First researchers announced for accelerator program tackling sepsis, stroke, IVF and hearing
The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) has announced the first group of innovators selected for the Newcastle Permanent Innovation Accelerator Program, with projects aimed at faster sepsis detection, safer stroke treatment, improving IVF success, and monitoring hearing through everyday visual behaviour.
Launched earlier this year as the flagship initiative of the $2 million Newcastle Permanent Innovation Partnership, the program strengthens connections across the local network of innovators and organisations.
“At HMRI, we’re passionate about helping early-career scientists and clinicians turn their research into real-world healthcare solutions,” HMRI Institute Director and CEO Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin said.
“Thanks to the strong support of Newcastle Permanent this program gives participants the funding, mentorship, and industry connections they need to bridge key gaps in the innovation pipeline and bring their discoveries closer to the people who need them.”
University of Newcastle researchers Dr Kirsten Coupland, Dr Anna Behler, Dr Gabrielle Briggs and Dr Aleona Swegen are the first group of innovators selected for the Newcastle Permanent Innovation Accelerator Program.
Over 12 weeks, participants will follow a personalised program tailored to their own unique stage in the innovation pipeline covering healthcare systems, business planning, market analysis, and pitch development, culminating in a Demo Day where they will present to industry leaders and investors. At the conclusion of the program, each participant will receive $20,000 to help accelerate their project. One researcher will also be eligible for a prestigious $200,000 award to assist them in realising their plans and pathway to impact.
Accelerator program change makers
The inaugural cohort brings diverse expertise to address critical health challenges:
University of Newcastle’s Dr Anna Behler from HMRI’s Brain Neuromodulation Research Program is developing a tool that assesses hearing ability in real-world settings through visual behaviour monitoring. "Our approach enables hearing assessment during natural video-watching, better reflecting everyday abilities," Dr Behler explains. "It accommodates different language backgrounds and offers culturally appropriate stimuli for First Nations people, making hearing evaluations more accessible and leading to earlier problem identification."
University of Newcastle’s Dr Gabrielle Briggs from HMRI’s Injury and Trauma Research Program has created a new method for early sepsis detection that identifies bacterial components in blood samples in under 20 minutes. "Early detection can mean the difference between life and death," notes Dr Briggs. "The Briggs Test measures a patient's bacterial load using minimal blood with simple handling and low cost, making it ideal as a daily screening test for at-risk patients and potentially saving countless lives."
University of Newcastle’s Dr Kirsten Coupland from HMRI’s Heart and Stroke Research Program is pioneering a novel pharmacological approach to inducing hypothermia for improved stroke treatment. "Of all experimental therapies tested in stroke, hypothermia has the strongest evidence for reducing injury," Dr Coupland shares. "Our method could transform treatment by overcoming the difficulties associated with existing cooling methods."
University of Newcastle’s Dr Aleona Swegen from HMRI Infertility and Reproduction Research Program has developed SpermSafe, an innovative storage medium to enhance sperm survival and motility while minimising DNA damage during IVF procedures. "Currently, 75% of IVF cycles fail to result in pregnancy," Dr Swegen points out. "SpermSafe could significantly increase the chances of producing healthy embryos that are more likely to implant and result in successful pregnancies."
Backing local research for global impact
Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, HMRI CEO and Institute Director, expressed pride in the calibre of the inaugural participants. "These four remarkable researchers have big ideas that could truly change lives.
“Thanks to Newcastle Permanent’s support, we’re giving them the help they need to turn these ideas into action. Their work could make a difference not just here in the Hunter New England region, but around the world, as we work towards our ambition of creating the healthiest million people on the planet."
"Congratulations to Anna, Gabrielle, Kirsten and Aleona. They are an impressive group, and HMRI is thrilled to support their rise as future leaders and changemakers," Professor Kay-Lambkin said.
Paul Juergens, spokesperson for Newcastle Permanent, emphasised the importance of putting community first. "Our members often tell us that health and wellbeing are among the most important things to them and their families. Listening to our community and acting on what matters to them is at the heart of how Newcastle Permanent approaches partnerships.
“This program has been built from more than 25 years in close partnership with HMRI, and we feel so honoured to be working together again to bring this program to life.
“By supporting HMRI and these researchers, we’re helping to turn promising ideas into real solutions that can make a lasting difference, not just here in the Hunter New England region, but in communities right across Australia,” said Mr Juergens.
Working together to drive better health solutions
Professor Chris Levi, Hunter New England Local Health District Executive Director Research and Innovation and HMRI Board Member, called the program "an important new initiative supporting our local scientists to develop innovative solutions that show considerable promise for future impact on major healthcare challenges in our district and beyond."
Warwick Dawson, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Industry and Engagement at the University of Newcastle, added "The Accelerator Program shows what is possible when research, healthcare, and industry work together.
"The University has nearly a decade of experience supporting founders, startups, and small enterprise through our Integrated Innovation Network (I2N). We know what can happen when we connect great ideas with community, coaching, customers and capital – and we’re proud to bring our expertise to this initiative. By nurturing local innovators, we're strengthening our region's ability to translate great ideas into better health outcomes for our community."
For more information about the Newcastle Permanent Innovation Accelerator Program, visit hmri.org.au/accelerator.
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