Postgraduate Prospectus 2020 (Mar 2020) | Page 7

If you’re passionate about tackling global challenges and collaborating with some of the brightest minds in your discipline, then Monash is the place where your ideas and actions can gain momentum. Our researchers are driven by a singular goal: to change lives. It’s why they’re constantly questioning the answers, looking beyond traditional boundaries, and discovering ways of addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges. Think about the change you want to see in the world and let’s make that happen. Monash’s platform for scholarly engagement with Southeast Asia World-leading research infrastructure, services and systems International and multidisciplinary research platforms Guidance from academics at the forefront of their disciplines Global partnerships with industry, government, non-profits and other universities Research priorities aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Combating dengue Dengue is a mosquito-borne virus that infects millions of people every year. Researchers at Monash’s Southeast Asia Community Observatory worked closely with the Ministry of Health in Malaysia to develop a mobile application that can be used to geo-locate, tag and photograph potential breeding sites as well as the location of dengue cases. This application is helping health officials to better manage their resources and conduct targeted fogging. Detecting harmful pollutants A team led by Associate Professor Narayanan Ramakrishnan is working on an advanced sensor that can detect harmful environmental pollutants. The sensor will be able to function without a power supply and can be manufactured into wearables like watches, rings and belts. This invention will make an enormous difference for people living in polluted cities. River revitalisation A 48-month long project is underway to revitalise a river that runs through Sunway City. Monash researchers, led by Professor Khu Soon Thiam, are implementing a smart system to remove and regulate pollutants. The river will be transformed into a waterfront, enhancing the quality of life for the township’s residents and increasing the economic value of its surroundings. Revising drug dosages Our genes affect how our bodies respond to medicine, yet most drug dosages on the market are tailored to the caucasian body. Professor Gan Siew Hua’s study was the first to learn that Malaysians have increased difficulty metabolising certain antidepressants, antihypertensives and analgesics, leading to more side effects. By adjusting drug doses based on genetic differences, we can ensure that all patients are receiving the best treatment possible. Alleviating traffic congestion Traffic congestion costs Malaysia RM13 billion yearly in lost productivity, wasted fuel and environmental damage. Dr Susilawati’s research is looking into coordinating traffic signals to reduce up to 100 seconds in travel time for each driver. She’s part of a multidisciplinary research team at Monash that is developing an intelligent transportation ecosystem to ease traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions. Creating enabling environments for the ageing RM8.85 MILLION RECEIVED IN EXTERNAL RESEARCH FUNDING (2018) Associate Professor Teh Pei Lee heads the Gerontechnology Lab, an interdisciplinary research platform focused on developing assistive technology to help older people live actively and independently. Her research team has designed a smart home system that allows the user to place their smartphone on a photo of their room and interact with the objects pictured within. This means that they can turn on their lights with just a single tap. POSTGRADUATE PROSPECTUS 2020 5