A blood test for skin cancer, an early prevention program for people with Huntington’s disease and a web resource for people who as kids, were in out-of-home care.

These are some of the latest stories that feature in videos about how Australian university research is transforming the lives of Australians.

The videos are part of Universities Australia’s award-winning #UniResearchChangesLives video campaign – which won a prestigious Mumbrella CommsCon award in 2019.

The stories highlight the important work Australian university researchers are doing to improve life for everyday Australians.

Many life-changing and life-saving inventions have resulted from research conducted at Australian universities – vaccines for cervical cancer and influenza, soft contact lenses, shatter proof car wing mirrors and the bionic ear.

And right now, we are seeing first-hand how they are working to find solutions to some of the most pressing problems facing us, especially the COVID-19 global pandemic. University researchers are working around the clock to find a vaccine; to find better ways to treat patients; to trace and track outbreaks; and to better protect our front-line workers.”

Greg Baker, who spent his childhood in and out of orphanages, features in one of the latest videos.

Many people like Greg have no records about themselves.

Now, a website built by researchers at The University of Melbourne and Australian Catholic University is helping Greg, and others like him, piece together the story of their lives.

Ten million people have viewed the Find and Connect website since 2011. Through the website, the researchers have helped these people discover their identity.

You can view all of videos in the #UniResearchChangesLives campaign on the Universities Australia website, YouTube and our Keep It Clever Facebook page, Twitter profile, and Instagram page. 

The final video for this series will be launched next week.