Our Research
The History of MATCH
MATCH began as a research-led project developed by Professor Felicity Baker and her team at the University of Melbourne. The concept first took shape in 2008, focused on training family caregivers in music intervention strategies. This led to HOMESIDE, a large international study launched in 2017 in partnership with researchers in Australia, Norway, the UK, Germany, and Poland (AUD$4.5M).
Building on the success of HOMESIDE, the team recognised the need for a more scalable, flexible tool that could reach a wider audience. In 2020–2021, the in-person training was adapted into digital content, and development began on a mobile app to bring MATCH to homes and care facilities across Australia and beyond.
Progress of MATCH
Funding & Recognition:
MATCH has received substantial support, including a $2 million grant from the Medical Research Future Fund and $2 million in philanthropic funding from Google.org, recognising its potential to transform dementia care through music and technology.
From 2020-2025, we have raised AUD$5+ million in non-dilutive research and development funding consisting of:
AUD$200K UoM proof-of-concept funding (2021)
AUD$2M MRFF funding (2022) to develop the co-designed MATCH prototype and subsequent MVP including training modules and end user testing.
AUD$2 million Google.org (2023) to develop the adaptive music recommender system and prototype of wearable sensor
AUD$200K AEA seed funding (2024) to build the agitation prediction system, music and recommender system.
AUD$156K ARIIA funding (2023) to test the implementation of MATCH training and strategies on symptoms and medication reduction in a psychogeriatric setting.
AUD$255K Shaw Foundation funding (2024) to develop a Singaporean version of MATCH training package.
AUD$100K ARIIA funding (2025) to pilot the agitation prediction system and music recommender system evaluating adoption, staff capability, and staff wellbeing in addition to patient wellbeing within a psychogeriatric setting.
AUD$150 Terry and Maureen Hopkins Foundation to support trials in residential aged care.
Collaborative Research:
The program has been developed through a series of collaborative studies and co-design activities, involving people with lived experience of dementia, family carers, and aged care staff.
App Development:
The MATCH app is currently being refined and trialled in residential and home care settings. It is designed to help caregivers track resident wellbeing, identify moments of agitation, and apply music-based strategies that are evidence-based and person-centred.
Looking Ahead:
MATCH is expected to launch publicly in 2026. The app will support care workers and family members to access expert training, tools, and insights—right at their fingertips.
Next steps
MATCHplus
We are currently developing MATCHplus, an AI-driven system that uses biometric data to predict early signs of agitation in people living with dementia.
By detecting physiological changes in real time, MATCHplus delivers personalised music interventions tailored to the individual’s unique agitation signature, helping to regulate symptoms before they escalate. This adaptive approach aims to improve wellbeing and reduce reliance on medication.
Latest Publication:
Mixed methods feasibility study of Music Attuned Technology Care via eHealth (MATCH) for peoplewith complex behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia within an acute psychogeriatricward
Published
May 2, 2025
Read our latest study to discover our findings about how music-based strategies can reduce distress, agitation, and promote wellbeing in people with dementia.
Ajay Castelino, Suzanne Dawson, Peixuan Li, Zara Thompson, Jeanette Tamplin, BecWatt, Jessica Archbold, Karen Elaine Lamb, Sabine Braat, Tanara Vieira Sousa, Felicity Anne Baker,
