The Mary Mackillop Institute for Health Research comprises three research programs: Behaviour, Environment and Cognition; Bone Health and Fractures; Exercise and Nutrition.

Our research emphasises the complex interactions between individuals, social and physical aspects of their communities and health care systems.

This broad-based approach includes:

Environmental and behavioural epidemiological studies aimed at:

  • identifying key physical and social aspects of urban environments which promote physical and cognitive health across the lifespan
  • understanding how genetic, psychosocial and behavioural factors interact with the environment to impact on health identifying optimal person- and environment-tailored
  • intervention strategies for the promotion of health-related behaviours

Clinical-based exercise-nutrition studies and interventions for:

  • improving and maintaining muscle health
  • improving and maintaining metabolic health
  • the prevention and management of the adverse effects of cancer

Clinical osteoporosis studies for:

  • improving bone metabolism to prevent bone loss by modulating the gut microbiome
  • identifying components in the gut microbiome related to effects on bone metabolism
  • identifying novel clinical risk factors for fall injury and fractures in postmenopausal women and older men
  • updating the fracture risk prediction tool FRAX® to better identify those patients at highest risk of fracture

Learn more about our research projects, and how to get involved.

Our research programs

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Behaviour, Environment and Cognition Research Program

Exploring 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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Exercise and Nutrition Research Program

Investigating the roles of exercise and diet in the prevention of chronic lifestyle-related diseases.

Learn more

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

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