Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI)

Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) We're taking healthy further. Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) exists to transform the health and wellbeing of our communities. We’re thinking long term.

As the largest regional medical research institute in Australia, since 1998 our groundbreaking work has changed the lives of so many. We could never have done it alone. HMRI has been about collaboration from day one, when a group of world-class researchers, health professionals and community leaders created an organisation to make a positive impact on peoples’ lives. The unique partnership with our local health district, university and community, has enabled us to punch above our weight and work together in agile ways to tackle the biggest health issues of our time. We remain focused on innovation and medical research that’s relevant to everyday life. Our world leading experts collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams with one goal: to help our community be healthier and live their best lives. We’re working in the lab and beyond. We’re always listening and learning from our community to help us shape our research priorities, so we can make sure we’re providing impact where it’s needed most. At HMRI, every day we’re taking healthy further.

We're thrilled to introduce Melanie Norman, artist in our upcoming Art for Impact exhibition.Melanie is a Newcastle abst...
12/02/2026

We're thrilled to introduce Melanie Norman, artist in our upcoming Art for Impact exhibition.

Melanie is a Newcastle abstract artist who paints from memory and emotion, capturing childhood wonder, quiet transformations, and the fleeting moments that shape us. Working with acrylics on paper and canvas, she creates pieces that invite you to pause and find meaning in the in-between.

"Being part of the HMRI Art Series Exhibition is deeply meaningful to me. It represents the connection between creativity, community and care. Knowing my work can support medical research adds purpose beyond the studio, allowing art to contribute to hope, healing and progress."

Her works 'When All Is Still', 'Where You Land', and 'Coastal Country' will be available for viewing across all Art for Impact events and purchase via auction.

Art for Impact, 13-15 March at Earp Distilling Co.:
👩‍🎨 Opening Night - Thurs 13 March, 6-9pm
🎨 Draw and Pour - Fri 14 March, 5-7pm
🍴 Long, Long Luncheon - Sat 15 March, from 12pm

Register: hmri.org.au/art-for-impact

11/02/2026

The Story of Nakiliko Malang - Seeing Together brought our community together to officially celebrate the arrival of one of the world's most advanced MRI scanners at the HMRI Imaging Centre.

The day included a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, performances by Hamilton Public School students, the unveiling of Wonnarua/Wanaruah artist Saretta Fielding's stunning permanent artwork, tours of the new Siemens Healthineers MAGNETOM Cima.X Fit scanner, and connection and conversation around the HMRI Yarning Circle.

This world-leading scanner will transform medical research in the Hunter, accelerating breakthroughs in brain cancer, dementia, neurological disease and chronic conditions. The upgrade strengthens HMRI's research across these health priorities, with Indigenous health and Indigenous-led research at its heart.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and to our partners Mark Hughes Foundation, The University of Newcastle, Australia and tNational Imaging Facility for making this possible.

11/02/2026

This International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we’re celebrating the expertise, leadership and commitment of women across HMRI, and the many ways they help shape better research and better health for our community.

We asked four members of the HMRI team to share what they’re most excited to be working on this year:

⚪ Dr Madeleine Hinwood, Senior Statistician in our Biostatistics team, who works with researchers on study design and statistical methods to ensure research is robust, rigorous and ready to make an impact

⚪ Michelle Clout, Senior Technical Officer in Histology, part of a highly experienced team that prepares and analyses tissue samples, providing essential insight for research across many disease areas

⚪ Samantha Johnson, Head of Clinical Trials, who helps attract and deliver high-quality clinical trials that expand treatment options and improve care for our community

⚪ Professor Frances Kay, HMRI CEO, who's focusing on investing in early and mid-career researchers so they can build sustainable careers and shape the future of health and medical research

Their work reflects what research excellence looks like at HMRI, grounded in rigorous methods, strong partnerships and long-term investment in the people advancing health for our region.

Today we celebrated the Hunter now having one of the most advanced MRI scanners in the world that is going to change wha...
09/02/2026

Today we celebrated the Hunter now having one of the most advanced MRI scanners in the world that is going to change what's possible for medical research in our region.

