Monash University research initiatives play a major role in the Global Health Melbourne Plan launched today by the Victorian Government.
The Global Health Melbourne Plan aims to increase engagement on a global scale and boost exports into the world's fastest growing health markets by leveraging Victoria's world-leading medical research, education and training.
Part of the Victorian Government's strategy to generate jobs and create new business opportunities in overseas markets, the plan sets seven key business opportunities worth more than $2.6 billion annually.
Two priorities outlined will see Monash lead initiatives to build links in Indonesia and China through the Australian Centre for Indonesia Studies and the Shenzhen-Monash Cooperation Agreement.
Monash University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Ed Byrne AC said the announcement cements the University's reputation as a leader in global research and educational collaborations.
"Over the last four years, Monash has focused its efforts in forging links internationally. This is a fantastic opportunity to utilise the knowledge and expertise at our disposal and translate it into new business and employment opportunities," Professor Byrne said. "We're delighted to play a role in the blueprint for Victoria's future and we look forward to working in partnership with the State Government and other Victorian institutions."
The Global Health Melbourne Plan is an example of the University's increasing reputation for establishing international research and business opportunities. The University has over 22,000 international students from 158 countries and has established nine overseas campuses including sites in Malaysia, South Africa and India along with a strategic alliance with the University of Warwick, UK.
In 2012, Monash became the first Australian university, and only the third foreign university, to be granted permission to operate in China. In recognition of the University's global standing, Monash was awarded the Victorian and National Australian Export Award in 2013.
The Australian Government allocated $15 million in funding over four years to Monash to establish an Australian Centre for Indonesia Studies. Based at the University's Caulfield campus, the Centre will drive health related research and commercial partnerships between the two countries.
Monash will also lead on the Shenzhen-Monash Cooperation Agreement to increase Australia's links with China. The University will provide training to health professionals and hospitals in Shenzhen. Staff have already trained more than 1000 Chinese health professionals to help patients manage chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart health.
Key University staff will also support the National Trauma Research Institute and Alfred Health with a four year Australia-India collaboration to reduce road trauma victims. The Australia-India Trauma Systems Collaboration (AITSC), part of the Global Health Melbourne Plan will investigate the care and management of people of trauma victims from the first response by emergency services through to rehabilitation.