Research

Through our population, laboratory and clinical research we inform an evidence base that enables community members to self-determine their wellness journey; find better ways to prevent and treat disease; and highlight the complex behavioural, social, and economic factors that affect health and wellbeing.

Characterised by multidisciplinary and collaborative research clusters, our College prioritises and invests in research that promotes better, healthier living in local and global communities.

Our purpose-built research facilities provide a platform for collaboration where students and researchers can help drive new discoveries and innovations. Our state-of-the-art laboratories and cutting-edge technology enable us to keep pace with advances in the field of health and medicine.

450+ enrolled PhD students
450+ research and development partners
ERA 5 ? 'well above world standard' in 10 Fields of Research

Our impact

Home to the world’s first virtual reality simulation to train nurses on conflict resolution. Discovering a new way to treat leukemia. Undertaking world-leading research to understand the health implications of smoking in Indigenous communities. And so much more.

Our research is connected to the challenges and opportunities in our regions and beyond. We seek opportunities to partner with communities, government, industry and other institutions to meaningfully apply our research to benefit the health and wellbeing of people.

Supporting our researchers

We understand the importance of supporting research staff in their endeavours to be world leaders in their field. Our Schools and Centres offer a wide range of funding schemes that are tailored each year to meet the changing needs of the research environment. From conference travel grants to equipment funding and assistance with grant writing through our Grant Preparation Scheme, our researchers have access to various programs to help them succeed.

We also administer scholarships and grant schemes on behalf of our generous donors. Launched in 1995, the Gladys M Brawn Fellowship is one example of how philanthropic support contributes to our world-leading research and has attracted outstanding career scientists with international reputations to our University.

Educating the next generation of researchers

Our College offers higher degrees by research (PhD or Masters) across a broad range of biomedical,  medical and health specialties – from basic and clinical research to translational and population health research domains.

As a research student with us, you will have access to support from world-leading research academics, cutting-edge facilities and a community of research students who share a keen interest in practice-changing health research. You’ll be among the next generation of researchers, working to transform health care in Australia and across the globe.

Research projects are available under the following disciplines:

  • anatomy
  • clinical epidemiology and medical statistics
  • clinical pharmacology
  • experimental pharmacology
  • family studies
  • general practice
  • gerontology and geriatrics
  • health economics
  • human physiology
  • immunology and microbiology
  • Indigenous health
  • magnetic resonance in medicine
  • medical biochemistry
  • medical education
  • medical genetics
  • medical radiation science
  • medicine
  • midwifery
  • nursing
  • nutritional biochemistry
  • nutrition and dietetics
  • occupational therapy
  • oral health
  • paediatrics and child health
  • pharmacy
  • physiotherapy
  • podiatry
  • psychiatry
  • public health and behavioural sciences
  • reproductive medicine
  • surgical science
  • trauma science

Research institutes, centres and groups

One of Australia's top 10 research universities, the University of Newcastle is a leader in medical and health science research. As a College, our multidisciplinary research is reflected by our commitment and involvement with many research centres across the University and within a number of specific groups which belong to our Schools.

Our College centres and groups align with the following research themes:

  • Cancer
  • Immunology and Infectious diseases
  • Cardiovascular and respiratory health and disease
  • Healthy living and nutrition
  • Neuroscience and Mental health
  • Pharmaceutical sciences and clinical pharmacology
  • Epidemiology, Population health and health service delivery
  • Reproductive health
  • Rural and remote health
  • Critical care and trauma
  • Integrated  care

Research technologies

  • Drug discovery
  • Genomics
  • Imaging and Radiation therapy
  • Stem cell and organoids

University centres

Brain and Mental Health Research
Brain and Mental Health Research

The Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research (CBMHR) is focused on increasing our understanding of the brain and mind across the lifespan, in the absence and presence of disease. The Centre hosts three platforms for research: Preclinical Neurobiology, Psychological Processes, and Mental and Physical Health.

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Centre for Drug Repurposing and Medicines Research
Centre for Drug Repurposing and Medicines Research

The Centre for Drug Repurposing & Medicines Research is committed to improve quality, safety, efficacy and timelines for bringing the most effective drug therapies to patients.

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Centre for Rehab Innovations
Centre for Rehab Innovations

The University of Newcastle’s Centre for Rehab Innovations (CRI) is a Centre of Excellence in technology-enabled health care innovations and rehabilitation research.