The new Siemens Healthineers MAGNETOM Cima.X Fit at the HMRI Imaging Centre means faster scans, sharper images, and AI technology that helps researchers see more and learn more. This will accelerate breakthroughs in brain cancer, dementia, neurological disease and chronic conditions, strengthening HMRI's research across these health priorities with a strong focus on Indigenous health and Indigenous-led research.

It means earlier detection, more precise diagnosis, and ultimately better outcomes for people in our community.

We marked this milestone with The Story of Nakiliko Malang - Seeing Together, an event centred on First Nations culture and connection that included a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, and the unveiling of a stunning permanent artwork by Wonnarua/Wanaruah artist Saretta Fielding that now lives inside the Imaging Centre as a symbol of shared understanding and seeing health and research together.

Huge thanks to partners Mark Hughes Foundation, The University of Newcastle, Australia, and the National Imaging Facility for making this possible.

Learn more: https://hmri.org.au/news-and-stories/world-leading-mri-upgrade-boosts-research-capability-at-hmri-imaging-centre/

08/02/2026

HMRI's Mike Collins has turned his Hill to Harbour run into a mythological-inspired Sisyphus Challenge, adding 1kg of rocks to his backpack for every $100 raised.

Unlike the Greek myth where Sisyphus was condemned to push a boulder uphill for eternity, Mike's boulder-carrying will last 12 kilometres. Though with donations rolling in, it might feel eternal.

One childhood mate has already donated $300, adding 3kg in one go. That's rock-solid community support.

Mike's backpack is currently sitting at 10kg. With the race happening on March 29, there's still time to add to that weight, and to the impact on life-saving research into cancer, brain health, mental health, children's health, pregnancy, infection prevention and more.

Read the full story and support Mike's challenge or join Team HMRI yourself for the 2K, 6K or 12K run:
https://okt.to/mvqF1Q

03/02/2026

In 2023, Tania's brother suddenly passed away at 48 from Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia (APML), a rare form of leukaemia that affects around 100 Australians each year.

Tania established a research grant at HMRI in his memory, focusing on prevention, early screening and immediate action when APML patients present to ED.

The grant is supporting Associate Professor Anoop Enjeti, from The University of Newcastle, Australia and HMRI's lead clinical leukaemia researcher, to develop a model of care that provides clinicians with real-time expert support within 24 hours. This support will be critical in the management of patients and preventing fatalities.

For Tania, the grant is a way to keep her brother's memory alive through research that matters. On World Cancer Day, we're deeply grateful for her trust in HMRI to carry this important work forward.

Read the full story: https://okt.to/7xQRSu

Whether you're a regular on the green or haven't picked up a club in years, we'd love to see you at the HMRI Charity Gol...
03/02/2026

Whether you're a regular on the green or haven't picked up a club in years, we'd love to see you at the HMRI Charity Golf Day ⛳

Join us on Friday 22 May at Waratah Golf Club for a four person Ambrose event proudly sponsored by Helicopter Lifting Services.

Enjoy breakfast from 7:30am, tee off at 8am, then head back to the clubhouse for a presentation lunch. It's a great day out with your team, and you'll be supporting health research that's happening right here in our community.

Teams of four from $440. Register your team: https://okt.to/jmeZT0

Weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro are transforming how we treat obesity and diabetes. The drugs work and...
02/02/2026

Weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro are transforming how we treat obesity and diabetes. The drugs work and demand is soaring, but researchers from The University of Newcastle, Australia and HMRI have uncovered a significant blind spot in the research.

A new systematic review examined 41 clinical trials involving more than 50,000 participants across 17 years. Only two measured what people were eating.

Lead author Laureate Professor Clare Collins AO, from the University of Newcastle and HMRI, explains: "A reduction in body weight does not automatically mean the person is well nourished or healthy. Nutrition plays a critical role in health, and right now it's largely missing from the evidence."

These medications work by suppressing appetite and reducing food intake. That makes adequate nutrition harder to achieve, not easier.

Key concerns include:

⚪️ Adequacy of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals within reduced energy intakes

⚪️ Long-term impacts on muscle mass, bone health and metabolic function

⚪️ Case reports of thiamine deficiency and protein malnutrition

As prescription rates continue to rise globally, understanding the nutritional impact of these medications will be essential for optimising patient outcomes and providing evidence-based guidance.

