The Western Centre for Health Research and Education (Western CHRE) is an innovative and sustainable teaching, training and research precinct in Western Melbourne.
The Centre aims to make a major contribution to the future health of the Victorian community. Further, the work of the precinct will realise significant benefits for the social and economic development of Victoria based on excellence in research, a high calibre workforce, and solid infrastructure support.
Western CHRE is a three-way partnership between Western Health, Victoria University (VU) and The University of Melbourne. It is located at the Western Health Sunshine hospital.
VU staff and students located within Western CHRE are primarily from the College of Sport, Health & Engineering. Our research is aligned to the Institute for Health & Sport.
Western CHRE also incorporates the Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS). AIMSS is a internationally renowned research institute. It researches bone, muscle and ageing, with a focus on conditions related to chronic disease and ageing such as osteoporosis, sarcopenia and osteosarcopenia, the central link being frailty and disability. AIMSS promotes disease prevention and evidence-based interventions, including exercise and nutrition, aiming to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities in which we live and work.
Western CHRE’s state-of-the art teaching and research facilities include:
Researchers also have access to a certified Physical Containment Level 2 (PC2) lab for genetic modification work. The PC2 labs allow the safe containment and study of micro-organisms that pose a moderate, but treatable, risk to humans.
Research and facilities in the PC2 lab include:
VU staff and students undertake world-class research within Western CHRE. Following are some examples of the research:
The west of Melbourne is recognised as the fastest growth corridor in Australia. The VU and Western Health partnership contribute to community development and growth in the west with education, training and optimum health care delivery.
Our emphasis on service to the community is further demonstrated through our commitment to educate future generations and build a sustainable workforce. Of note is the drive to enhance total patient care by supporting and providing pathways for staff to embrace personal, developmental and organisational change and opportunities.
We recognise the importance of providing education opportunities for staff, and aim to ensure education and training is equitable and accessible to all employees. We believe in providing staff with the opportunity for continuous learning and development through research and innovation.
To address the learning needs of staff, VU has unique learning programs that account for a variety of potential study barriers, including:
