A philanthropic commitment of $18.9 million will expand the medical research partnership between the University of Newcastle and the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF). The capital injection brings the foundation’s total institutional funding pool to more than $36 million, marking the largest philanthropic research investment in the university’s history.
The capital allocation will fund the second operational phase of the university’s MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research, which was established in 2022 to centralise data registries, biobanking assets, and advanced imaging platforms. The next five-year strategic window will focus on clinical translation, aiming to accelerate pharmaceutical drug repurposing trials and diagnostic imaging protocols for a disease that remains the primary cause of oncological mortality in Australians under 40.
Clinician scientist and MHF Centre Director, Professor Mike Fay said the initial startup phase established the foundational medical hardware and personnel networks required to link previously fragmented national research initiatives.
“In just a few years, we’ve built a strong foundation and emerged as a unifying force – bringing together expertise from across the nation to drive innovation, impact for patients, and lasting change. The first phase of the MHF Centre focused on building the infrastructure – investing in people, equipment and partnerships,” Mike said.
“Today, we have the expertise, technology, and strong relationships with the nation’s leading researchers in brain cancer research. By working as one team, we’re achieving far greater impact than any of us could alone.”
The foundation was established by former Newcastle Knights premiership player Mark Hughes, OAM, and his wife Kirralee following his clinical diagnosis in 2013. The organisation utilises community-driven retail campaigns and corporate giving to fund clinical oncology tracks and regional patient care coordinators.
“This commitment is a proud moment for everyone who has supported the Mark Hughes Foundation over the years. What started as a conversation around a hospital bed after my diagnosis has grown into a community movement that is helping change the future of brain cancer research in Australia,” Mark said.
“Every beanie sold, every donation made, every event attended and every person who has stood with us has contributed to this moment. Together, our community has helped create one of the largest philanthropic investments in brain cancer research in this country.
“This $18.9 million commitment isn’t just about funding research—it’s about giving hope to every family, including mine, that is facing a brain cancer diagnosis. It is ensuring we continue pushing towards our ultimate goal of finding better treatments and, one day, a cure.”
The operational footprint of the center now spans 160 members nationwide, integrating data infrastructure across 40 collaborating medical institutes, hospitals, and universities.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, Professor Alex Zelinsky, AO noted that the centralized research framework allows regional clinical trials to scale rapidly by leveraging shared diagnostic repositories.
“The establishment of the MHF Centre has been a game-changer,” Alex said.
“Thanks to the MHF Centre, we now have access to national registries, the MHF Brain biobank, advanced imaging and biomarker platforms, and a network of researchers working together across the country. These foundations have positioned us to move with speed and purpose, translating research from the lab into patient care and delivering outcomes that matter.
“The next five years represent a unique opportunity to accelerate progress and bring together everything we’ve built to make a tangible impact on the lives of brain cancer patients, today and into the future. We are privileged to partner with the Mark Hughes Foundation, and it really shows what incredible progress, and impact can be reached when we work together. I am in awe of the incredible work of the MHF, particularly the efforts of Mark Hughes and his wife Kirralee.”
IMAGE | Mark Hughes Foundation allocates $18.9 million to expand university research partnership
