Every woman deserves better answers, better treatments and better health outcomes. Yet too many health conditions affecting women remain under-researched and underfunded. 

That’s why Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) is joining Australia’s first-ever Medical Research Giving Day on Wednesday 9 September 2026, with a goal of raising $100,000 for women’s health research right here in the Hunter New England region. 

Medical Research Giving Day will bring together more than 30 medical research institutes from across Australia in a national movement to support the research that improves and saves lives. 

For HMRI Institute Director and CEO Professor Frances Kay, the day is an opportunity to recognise the vital role supporters play in making medical breakthroughs possible. 

“Every Australian will be touched by disease at some point in their lives. The treatments we rely on today exist because communities chose to support medical research.” 

“Medical Research Giving Day creates a national moment for Australians to come together and help drive the next generation of discoveries. Every contribution has the potential to improve lives and create healthier futures for our communities.” 

Why women’s health? 

HMRI’s focus on women’s health comes directly from the voices of local women. 

Through HMRI’s Health Pulse community consultation, almost 1,000 women across the Hunter New England region shared the health challenges affecting them and their families. 

They told us they want better answers, better access to healthcare and better treatment options across areas including: 

• Dementia and healthy ageing 
• Mental health and wellbeing  
• Fertility, pregnancy and reproductive health 
• Domestic violence prevention 
• Menopause   
• Heart disease and chronic illness  

Medical Research Giving Day is an opportunity for our community to respond by investing in research that addresses the health issues women say matter most. 

A national movement with local impact 

Medical Research Giving Day is a national campaign, but every dollar donated through HMRI stays right here in the Hunter New England region. 

Local women have told us the health issues that matter most to them. HMRI researchers are already tackling many of these challenges, from healthy ageing and dementia to mental health, and domestic violence prevention to menopause and reproductive health. 

Your donation will help build on that expertise by bringing researchers together, investing in equipment and ideas and growing women’s health research across our region. 

Together we aim to raise $100,000 to help drive the future of women’s health research. 

The difference you make 

Every contribution helps local researchers pursue discoveries that improve the health and wellbeing of women across our region. 

• $50 Supports essential laboratory supplies used in women’s health research. 
• $150 Helps researchers generate new insights into health challenges affecting women and families. 
• $500 Supports critical research activities that move discoveries closer to patients. 
• $1,000 Helps emerging researchers develop the skills and experience needed to drive future breakthroughs. 

How to get involved – be a hero for women’s health 

Medical Research Giving Day is powered by people in workplaces, community groups, schools, sporting clubs and organisations who are passionate about creating a healthier future for women and families in our region. 

You don’t need a large budget or a dedicated fundraising team. Often all it takes is one person willing to champion the cause and bring others together. 

Whether you’re an employee, manager, business owner, teacher, club volunteer or community leader, you can help turn your passion into impact. 

One simple way to get involved is to host a Purple Morning Tea. 

Purple Morning Tea 

Bring your team, classmates, members or community together for a morning tea and encourage everyone to wear purple in support of women’s health research. 

Ask participants to donate, share a plate, wear their favourite purple outfit and take part in a conversation about why medical research matters. 

It’s a simple, fun and visible way to raise funds, start conversations and show your support for a healthier future for women and families in our region.

Driving the future of women’s health 

HMRI researchers are tackling health challenges that affect women at every stage of life. 

Understanding women’s dementia risk after stroke 

• Dr Madeleine Hinwood and her team are investigating why women are more likely than men to develop dementia after a stroke. Their research aims to identify new ways to prevent dementia and improve long-term brain health. 

Understanding women’s health across generations 

• Led by Professor Deborah Loxton, the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health has followed more than 57,000 women for almost 30 years. The study has transformed our understanding of women’s health and continues to shape healthcare policy, clinical practice and future research. 

Transforming endometriosis care 

• Professor Kirsty Pringle and Professor Deborah Loxton are leading one of Australia’s largest studies of women living with endometriosis. Their research aims to reduce delays in diagnosis, improve treatment and deliver better care for the one in seven Australian women affected by the condition. 

Protecting mothers and babies from PFAS 

• Dr Jacinta Martin, Dr Joseph Pegler and Dr Marcus Crompton are investigating how PFAS, often called “forever chemicals”, affect pregnancy and early childhood development. Their research is exploring practical ways to reduce the impact of PFAS exposure on families. 

Understanding the role of hormones in women’s health 

• Researchers led by Professor Kirsty Pringle are investigating how hormones influence inflammation and chronic disease throughout a woman’s life. Their work could lead to more personalised treatments for conditions that disproportionately affect women. 

Improving access to women’s healthcare 

• Led by Associate Professor Sarah Dineen-Griffin, HMRI researchers showed pharmacist-led care can safely provide treatment for common women’s health conditions. The research helped more than 19,000 women access timely care and is providing the evidence to expand these services across NSW and ACT.  

Improving cultural safety in healthcare 

• Dr Elissa Elvidge and her team are working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to improve cultural safety across the health system, helping ensure healthcare is respectful, accessible and shaped by community voices. 

Improving care after domestic violence 

• Dr Breanne Hobden is developing trauma-informed healthcare models that improve access to care for women experiencing domestic and family violence. Her research is helping women receive earlier, more coordinated support in safe environments. 

Personalising breast cancer treatment 

• Dr Luiza Steffens Reinhardt is using genetic testing to better understand breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers. Her research is helping doctors identify inherited cancer risk, predict treatment response and deliver more personalised care. 

Smarter treatments for ovarian cancer 

• Researchers led by Professor Kirsty Pringle are developing nanoparticle technology that delivers medicines directly to cancer cells. The same technology is also being explored to help prevent premature birth and improve outcomes for mothers and babies. 

Making breast cancer treatment safer 

• Conjoint Professor Joerg Lehmann is developing technology that improves the precision of radiation therapy while reducing unnecessary radiation exposure to the heart and lungs, making treatment safer for women. 

A “Squishless” Future for Breast Cancer Screening  

• Associate Professor Renee Goreham is developing a new light-based breast screening technology that removes the need for breast compression. Her research aims to make screening more comfortable, improve access and encourage more women to be screened earlier.