News Research and Innovation
News • 27 Aug 2026
National groundwater model aims to strengthen Australia's water future
University of Newcastle researchers, together with a team of Australian and international partners, are building a national open-access 3D computational model of Australia’s groundwater systems. The model will support informed decision-making about water resources in a changing climate.
News • 27 Aug 2026
National partnership to accelerate brain cancer innovation
Building on a 10 year commitment to MHF Innovation Grant Funding, with over $10 million allocated, the MHF Centre is now honing their investments in brain cancer research with targeted project funding for key partnerships. Professor Ivan Kempson, Professor of Biophysics at Adelaide University and his team are leading the first Partner Node project
News • 24 Aug 2026
Natural restoration is key to reviving threatened tropical rainforests
As nations race to restore ecosystems and curb climate change, research has shown that letting nature do the work is a cost-effective and viable solution.
News • 21 Aug 2026
Kirralee Hughes honoured nationally for transforming brain cancer care and research
Mark Hughes Foundation co-founder Kirralee Hughes has been named a recipient of the 2026 Jeannie Ferris Award* for Members of the Community, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to improving outcomes for people with cancer.
News • 19 Aug 2026
BHP sustainable steelmaking program wins national AFR Higher Education Award
National recognition for a partnership driving the future of sustainable steelmaking.
News • 11 Aug 2026
Young innovators explore sustainable housing through SMART eco-house program
Primary school students are building clay-and-straw eco-houses, testing them with thermal imaging cameras and exploring renewable energy through a collaboration between the University of Newcastle's SMART Program and the School of Architecture and Built Environment.
News • 11 Aug 2026
Researchers uncover a silver lining to Australia’s solar panel landfill problem
Australia’s growing mountain of solar panel waste could become far more valuable, with University of Newcastle researchers taking a major step towards making solar panel-recycling economically sustainable.
News • 10 Aug 2026
Social justice researcher takes out top honours at Three Minute Thesis final
Turning a complex social justice issue into a powerful presentation has earned University of Newcastle PhD candidate Saskia Jones first place in the 2026 Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) final.
News • 07 Aug 2026
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.
News • 31 Jul 2026
National intelligence funding secured to turn hackers’ thinking against them
A University of Newcastle project designed to expose and exploit weaknesses in the way cyber attackers think has been awarded $783,409 Office of National Intelligence funding through the National Intelligence Discovery Grant program, funded by the Australian Government.
News • 31 Jul 2026
Student entrepreneurs dive into Hong Kong's startup ecosystem
Sixteen University of Newcastle undergraduate students got a crash course in the world of international startups, during a four-week placement at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park Corporation (HKSTP).
News • 30 Jul 2026
$4m in NHMRC grants to transform healthcare and disease prevention
University of Newcastle researchers have secured a total of more than $4 million in National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funding to support three projects across biomedical, clinical, public health and health services research.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.