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Family Action Centre
Family Action Centre

The Family Action Centre (FAC) is a research, teaching and practice centre focused on families and their communities. The Centre has a 30 year track record of innovative, dynamic and enduring work that aims to strengthen family and community wellbeing. The assets and diverse resources of families and communities underpin vibrant, cohesive and resilient societies. The FAC is committed to addressing the factors that affect the health, wellbeing, social and educational paths of families, particularly for those challenged by increasingly complex vulnerabilities.

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Global Centre for Gynaecological Diseases
Global Centre for Gynaecological Diseases

The Global Centre for Gynaecological Diseases is a world-leading research centre focused on improving the gynaecological health of women and aims to pioneer a personalised approach to the prevention, detection, and treatment of gynaecological diseases.

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Global Centre for Research and Training in Radiation Oncology
Global Centre for Research and Training in Radiation Oncology

The Global Centre is the first of its kind. With the support of industry partners and collaborators, the centre delivers education, research and training to domestic and international clinicians and students.

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Health Professional Education
Health Professional Education

The Centre for Health Professional Education is committed to engaging in a systematic and rigorous program of research that will examine the effectiveness of curricula interventions as well as the impact of health professional education on patient outcomes.

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Health Services
Health Services

The Health Services Research and Innovation Centre (HSRIC) aims to improve the design and management health services with particular emphasis interdisciplinary approaches to addressing critical challenges.

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Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research
Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research

The Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research is committed to finding a cure and improving the lives of those affected by brain cancer. We aim to advance brain cancer research and achieve the greatest impact for brain cancer patients and their families.

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Resources Health and Safety
Resources Health and Safety

The Centre for Resources Health and Safety draws on the multidisciplinary expertise of University researchers spanning disciplines including workplace health and safety, psychology, psychiatry, respiratory studies and environmental impacts, to meet sector demand in this area and facilitate industry and government collaborations for the benefit of communities in resource intensive regions.

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Rural and Remote Mental Health
Rural and Remote Mental Health

The Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH) has a long-standing history of providing evidence-based translational research and expert advice on mental health for people living in rural and remote Australia. Throughout its 20 years of operation, CRRMH improved the provision of mental health services through the identification of and response to the needs of rural and remote communities. In particular, this includes the development of appropriate service models for rural mental health care, providing professional development opportunities for clinical staff and offering education and training.

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Research centres

Major Institutes and Centres

Hunter Medical Research Institute
Hunter Medical Research Institute

The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) supports the Hunter's internationally recognised health and medical research, education and training.  HMRI is a multidisciplinary partnership between the University of Newcastle and Hunter New England Local Health District and the community.  Established in 1998, HMRI facilitates collaborations between researchers translating scientific advances into better clinical care, competitive commercial products and improved health care guidelines.

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University Research Centres

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) centres and programs

Centre of Research Excellence for Venom and Antivenom
Centre of Research Excellence for Venom and Antivenom

The Centre of Research Excellence in Translational Venom and Antivenom Research is a collaboration of five Australian universities and two Sri Lankan universities and brings together experts in the fields of venom and antivenom research.  The Centre will focus on snake envenoming and the effectiveness and safety of antivenom.  Central to improving the treatment of snake bite is the early identification of envenoming as there is increasing evidence that early administration of antivenom is the key to good outcomes.  Key to achieving this aim is the development of a cheap, quick bedside test for envenoming and this will be one of the main objectives of the Centre.

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Multi-Institutional Research Centres

Central Coast Research Institute for Integrated Care (CCRI)
Central Coast Research Institute for Integrated Care (CCRI)

The Central Coast Research Institute (CCRI) is a joint venture of the University of Newcastle and Central Coast Local Health District. The CCRI aims to deliver pioneering research relevant to improving the health and wellbeing of the Central Coast community and beyond, focusing on the design, implementation and evaluation of new models of person-centred integrated care.

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Clinical Nutrition Research Centre
Clinical Nutrition Research Centre

Professor Peter Howe from the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy is Director of the Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC).  It offers Australia's foremost expertise in the design and conduct of human intervention trials to evaluate cardiovascular, metabolic, anti-inflammatory and mental health benefits of functional nutrients, foods and nutraceuticals.

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Our research

Adult Lifestyle Incentives for Vitality and Energy
Adult Lifestyle Incentives for Vitality and Energy

ALIVE is a cross-disciplinary collaboration among our University community that supports health professionals to assist their clients with weight management through lifestyle changes.

