Six medical researchers taking on some of the Hunter New England region’s biggest health challenges have been selected for the 2026 Newcastle Permanent Innovators Program.
Delivered by Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) in partnership with Newcastle Permanent, the six-week program helps early and mid-career researchers, from the University of Newcastle and Hunter New England Local Health District, turn promising research ideas into life-saving solutions. This year’s cohort is tackling health challenges including infant respiratory risk, childhood cancer, chronic lung disease, cancer treatment precision, wound care and genomics analysis.
Participants will receive access to expert-led workshops, mentoring and communications support, with the program culminating in a Pitch Showcase event in August where the researchers will present their research findings. Two participants will be awarded $100,000 Newcastle Permanent Innovator Fellowships, while four will receive $20,000 seed grant awards to progress their ideas further.
HMRI CEO and Institute Director Professor Frances Kay said the program builds on the great success of the inaugural 2025 cohort and reflects HMRI’s commitment to supporting the next generation of changemakers.
“Participants work through a structured process focused on understanding healthcare challenges, working with communities and stakeholders, developing practical solutions, and building the skills to turn those ideas into action,” Professor Kay said. “When research, healthcare and community come together, we create the conditions for ideas to move faster towards real-world impact.“
Newcastle Permanent spokesperson, Paul Juergens, said backing stronger healthcare outcomes starts with investing in local talent and ideas.
“For the second year Newcastle Permanent is proud to support emerging researchers working on practical solutions to some of the biggest health challenges facing our communities,” Mr Juergens said.
“Supporting the long-term wellbeing of the regions we serve is an important part of who we are at Newcastle Permanent, and this program helps promising local ideas to move closer to positive impact for parents, families and people experiencing major health challenges.”
“We can’t wait to see what this year’s participants achieve over the next six weeks!”
Dr Gabriela Martins Costa Gomes
Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Newcastle, Paediatric sleep and respiratory scientist, Hunter New England Local Health District
HMRI Breathing and Lung Health Research Program
Gabriela is working on new ways to detect breathing risks in babies earlier, helping vulnerable infants get care sooner and improving long-term health outcomes.
Dr Geshani Jayasuriya
Paediatric Respiratory Physician, Hunter New England Local Health District
HMRI Breathing and Lung Health Research Program
Geshani is developing safer, radiation-free lung scans designed to better monitor airway disease in children and adults across all stages of life.
Dr Meg Lim
HMRI Health Economist
Meg is creating a digital support platform to help families of children with cancer quickly find financial assistance and support during treatment.
Dr Heather Murray
Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Newcastle
HMRI Precision Medicine and Health Research Program
Heather is researching more precise cancer treatments to help doctors better match therapies to individual patients and improve outcomes.
Dr Stuart Szwec
Conjoint Lecturer, University of Newcastle
HMRI Senior Data Scientist
Stuart is developing artificial intelligence technology to help clinicians choose the right wound dressings faster and improve patient recovery.
Dr Alexandre Xavier
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Newcastle
HMRI Precision Medicine and Health Research Program
Alexandre is building an online platform to help researchers and healthcare teams better analyse complex genetic data and support faster, more personalised treatment decisions.
