Two Hunter researchers backed with $200,000 to turn breakthrough ideas into better health
Two Hunter researchers have secured the 2026 Newcastle Permanent Innovator Fellowships, receiving $100,000 each to help turn their medical research ideas into life-saving solutions.
Dr Geshani Jayasuriya, HMRI Breathing and Lung Health Research Program and Paediatric Respiratory Physician, Hunter New England Local Health District was recognised for developing safer, radiation-free lung scans designed to better monitor airway disease in children and adults across all stages of life.
University of Newcastle Postdoctoral Researcher Dr Heather Murray, of HMRI Precision Medicine and Health Research Program, was recognised for researching more precise cancer treatments to help doctors better match therapies to individual patients and improve outcomes.
HMRI CEO and Institute Director Professor Frances Kay (left) and Newcastle Permanent’s Paul Juergens congratulate the 2026 Newcastle Permanent Innovator Fellowship winners - University of Newcastle Postdoctoral Researcher Dr Heather Murray and Dr Geshani Jayasuriy of HMRI’s Breathing and Lung Health Research Program.
The winners were selected after impressing the judges with their research findings at today's Pitch Showcase, which marked the culmination of the 2026 Newcastle Permanent Innovators Program.
Delivered by Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) in partnership with Newcastle Permanent, the six week program supports six early and mid career researchers from the University of Newcastle, the Hunter New England Local Health District, and HMRI to understand healthcare challenges, work with communities and stakeholders, develop practical solutions, and build the skills to turn those ideas into action.
This year's cohort focused on some of the Hunter New England region's biggest health challenges, including infant respiratory risk, childhood cancer, chronic lung disease, precision cancer treatment, wound care and genomics analysis.
Alongside the two Innovator Fellowships, the remaining four finalists each received $20,000 seed grants to continue progressing their research.
HMRI CEO and Institute Director Professor Frances Kay said this year's program showcased the emerging research talent in the region, and the value of investing in ideas with the potential to improve lives.
"Congratulations to our two Fellowship recipients and to all six finalists for the passion, dedication and innovation they have shown throughout the program," Professor Kay said.
"Every breakthrough starts with an idea, but the journey from discovery to impact requires much more than a good idea alone,” Professor Kay said.”
“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 said the organisation is honoured to support HMRI’s researchers for a second year.
"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," Mr Juergens 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."
2026 Newcastle Permanent Innovators Program finalists
Dr Gabriela Martins Costa Gomes
Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Newcastle
Paediatric Sleep and Respiratory Scientist, Hunter New England Local Health District
HMRI Breathing and Lung Health Research Program
Gabriela is working on new ways to detect breathing risks in babies earlier, helping vulnerable infants get care sooner and improving long-term health outcomes.
Dr Geshani Jayasuriya
Paediatric Respiratory Physician, Hunter New England Local Health District
HMRI Breathing and Lung Health Research Program
Geshani is developing safer, radiation-free lung scans designed to better monitor airway disease in children and adults across all stages of life.
Dr Meg Lim
HMRI Health Economist
Meg is creating a digital support platform to help families of children with cancer quickly find financial assistance and support during treatment.
Dr Heather Murray
Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Newcastle
HMRI Precision Medicine and Health Research Program
Heather is researching more precise cancer treatments to help doctors better match therapies to individual patients and improve outcomes.
Dr Stuart Szwec
HMRI Senior Data Scientist
Conjoint Lecturer, University of Newcastle Stuart is developing artificial intelligence technology to help clinicians choose the right wound dressings faster and improve patient recovery.
Dr Alexandre Xavier
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Newcastle
HMRI Precision Medicine and Health Research Program
Alexandre is building an online platform to help researchers and healthcare teams better analyse complex genetic data and support faster, more personalised treatment decisions.
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