The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) is calling on people across the Hunter New England region to share their health stories through Health Pulse, a new initiative designed to place community voices at the centre of future medical research.
 
Health Pulse is more than a survey, it’s a way for individuals and families to guide HMRI’s research that reflects local needs at every age and life stage.

Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, HMRI’s CEO and Institute Director, says this is research done differently with lived experience guiding the agenda.

“We believe the best research starts by listening,” Professor Kay-Lambkin said. “Health Pulse is about turning the Hunter New England’s voice into action. We want to know what keeps you up at night, what challenges your family faces, and how we can help improve life for the people across the communities we serve.”

This unique campaign is inviting feedback through a quick online survey and community events taking place across the region in 2025. Every response helps shape HMRI’s health and medical research priorities, which will drive the work of over 1,700 researchers, staff and students from the University of Newcastle and Hunter New England Local Health District.

How to get involved

• Complete the survey at hmri.org.au/HealthPulse
• Join a local event in Narrabri, Tamworth, Muswellbrook, Aberdeen, Maitland or Newcastle
• Spread the word to family, friends, and networks

“Just tell your story” why community voices matter

For Sarah Holmes, a mum from Newcastle who manages asthma and has previously faced breast cancer, the message couldn’t be clearer.

“I’m not a scientist or a doctor, but I’m someone who’s had to deal with the health system more times than I’d like,” she said. “I’ve lived through asthma since I was a kid, and a previous breast cancer treatment was difficult. What really opened my eyes was realising how much better outcomes could be when research is based on what people, like me, are going through.”

Sarah is getting involved with Health Pulse because she sees it as a chance to influence research that will directly benefit her family and others in her community.

“When research is shaped by local stories, not just city-based stats, it feels personal, and it works better,” she said. “This isn’t about ticking a box. It’s about speaking up and saying, ‘Here’s what we need. Let’s do something about it.’” She’s encouraging others to get involved too, even if they don’t usually see themselves as the “research type.”

“You don’t need big words or a background in medicine. Just tell your story. That’s what Health Pulse is about. And honestly, if we want better care and better support, we’ve got to speak up.”

Collaboration defines the HMRI way

HMRI exists to transform the health and wellbeing of our communities. As the largest regional medical research institute in Australia, HMRI has spent the past 25 years delivering life-changing work through powerful partnerships and a bold ambition to create the healthiest million people for the planet.

Born from the shared vision of researchers, clinicians, and community leaders, HMRI has always been about collaboration, working to discover local solutions with global impact. A strong partnership with the Hunter New England Local Health District, the University of Newcastle, and the broader community empowers HMRI to consistently punch above its weight, uniting disciplines, regions, and sectors with agility and purpose to take healthy further.

“At HMRI, we push our research further to make it relevant to everyday life,” Professor Kay-Lambkin added. “Our world-leading experts are working in the lab and beyond, across teams and borders, to tackle the biggest health challenges of our time.”

“We’re growing our impact. We’re reaching those others can’t. We’re open to all, connected to many, and impatient for results.”

Health Pulse is the latest step in this journey. It’s designed to gather wisdom from every part of the community, from young people to elders, from multicultural groups to rural towns and to turn that insight into action.