8110
Email mackillopinstitute@acu.edu.au