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.

NSW families will soon have access to needle-free flu vaccines for little ones. The FluMist nasal spray is coming in 202...
18/09/2025

NSW families will soon have access to needle-free flu vaccines for little ones. The FluMist nasal spray is coming in 2026 for kids aged 2-5, and it's completely free through GPs.

The nasal spray targets immunity exactly where flu viruses enter the body - through the nose and throat. Early evidence suggests it may be particularly effective in young children's developing immune systems, where nasal passages are especially active in building protection.

With over 600 NSW children under 5 hospitalised with flu this year alone, FluMist offers an effective solution that could significantly improve protection in this vulnerable age group. Plus, it removes the stress and trauma that often keeps families away from flu vaccination entirely.

Read our conversation with The University of Newcastle, Australia Professor Nathan Bartlett, head of HMRI's Viral Immunology and Respiratory Disease Group, on the science behind needle-free immunity: https://okt.to/E0nlT1

This Dementia Action Week, we brought our research directly to the Hunter community at Maitland Regional Art Gallery for...
17/09/2025

This Dementia Action Week, we brought our research directly to the Hunter community at Maitland Regional Art Gallery for today's Art & Dementia Science event.

The University of Newcastle, Australia researchers from HMRI - Professor Michael Breakspear, Dr Renate Thienel, Dr Jennifer Rumbel, Dr Caroline Faucher, and Sarah Sanders - shared their dementia research with a packed room of engaged locals.

From brain imaging breakthroughs to clinical trial access, sleep research to community-led approaches - our team covered the full spectrum of current dementia research happening right here in the Hunter.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and to Maitland Regional Art Gallery for hosting! The passion and curiosity from our community drives us to keep pushing the boundaries of dementia research and prevent

This Saturday, be part of something special as HMRI and Hunter Transplant Research Foundation walk for life-changing tra...
16/09/2025

This Saturday, be part of something special as HMRI and Hunter Transplant Research Foundation walk for life-changing transplant research at the 2025 Glow Walk!

🗓️ Saturday 20 September
📍 Nobbys Beach
🕐 Registration from 1pm, entertainment and bar open 2pm, walk for research starts 3pm

Come dressed in your most vibrant colours to celebrate the radiant health of successful kidney transplant recipients as we take a scenic 2km stroll to Newcastle Beach and back.

Enjoy Hunter Hornets Star Wars characters, face painting, a Zumba dance party, magician show, merch shop, plus snacks and drinks from Nobbys SLSC bar.

Everyone is welcome - all fitness levels and ages encouraged!

Register your spot now: https://okt.to/l0DFit

A heartfelt thank you to the residents of Elermore Glen for choosing us to receive your $5000 Tombola fundraiser for dem...
16/09/2025

A heartfelt thank you to the residents of Elermore Glen for choosing us to receive your $5000 Tombola fundraiser for dementia research at HMRI!

What a fantastic community effort - and we loved that The University of Newcastle, Australia Associate Professor Doug Smith, from our Brain Neuromodulation Research Program, could come along and chat with you all about dementia and brain health.

As resident Elayne Flynn shared, "Dementia seems to be very prevalent in our age demographic. It has either touched a family member or we all know someone that is affected."

Your support means local research stays local - creating hope right here in the Hunter for individuals and families facing dementia.

Dementia may be Australia's new leading cause of death, but breakthrough research on prevention and detection is happeni...
15/09/2025

Dementia may be Australia's new leading cause of death, but breakthrough research on prevention and detection is happening right here in the Hunter. This Wednesday we’re bringing our latest dementia research to you at Maitland Regional Art Gallery.

Join our The University of Newcastle, Australia and HMRI researchers as they share new discoveries in dementia research, treatments, clinical trial access, sleep's role in brain health, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders' health – plus meet Maple the MRI therapy dog!

Learn more and register for this free event:
https://okt.to/Ixsgaz

R U OK? Day is about more than a single conversation - it's about creating space for connections that support each other...
11/09/2025

R U OK? Day is about more than a single conversation - it's about creating space for connections that support each other's wellbeing.

Mental health challenges often build quietly over time through everyday stresses and pressures, which is why checking in with colleagues matters so much. Research shows that early support can make all the difference. Sometimes it's as simple as noticing when a teammate seems overwhelmed or taking a moment to really listen.

