There’s just a few days left until the Hunter Medical Research Institute opens its doors to the high-tech world of medical research and health science with the 2015 Open Day on Friday, September 25. For the first time, the entire HMRI Building will be open, making the expo bigger and better than ever.
There will be 25 interactive booths, school science sessions, research sessions and tours of the laboratories throughout all levels.
Community members can join the conversation in a variety of disease-specific research and discovery sessions covering healthy ageing, women’s health, breathing and airways, stroke, cancer, healthy lifestyle and heart health.
The six back-to-back sessions will be chaired by 21 of the Hunter’s best clinicians and researchers, discussing the latest breakthroughs and current treatments on a local and global scale.
“The Open Day is a great opportunity for Hunter families to get involved and to see the remarkable developments in medical research that are occurring in their own backyard,” HMRI Director Professor Michael Nilsson said.
“This institute was built by the community, for the community, and it’s very pleasing to be able to show people the wonderful results of their support.”
The public can be a part of the scientific studies as researchers recruit for an asthma and respiratory trial being conducted at HMRI.
‘Bones and Groans’ is a new display by rheumatology researchers looking at arthritis. At the ‘Tummy Troubles’ booth, gastrointestinal experts will have interactive displays on bowel health.
With the weather warming up, Open Day visitors can get involved with an interactive snake booth where they’ll learn about pressure bandaging, toxicology and, of course, see snakes up close and personal.
Entries from HMRI’s Thru the Lens photographic competition will be displayed, giving a colourful snapshot into the work of our scientists and clinicians. All will be welcome to vote for their favourite photo, with the winner announced later in the day.
The HMRI Building is on the John Hunter Hospital campus in New Lambton Heights. With limited onsite parking, patrons can catch a free shuttle bus that will be running from Hunter Stadium to this fun and free school holiday event.
Open Day hours are 10am to 4pm on September 25. Please visit hmri.org.au/open-day for more information.
* HMRI is a partnership between the University of Newcastle, Hunter New England Health and the Community.
