Education and Professional Development

The Doherty Institute offers a comprehensive and flexible academic environment that supports individuals at every stage of their career in biomedical science and public health. Whether students are just beginning their undergraduate studies or advancing through postgraduate research, the Doherty Institute provides tailored pathways that combine rigorous academic training with real-world relevance. 

University of Melbourne Undergraduate (including Undergraduate with Honours) students benefit from research-led learning in disciplines such as microbiology, immunology, and virology, guided by expert educators and supported by state-of-the-art teaching facilities. For those pursuing postgraduate study, the University of Melbourne Master of Biomedical Science offers a research-intensive alternative to Honours, preparing students for doctoral research. The Doherty Institute  is distinguished by its integration of world-class research, structured professional development, mentorship from leading scientists, equipping graduates to become future leaders in science and public health. Enrolled through the University of Melbourne, PhD candidates at the Doherty Institute willbenefitfrom being part of a globally recognised higher education institution, enhancing its academic reputation and international reach. 

Beyond formal education, the Doherty Institute fosters professional growth through a rich ecosystem of development opportunities for our students and staff. Clinicians, public health specialists and researchers engage in graduate research across diverse fields including pathogen genomics, epidemiology, and clinical trials. Structured modules in communication, leadership, and career planning are embedded within research programs to ensure participants are well-prepared to translate scientific discoveries into clinical and public health outcomes. 

Nurturing early– and mid-career researchers is a priority at the Doherty Institute; these are our future leaders of scientific innovation. As a joint venture between the University of Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Doherty Institute benefits from the resources of a world-class university, including access to competitive internal funding schemes, professional development programs, and research infrastructure, as well as the clinical expertise and translation research opportunities from one of the largest health providers in Australia. This affiliation enhances the opportunities available to early and mid-career researchers and strengthens the Institute’s capacity to support emerging talent. 

A key pillar of early and mid-career researcher support at the Doherty Institute is the eMERGE Committee – a dedicated group that represents early- and mid-career researchers at the operational level of the Institute’s governance. This committee plays a vital role in advocating for the needs and interests of early and mid-career researchers, ensuring their voices are heard in strategic decision-making. Beyond representation, eMERGE fosters a vibrant and inclusive culture by organising networking events, skill-building workshops, and peer support initiatives. The committee helps create a nurturing environment where early and mid-career researchers can thrive both individually and collaboratively.  

The Doherty Institute provides professional development opportunities and capacity building training for public health professionals, researchers and scientists, especially in the Western Pacific Region. These activities form part of our global health strategy and provide avenues for enhancing research collaborations. 

Together, these efforts reflect a comprehensive and strategic approach to early and mid-career researcher development – one that combines funding, mentorship, representation, and community-building to foster a sustainable and dynamic research ecosystem. 

At the Doherty Institute, education is not a standalone pursuit – it is deeply embedded within a dynamic ecosystem of research and public health. Students at all levels, from undergraduate to PhD, are immersed in a learning environment where scientific inquiry and societal impact go hand in hand. The Institute’s research themes –antimicrobial resistance, bacterial and parasitic infections, immunology and viral infectious diseases—are not only the foundation of its scientific output, but also the backbone of its educational programs.  

This integration means that students are actively contributing to real-world challenges, working alongside researchers and public health professionals to generate knowledge that informs policy, improves clinical practice, and advances global health outcomes. The Institute’s close ties with public health agencies and its role in pandemic response exemplify how education is shaped by and contributes to urgent health priorities. 

Supporting this model is a commitment to innovative teaching infrastructure and expert-led instruction. The Doherty Institute leverages the University of Melbourne’s world-class facilities, including advanced laboratories and digital learning platforms. Educators have transformed traditional lectures into multimedia-rich formats that incorporate video production and interactive digital tools, enhancing accessibility and student engagement. In another initiative, students explore virology through immersive virtual reality environments, allowing them to interact with virus structures and processes in a hands-on, visually compelling way. These approaches exemplify how the Institute integrates education, research, and public health to create a dynamic and impactful learning environment. 

This research-integrated learning approach ensures that students are not only gaining academic knowledge but are also developing the skills, insights, and experience needed to become leaders in biomedical science and public health. 

A vibrant culture of professional development is cultivated at the Doherty Institute through a wide range of collaborative, academic, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. These opportunities connect researchers, clinicians, and students at all career stages with peers, mentors, and global experts, fostering growth, innovation, and interdisciplinary exchange. 

Regular research seminars and symposia are a cornerstone of this culture, providing a platform for staff and students to present their work, receive feedback, and stay informed about the latest developments in infectious diseases, immunology, and public health. These events not only promote scientific exchange but also help build confidence and communication skills among early-career researchers.  

The Doherty Institute also supports participation in national and international conferences, enabling researchers to showcase their work, build professional networks, and engage with global scientific communities. These experiences are often supported through internal funding schemes and university-wide travel grants, particularly for early and mid-career researchers. 

Further professional development opportunities are provided through academic working groups and collaborative networks that span disciplines and institutions. These groups bring together researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals to tackle complex challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, pandemic preparedness, and vaccine development. The Doherty Institute’s strong international partnerships further enhance these collaborative opportunities, offering access to joint research programs, global health initiatives, and cross-institutional mentorship. 

Together, these activities create a dynamic environment where professional development is embedded in everyday practice. By encouraging collaboration, knowledge exchange, and global engagement, the Doherty Institute ensures that its community remains at the forefront of scientific and public health innovation.