Today's BBQ gave us space to slow down and connect, and reminded us that supporting mental health doesn't have to be complicated - it starts with genuine care and showing up for the people around us, today and every day.

A huge thank you to HMRI's Facilities Management and WHS teams for making today possible.

Community Seminar next week! Art & Dementia Science ✨ Join leading dementia experts from Hunter Medical Research Institu...
09/09/2025

Community Seminar next week! Art & Dementia Science ✨

Join leading dementia experts from Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) for a morning of informative talks and Q&A, followed by nibbles and coffee.

Five researchers will present on a range of topics, including new developments in dementia research, treatments and screening, as well as how to access clinical trials, the role of sleep in dementia prevention, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders’ health and more – plus a chance to meet Maple the MRI therapy dog.

After the talks, you'll have the opportunity to chat with the presenters and ask questions.

📆17 September
🕘10am - 12pm
🎟To register for this free event, follow the link: https://bit.ly/3UZCBko

09/09/2025

This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, meet The University of Newcastle, Australia researcher Dr Jamie Bryant and her daughter Eden, who are transforming paediatric cancer care together.

Dr Bryant, from HMRI's Equity in Health and Wellbeing research program, leads the innovative Assessment to Action study, finding new ways for children under 14 with cancer to communicate their needs to their care teams.

Currently, no tools exist for younger children with cancer to communicate their support needs to healthcare teams. Through creative approaches like "body mapping," children express their experiences through artwork, enabling more thoughtful, personalised care.

Dr Bryant's daughter Eden has been receiving cancer treatment since age 3 and is now proudly helping other children by participating in the study.

Read more about this important research and discover how families can participate:
https://okt.to/eGKCUu

This research is also supported by HMRI's fundraising partner Hunter Children's Research Foundation - HCRF.

Tonight's the night! 🏁🏃‍♀️Gretel Killeen and Epiphany Mason begin The Amazing Race AU: Celebrity Edition, racing to supp...
08/09/2025

Tonight's the night! 🏁🏃‍♀️
Gretel Killeen and Epiphany Mason begin The Amazing Race AU: Celebrity Edition, racing to support women's health research right here at HMRI!

Women's health has been overlooked, underfunded, and misunderstood for far too long. As we work toward optimal health for all women, we're deeply grateful for advocates like Gretel and Epiphany who are helping us change that.

Join us in cheering them on!

Catch episode one of : Celebrity Edition tonight at 7:30pm on Channel 10

This Father's Day, we're celebrating all the dads and father figures, and holding space for those who find today tough.T...
07/09/2025

This Father's Day, we're celebrating all the dads and father figures, and holding space for those who find today tough.

Through research we keep learning more about how much dads influence their kids' confidence and how they tackle life. It's actually pretty amazing.

The Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered program shows this perfectly. Developed by The University of Newcastle, Australia researcher Professor Phil Morgan from HMRI's Active Living and Learning program, ten years of research reveals that when dads join in with their daughters through sport and activity, great things happen. The girls gain more confidence and resilience, and it lasts for years.

Every bit of encouragement, every game you play together, every moment you're there is adding up to something special.

04/09/2025

We're incredibly grateful that Gretel Killeen and Epiphany Mason will be racing for HMRI's women's health research on The Amazing Race AU: Celebrity Edition! 🏃‍♀️

These amazing women are taking on every challenge for the millions of Australian women whose health issues have been overlooked. Our Women's Health Research Program tackles everything from maternal wellbeing to violence prevention, chronic disease management to healthy ageing - driving positive change to create better health outcomes for all women.

Join us in cheering them on every step of the way!

: Celebrity Edition starts Monday Sept 8 on Channel 10

Art & Dementia Science event with Hunter Medical Research InstituteJoin leading dementia experts from Hunter Medical Res...
04/09/2025

Art & Dementia Science event with Hunter Medical Research Institute

Join leading dementia experts from Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) for a morning of informative talks and Q&A, followed by nibbles and coffee at Seraphine Cafe inside the gallery.
Plus a chance to meet Maple the MRI therapy dog!🐶

📆 17 September, 10 - 11:30am
🎟 Free! RSVPs essential via the link: https://bit.ly/3UZCBko

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

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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.