Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) has won the national Experiential and Event Marketing Award category at the 2026 Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) Marketing Excellence Awards. The regional medical research institute received the national honor for its interactive educational installation, the Poo Palace, edging out national campaign finalists including Vision Australia’s 2025 Carols by Candlelight.
Developed in 2023 in partnership with the University of Newcastle’s Gastrointestinal Research Group, the Poo Palace teaches children and families about gut health, digestion and medical science. Over three years, the mobile installation has hosted more than 3,000 children across 100 sessions, delivering a 2.67-times return on investment in community education value per dollar spent, alongside a four per cent increase in overall brand awareness for HMRI.
Head of Marketing and Communications at HMRI, Mike Collins stated that combining interactive entertainment with clinical research improves public health engagement across the Hunter.
“Behind this award are so many HMRI and University of Newcastle team members who have thrown themselves into making the Poo Palace a success,” Mike said.
“It shows that science doesn’t have to be serious to be meaningful. If we can make research fun, accessible and memorable for local kids and parents, then we’re doing something right. We’re incredibly proud of what it has become.”
The award acknowledges HMRI’s ongoing community outreach strategy as the organisation marks over 25 years of medical research operations in Newcastle and the Hunter region.
IMAGE | HMRI wins national AMI Marketing Excellence Award for Poo Palace installation
