The Hunter Medical Research Institute’s (HMRI) Clinical Research Network (CRN) brings together clinicians, researchers and research support professionals to strengthen clinical and health services research across the Hunter New England region.
Through collaboration, capability building, mentorship and strategic leadership, the CRN supports a connected clinical research community and helps translate research into improved health outcomes, health service delivery and patient care.
The CRN provides a central point of connection for clinician researchers at every stage of their research journey, from those exploring their first research idea through to experienced researchers leading multidisciplinary programs. By connecting members with expertise, opportunities and support, the CRN helps make research more accessible, collaborative and achievable.
More than just a research network
The HMRI Clinical Research Network is a collaborative community that aims to strengthen research culture and participation, capability and collaboration across the region, by:
- creating an inclusive research community that welcomes all professions, disciplines and career stages.
- connecting members with expertise, resources, opportunities and collaborators.
- supporting the development of research skills, confidence and leadership.
- breaking down organisational and disciplinary boundaries to enable multidisciplinary research.
- raising the visibility and impact of clinical and health services research.
- fostering research that translates into meaningful benefits for patients, communities and healthcare services.
Become a member of the HMRI Clinical Research Network
The CRN is open to clinicians, researchers, research support professionals and other staff from the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD), HMRI and the University of Newcastle (UoN) interested in clinical and health services research across the Hunter New England region.
To become a member, you will need to be a HMRI Affiliate.
- Existing HMRI Affiliates can join the CRN through their HMRI profile.
- New members will need to nominate the Clinical Research Network as their program in the online affiliate application form
- Affiliates who are already a member of a program can choose to “collaborate” with the network, by editing your HMRI profile.
If you are interested in joining the HMRI Clinical Research Network, please learn more about affiliation with HMRI and submit your application to affiliate.
Inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for HMRI Clinical Research Unit Leadership Group
The CRN is establishing an inaugural multidisciplinary Leadership Group to provide strategic direction for the network, advise on priorities and opportunities, support research capability building, and help ensure the CRN remains responsive to the needs of its members. The group will also play an important role in strengthening research culture, fostering collaboration and championing research participation.
Drawing on expertise from across professions, disciplines and career stages, members will provide leadership and oversight of the CRN, helping guide its priorities, activities and ongoing development.
Expressions of interest are now open for the inaugural Leadership Group. We encourage clinicians, researchers and research support professionals who are passionate about strengthening clinical research across the region to apply.
Please read the CRN Leadership Terms of Reference to understand the expectations of this group prior to applying.
How the HMRI Clinical Research Network was developed
The CRN has been shaped through an extensive consultation process to ensure the network responds to the needs of clinicians, researchers and research support professionals across the region. This process included review of a 2024 HNELHD Clinician Research Survey, followed by in-depth consultation with clinical and research leaders through interviews and an interactive online whiteboard that explored priorities, structure, and resourcing required to support research activities and gaps.
A Working Group then used this information to develop the structure, leadership and initial priorities of the CRN, ensuring the CRN is practical, collaborative, accessible and responsive to member needs. The Working Group included representatives from a diverse range of clinical specialties, professions and career stages, helping to ensure the network reflects the breadth of clinical and health services research across the region.
We sincerely thank members of the Working Group for their time and passion:
- Professor Beata Bajorek
- Dr Jessica Bennett
- Dr Ailsa Borbolla Foster
- Dr David Ferreira
- Dr Carlos Garcia Esperon
- Dr Vineeth George
- Dr Laura Graham
- Professor Deborah Harris
- Dr Jennifer Mackney
- Professor Richard McGee
- Dr Kathryn McGill
