Give your research career the ultimate head start.
The Baker Institute has been at the forefront of heart and diabetes research for 100 years. From paving the way for Australia's first open heart surgery to predicting the diabetes epidemic, our history is one of bold ideas translated into real-world impact. That legacy — and the ambition that drives it — is what you'll be stepping into as a student here.
We offer Honours, Masters and PhD research opportunities across our four major programs: Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Diabetes, and Obesity and Cardiometabolic Disease. Our research spans the full spectrum, from laboratory discovery science through to clinical trials and community health, meaning your work won't just sit on a shelf — it has a genuine pathway to changing patient care.
What makes us different
World-class supervisors, real mentorship
Our supervisors are leaders in cardiovascular and diabetes research, with deep connections to universities including Cambridge, Oxford, Melbourne, Monash, La Trobe and Deakin. You'll receive strong academic support and the kind of career development that opens doors globally.
Technology that puts you ahead
You'll have access to some of Australia's most sophisticated research infrastructure — from our Single-Cell Omics and CRISPR Validation platforms to advanced metabolomics, proteomics and imaging facilities. This is the kind of technology that helps you ask bigger questions and find better answers.
A location like no other
Our laboratories, offices and clinics are co-located at Melbourne's Alfred Research Alliance precinct — one of Australia's most dynamic medical research hubs. Being embedded alongside clinical services means the translation from bench to bedside isn't just a concept — for us it is everyday practice.
A community that supports you
We're proud of the culture we've built. Collaborative, inclusive and genuinely supportive, the Baker Institute is a place where students are valued contributors — not just footnotes. We're committed to gender equity and diversity, and our Reconciliation Action Plan reflects our dedication to an environment where everyone belongs.
Research with purpose
Behind every project here is a reason that matters. Cardiovascular disease and diabetes are among the leading causes of death and disability in Australia and around the world. The work you do at the Baker Institute has the potential to improve and save lives.