Studying at the Florey

Attracting enquiring minds

The Florey’s PhD students help make medical discoveries that improve the health outcomes of those affected by brain disorders. The Florey’s focus on the brain and diverse range of world class scientists makes it an attractive place to undertake postgraduate research. The multidisciplinary nature of brain research means that the Florey is privileged to have young researchers whose initial degrees were in biology, medicine, science and engineering.

The Florey’s reputation as Australia’s leading neuroscience institute has helped the recruitment of high quality researchers from universities within Melbourne, interstate and internationally. At present, for example, there are students from China, Denmark, Germany, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Iran and Singapore undertaking higher degrees. Currently there are more than 68 PhD or Masters students, plus 18 students undertaking their Honours or Advanced Medical Science Program research.

Science in the real world

Students at the Florey work in teams with more experienced scientists to ensure they gain a thorough grounding in research practice. In such a supportive environment, with staff devoted to full-time research, students can achieve their full potential. Students routinely attend national meetings, especially those of the Australian Neuroscience Society, where the Florey is an extremely active participant. As part of their overall learning experience, PhD students attend an international meeting and visit overseas laboratories.

Career development for students

Through the Postgraduate Matters Committee, the Florey strives for best practice in expediting students through candidature and in all facets of student training, including advanced training for supervisors. The Committee also ensures that Florey procedures are congruent with the latest University of Melbourne policy.

Since 2004, the Florey has conducted an integrated, in-house review of student progress. Under the supervision of the Postgraduate Matters Committee, each postgraduate student prepares a report and delivers a scientific presentation of the type that would be expected at a learned society. The process also involves constructive feedback on progress and science.

See Potential Student Projects.

Melbourne – a city of science

Melbourne is Australia’s second largest city and embraces the largest bodies of scientific research, development and business in the southern hemisphere.

The state of Victoria accounts for about 25% of Australia’s population, yet we carry out more than 40% of the nation’s health and medical research. The universities of greater Melbourne produce more students from the sciences than any other Australian city. We also rank alongside London and Boston as the only cities with two world-class medical teaching universities.

Melbourne is a great place to live and study.

Students