Read more: https://hmri.org.au/yes-weight-loss-drugs-work-but-nutrition-needs-attention/

Get creative for a cause this March 🎨Draw and Pour brings together art and community in support of medical research at E...
02/02/2026

Get creative for a cause this March 🎨
Draw and Pour brings together art and community in support of medical research at Earp's Distilling Co as part of HMRI's Art for Impact series presented by HIC Services.

Local artist Holly Turner from LEDA Gallery will guide you through a life drawing session – no experience needed, beginners are more than welcome.

Your ticket includes a drink on arrival, grazing board, all art supplies and equipment, and a professionally guided session. Plus, you'll take home your very own masterpiece.

Every ticket purchased helps fund research that's preventing, treating and curing diseases affecting families right here in the Hunter and beyond.

📅 Saturday 14 March, 5-7pm
📍 Earp's Distilling Co, Carrington
🎟️ Book at https://hmri.org.au/get-involved/events/art-for-impact-draw-and-pour-workshop/

School holidays are wrapping up, and for many families across NSW, that means resetting routines and getting back into t...
30/01/2026

School holidays are wrapping up, and for many families across NSW, that means resetting routines and getting back into the swing of early mornings, lunchboxes and bedtimes.

We asked researchers from HMRI and The University of Newcastle, Australia to share their practical, research-backed tips to help kids head back to school ready to learn:

🍎 Build balanced lunchboxes with everyday foods kids enjoy - Dr Jannah Jones shares how simple it can be

📱 Reset screen habits together by involving kids in planning their time and setting clear limits - advice from Clinical Psychologist Dr Tanya Hanstock

😴 Support healthy sleep routines as a foundation for learning and wellbeing - insights from Dr Madeleine Hinwood

Small changes can make a big difference as families transition back to school.
Head to the full article for all the details: https://okt.to/fXxJtN

When you run for HMRI in the Hill to Harbour fun run, you're helping fund medical research right here in Newcastle that ...
29/01/2026

When you run for HMRI in the Hill to Harbour fun run, you're helping fund medical research right here in Newcastle that tackles cancer, diabetes, mental health and other health challenges affecting our community.

We've lined up some perks along the way to thank you for your fundraising efforts:

🏃Raise $100 and receive a Team HMRI running singlet and invitation to our post-run celebration at Carrington Bowling Club.

🏃‍♂️Raise $250 and receive an exclusive HMRI Hill to Harbour race pack including sweatband, running belt and zinc.

🏃‍♀️Raise $500 for a VIP experience at our celebration event with premium perks.

Ready to join us? Register and choose HMRI as your charity partner, or support our team with a donation: https://okt.to/Ymw9rG

How do you know if your diet is actually as healthy as you think it is? 🥗New research from The University of Newcastle, ...
28/01/2026

How do you know if your diet is actually as healthy as you think it is? 🥗

New research from The University of Newcastle, Australia and HMRI's Food and Nutrition Research Program tracked over 5,100 Australians who took the Healthy Eating Quiz twice over 7 months.

The quiz itself takes just 7 minutes. You get instant feedback tailored to your age and gender, plus practical tips on where you can improve – more veg, whole grains, protein variety, whatever it might be. No food diary, no judgment, just honest feedback.

Dr Sasha Fenton, who led the research, explains "Not everyone has regular access to a dietitian, but if we can get more people engaging with their own nutrition, even briefly, we might see meaningful improvements over time."

With poor diet being the third leading risk factor for disease in Australia, accessible tools like this could help more of us take charge of our health in a realistic way.

Read more and take the free quiz to see how your diet quality measures up: https://okt.to/j2IbZq

Address

1 Kookaburra Cct
New Lambton, NSW
2305

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+611300993822

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI):

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category

Giving Hope, Finding Answers

What began in 1998 as a bold vision to improve community wellbeing in the Hunter Region of NSW has today evolved into a world-class institute with 1500 medical researchers, students and support staff striving to prevent, treat and defeat a multitude of serious illnesses. Over 20 years later the health and wellbeing of the community remains at the heart of all we do.

Delivering patient-focused translational research is our major goal, which means seed funding start-up studies, supporting larger scale research projects whilst fostering a flow of information and innovation back and forth between scientists, clinicians and public health professionals. Attracting top health and medical specialists and collaborating with other leading institutes and industries helps to fast-track the provision of new and better health solutions.