Two Hunter medical researchers have each been awarded a $100,000 fellowship through the 2026 Newcastle Permanent Innovators Program to help move their health research projects closer to clinical application. Delivered by the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) in partnership with Newcastle Permanent, the initiative supports local researchers in developing practical solutions for major health challenges facing the region.

The two fellowship recipients were selected following a Pitch Showcase event involving six finalists from the University of Newcastle, Hunter New England Local Health District, and HMRI:

• Dr Geshani Jayasuriya: A paediatric respiratory physician with Hunter New England Local Health District and researcher with the HMRI Breathing and Lung Health Research Program. Geshani was recognized for her work developing safer, radiation-free lung scans to monitor airway diseases in children and adults.
• Dr Heather Murray: A postdoctoral researcher with the University of Newcastle and the HMRI Precision Medicine and Health Research Program. Heather was recognised for her research into precision cancer treatments aimed at helping clinicians match therapies to individual patients.

The six-week program focused on several key health areas across the Hunter New England region, including infant respiratory risk, childhood cancer, chronic lung disease, precision cancer treatment, wound care, and genomics analysis. In addition to the two main fellowships, the four remaining finalists each received $20,000 in seed funding to continue their research projects.

Chief Executive Officer and Institute Director of HMRI, Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin said the program provides emerging researchers with the practical support needed to advance their discoveries.

“Congratulations to our two Fellowship recipients and to all six finalists for the passion, dedication and innovation they have shown throughout the program,” Frances said.

“Every breakthrough starts with an idea, but the journey from discovery to impact requires much more than a good idea alone. The Newcastle Permanent Innovators Program helps build that bridge by giving emerging researchers the support, skills, and connections they need to move their work forward, into commercialisation, policy, practice, healthcare, and community, whatever their pathway to impact is. Together, we are investing in the next generation of research leaders and helping ensure that promising discoveries have the best possible chance of improving people’s lives.”

Newcastle Permanent spokesperson, Paul Juergens noted that supporting local research talents creates long-term benefits for regional health care.

“We are really proud to support HMRI and its talented researchers through this program because we truly believe in the power of investing in local talent and ideas to achieve better health outcomes for our community,” Paul said.

“Congratulations to Geshani and Heather, and this year’s four finalists who are all doing such meaningful research that will make a real, lasting difference for the Hunter region and beyond.”

IMAGE | Two Hunter researchers awarded $200,000 in Newcastle Permanent Innovator Fellowships to advance local health research