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Australian Centre for Evidence Based Nutrition and Dietetics
Australian Centre for Evidence Based Nutrition and Dietetics

ACEBaND participates in the University of Newcastle evidence-based synthesis group; which is an affiliated centre of the University of Western Sydney in collaboration with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI).  It is the only centre with an exclusive focus on nutrition internationally.

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Chlamydia Research
Chlamydia Research

The Chlamydia Research Group (CRG) is a major research group in the Discipline of Immunology and Microbiology. The group is funded by research grants from the NHMRC, the ARC, the HRC (NZ) and has substantial industry funding and is also part of the HMRI VIVA research group.

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Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics

The Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (CCEB) provides national and international education programs in public health for health professionals and the promotion and delivery of trans-disciplinary research into health and health care.

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Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

The Discipline of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology is a multidisciplinary group of medicines experts spanning the scientific, clinical and social science aspects of medicines development, clinical trials regulation, pricing, clinical use of medicines and pharmaceutical policy.

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Clinical Radiation Research
Clinical Radiation Research

In Radiation Oncology, one patient's care is managed by many: radiation oncologists (doctors), medical physics specialists, radiation therapists and nurses. Administration staff manage the complex task of fitting in so many people to receive their treatment and follow-up, and Clinical Trials Coordinators make sure that when study participants agree to take part in a trial, they know what to expect.

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Clinical Toxicology
Clinical Toxicology

The Clinical Toxicology Research Group focuses on improving understanding of poisoning and envenoming in patients and undertaking studies to determine the effectiveness of antidotes and antivenoms in treatment of these conditions.

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Digital Mental Health Research Group
Digital Mental Health Research Group

Led by Professor Rhonda Wilson and involving international and multidisciplinary networks of researchers and collaborating organisations, the Digital Mental Health Research Group is helping to reimagine the way technologies are used to enhance mental health care in Australia and worldwide.

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Education and Nursing Research in Child Health
Education and Nursing Research in Child Health

The Centre for Education and Nursing Research in Child Health's aim is to support and encourage nurses working in child and family health, neonatal, paediatric and adolescent health (hereafter termed child health nursing/nurses) to undertake research, ensure nursing practice in these specialty areas is evidence based and build nurses' post graduate education and professional development.

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Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy
Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy

The Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Research group focuses on research into the use of both ionising and non-ionising radiation in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

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Mental Health Nursing Research and Practice Development
Mental Health Nursing Research and Practice Development

The program of research operating from the Nursing Research and Practice Development Unit (NRPDU) locates research into mental health nursing within a broad framework of mental health services research. The main focus of the program is to assess the effectiveness of nursing led psychological and psychosocial interventions using qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.

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Midwifery
Midwifery

The Midwifery Research Group is lead by Dr Virginia Skinner who has worked as a Research Project Officer for Associate Professor Martin Veysey for the previous five years on two studies, one assessing cardiovascular health in an elderly population and the other assessing the relationship between bitter taste, folate intake and the development of bowel polyps before commencing work at the University of Newcastle.

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Mothers and Babies
Mothers and Babies

The Mothers and Babies Research Centre is a multidisciplinary group working on maternal, foetal and neonatal health problems.

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Nutraceuticals Research
Nutraceuticals Research

The area of Nutraceuticals has long been the focus of the research group headed by Professor Manohar Garg. Nutraceuticals, dietary supplements and functional foods have been the research focus of the many successful research higher degree students and postdoctoral fellows. This group brings together a number of academic staff members and their research personnel from the Faculty of Health and Medicine, Faculty of Science & IT and Faculty of Education & Arts under one umbrella.

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Professional Issues and Acute Care
Professional Issues and Acute Care

Researchers involved in Professional Issues and Acute Care are focused on making a difference in the delivery of health services and for health professionals in the clinical environment, often using a multidisciplinary approach.

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Speech Pathology
Speech Pathology

The speech pathology discipline is distinctive in its diversity and focus on the impact of communication disorders and disabilities in everyday life, as well as on key stakeholders supporting them.

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Youth Outreach for Diabetes
Youth Outreach for Diabetes

Young people with type 1 diabetes are transferred from comprehensive outreach paediatric services to adult services at around 18 years of age. Many rural adult services have few resources to specifically support them, and the culture is more focused on compliance and long term complications. Young people are expected to have competent self management skills, which is often not the case as there are limited transition programs within Hunter New England Health. This issue is important as they are life longer users of the health care system.

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