MIBRU began in 1998 as a collaborative venture between the University of Melbourne and the University of New South Wales. From 2003 the management of the unit reverted to the University of Melbourne. The current name - Melbourne International Business Research Unit (MIBRU) - was adopted in 2010. The unit was earlier known as the Australian Centre for International Business (1998-2007) and the Melbourne Centre for International Business (2007-2010).
The Melbourne International Business Research Unit is eclectic in its research. Its members study the international aspects of a range of business phenomena, including strategy, human resource management, organisational behaviour, industrial relations and corporate history.
Members of the Melbourne International Business Research Unit have published books, book chapters, research papers, conference proceedings and consulting reports spanning all fields of international business research.