UNSW Medicine & Health

09/04/2026

For the first time in over a decade, Australia has new physical activity guidelines.

The guidelines show what a healthy, balanced 24‑hour movement pattern could look like, in response to national physical activity levels that have remained stubbornly low since 1999.

Research experts say that while the new health advice is commendable, information alone is unlikely to make Australians more active. Instead, policies and funding are needed to eliminate barriers and build supportive environments for activity.

The researchers provide four policy ideas that could support more active communities across Australia:

For the first time in more than a decade, Australia has new physical activity guidelines. They’re commendable but unlikely to get us more active.

09/04/2026

Researchers at UNSW and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have produced a comprehensive cellular “atlas” of early-stage prostate cancer, revealing the earliest changes linked to the disease.

Among the research team’s most significant findings is the identification of a previously unknown cancer cell type and the discovery that many normal-looking prostate cells already harbour cancer-related genetic changes.

The findings could help in developing earlier detection and treatment methods, as well as identifying individuals most at risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

Learn more: https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2026/03/cellular-atlas-of-prostate-cancer-opens-earlier-detection-avenues?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

08/04/2026

With surfing lineups becoming increasingly crowded, understanding injury risks in the water is more important than ever.

More than one in 10 Australian surfers say they have injured another person while surfing, according to new research from UNSW’s Beach Safety Research Group. Nearly half of the reported injuries were linked to collisions caused by crowding or difficulty seeing others in the water.

“A split second of inattention can cause a concussion or a deep fin cut. As more Australians take up surfing, we need clear messaging about how to keep yourself and others, safe in the surf,” said lead author Dr Michael Tran.

Read more about the findings and what they mean for surf safety here:

As surfing grows in popularity, crowded lineups are creating more opportunities for collisions – and in some cases, conflict between surfers in the water.

07/04/2026

Discover UNSW’s study programs in Health Sciences and Optometry at our upcoming Information Evening.

📅Wednesday, 22 April, 6:00 - 7:00PM

💻Online

This event, for Australian Year 12 students, will introduce our Vision Science & Optometry program and our Health Professional programs in dietetics and food innovation, physiotherapy, pharmacy and exercise physiology.

Join our academics and current students online to learn about the 2027 admission process, entry pathways and student experience.

Register to attend: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/unsw-health-sciences-optometry-information-evening-2026-tickets-1983579492659?aff=MHFacDOM

06/04/2026

Congratulations to Professor Bruce Neal, who has received the Michael Alpers Global Health Award from the National Health and Medical Research Council - NHMRC. 🎉

Professor Neal, Executive Director of The George Institute for Global Health, was recognised by the NHMRC for his landmark research into potassium-enriched salt, which has been shown to lower blood pressure and significantly reduce associated health risks.

“This award is made out to me, but it really reflects a huge body of work done by a very large team over a long period of time,” said Prof. Neal.

“If we can make this switch from regular to potassium-enriched salt at scale, it has the potential to prevent literally millions of premature strokes, heart attacks and deaths every year.”

Learn more: https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2026/04/unsw-researchers-honoured-with-prestigious-NHMRC-awards?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

01/04/2026

Congratulations to Dr Abidev Kuhasri, who has been selected as a 2026 Westpac Future Leaders Scholar! 👏

This scholarship will support Dr Kuhasri in completing his Masters of Health Data Science at UNSW, where he will be focussed on improving person-centred healthcare delivery through digital solutions.

“As a clinician and digital health enthusiast, I see the potential for technology to democratise access to critical healthcare,” says Dr Kuhasri. “I am so grateful to the Westpac Scholars team for sharing that vision and supporting my journey to be an innovator at the forefront of this new era.”

Dr Kuhasri is among 18 outstanding scholars to be named as Westpac Future Leaders this year.

01/04/2026

Two UNSW researchers have been awarded fellowships by the Snow Medical Research Foundation, each worth $8 million. 🎉

Dr Deborah Burnett will use her fellowship to research common drivers of autoimmunity and to develop new therapies against infections that can trigger autoimmune diseases.

Dr Deveson from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research will work to advance genomic sequencing technologies in order to improve the diagnosis of genetic diseases.

Learn more: https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2026/03/unsw-biomedical-researchers-awarded-16m-snow-medical-fellowships?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

31/03/2026

Nicotine-based v**es, or e-cigarettes, are likely to cause lung and oral cancers, according to a new study led by UNSW cancer researchers.

The study brought together a multidisciplinary team of experts to evaluate the current research on va**ng – from international clinical studies to laboratory findings on the chemicals produced by e-cigarettes.

Taken together, the researchers say the evidence points strongly in one direction.

“To our knowledge, this review is the most definitive determination that those who v**e are at increased risk of cancer compared to those who don’t,” says lead author UNSW Adjunct Professor Bernard Stewart AM.

Learn more: https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2026/03/va**ng-likely-to-cause-cancer-new-findings?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

30/03/2026

Congratulations to Dr David Khoury from the Kirby Institute, who has been awarded the Gottschalk Medal for outstanding contributions to biomedical science research by the Australian Academy of Science. 🎉

Dr Khoury’s research analyses data from infectious disease outbreaks to better understand our immune responses and predict how treatments will work in real-world settings.

His work has shaped international public health policies in the control of outbreaks including mpox and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“If it’s possible to use maths and statistics to help people and support vulnerable communities, then that’s what drives us,” says Dr Khoury.

Read more: https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2026/03/australian-academy-of-science-recognises-pioneering-infectious-disease-researcher?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

27/03/2026

Last week, the UNSW Rural Clinical Campus in Port Macquarie celebrated its 25th anniversary. 🎉

This milestone occasion brought together students, alumni, current and former staff, local health professionals and community members, to reflect on the achievements of the Port Macquarie campus since its establishment in 2001.

Port Macquarie is an integral part of the UNSW Rural Clinical Campuses network, which is delivering medical education across New South Wales so that students from around the state can train closer to home, within the communities they care about.

To date, more than 1,100 students have graduated through UNSW Rural programs and, this year alone, there are 115 students studying in Port Macquarie.

Thank you to all the staff who have shaped this thriving campus and to the Port Macquarie community, who for 25 years have welcomed our students and supported their training with generosity and care.

25/03/2026

The dream came true 🎓🥹

Congratulations to all of our graduates this week!

Your ambition and tenacity have brought you to this milestone moment, and we are beyond proud 🫶

Share your grad highlights by tagging us UNSW Medicine & Health