The HMRI Nursing & Midwifery Research Network was officially launched at the HMRI at John Hunter Hospital on Wednesday 28th September 2011 marking a significant milestone for nursing research in the Hunter. The event was attended by more than twenty Nursing & Midwifery researchers representing a diverse range of clinical specialties and services.

Professor Isabel Higgins and Dr Vanessa McDonald welcomed attendees to the forum and Professor Higgins outlined the impetus behind the establishment of the network.

Professor Maree Gleeson provided the forum with an overview of the HMRI research networks which are at differing levels of development. Existing and developing networks include:

• PANIC Research Network (Physical Activity & Nutrition in Inflammatory Chronic diseases)
• ABC Research Network (Adolescents, Babies & Children)
• Rural Research Network
• Allied Health Network

HMRI research networks aim to build research capacity and a research culture by establishing research synergies and partnerships with a view to identifying research themes for exploration and development. To this end, attendees spoke about their current and past research projects and interests which included research themes as diverse as cancer, midwifery, mental health, older persons, respiratory, cardiac, rural, workforce, primary healthcare, stroke, acute care, Aboriginal health, interprofessional, child and family health.

The network will now develop a logo and formal name for the network while focusing on recruiting new members. People with an interest in nursing research are encouraged to join the network.