Professor Zsolt Balogh is Director of HMRI’s Injury and Trauma Research program and Director of Trauma at Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital, the largest volume and lowest mortality trauma centre in NSW.

The HMRI 2022 winner for Research Excellence is Professor Brett Nixon from the HMRI Infertility and Reproduction Research Program. Brett is the Director of the HMRI Infertility and Reproduction Program

His research focuses on genetic and environmental factors that impact sperm quality.  

Professor Breakspear is the Group Leader of the Systems Neuroscience Group at HMRI. Professor Breakspear is a key driver at HMRI’s Imaging Centre and is currently chief investigator on several significant studies into dementia. Professor Breakspear’s use of advanced neuroimaging techniques has contributed to the better understanding of a range of conditions from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, to Parkinson’s disease and dementia. He has published over 230 journal articles and is Editor-in-Chief of the international neuroimaging journal, NeuroImage.

A gastroenterologist with a special interest in neurogastroenterology, inflammation and infection, Laureate Professor Talley is considered an international authority in the field. His research covers the local and systemic effects of low grade inflammation in the gut, the role of the gut micro-organisms and the gut-brain axis.

Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin is a nationally renowned mental health trailblazer who leads a global team of researchers, clinicians and industry partners in supporting patients who have concurrent mental health, alcohol and drug problems.

Very few researchers in the mental health sphere, anywhere in the world, have such impressive credentials and a track record of achievements.

Professor Jennifer Martin is a dual trained clinical pharmacologist and practising general physician. She has studied politics and health economics at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar and has used this experience to serve on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, the Economic Subcommittee of the PBAC and other Government and Statewide committees examining appropriate allocation, regulation, safety and efficacy in pharmaceuticals.

This prestigious award recognises Professor Wiggers’ unwavering commitment to reducing the chronic disease risks imposed by smoking, poor nutrition, alcohol consumption and inadequate physical activity. His dedication has seen his research secure over $40 million in grant income and expand his group from a single staff member to 7 research fellows and 10 post-doctoral researchers. Additionally, Professor Wiggers' has contributedn to 200 peer-reviewed research manuscripts placing him among the highest performing academics in his field, internationally.