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Our research drives transformative innovation and impact. Here, you’ll find passionate researchers working at the cutting edge of their fields, committed to changing lives for the better and ensuring a thriving future for all.
News
NSW research trials report outcomes for women's health: pharmacist-led UTI and oral contraceptive services
Two landmark University of Newcastle-led research trials have provided evidence on the safety and effectiveness of pharmacist-led management of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and oral contraceptive resupply in women – helping to facilitate timely access to care and referral to GPs when clinically needed.
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Culturally led research to improve Indigenous heart and stroke outcomes
Two University of Newcastle research projects have received NSW Government funding to improve heart and stroke outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across NSW. The three-year projects will place community leadership, cultural knowledge and lived experience at the centre of their approach.
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$1.09 million to drive innovation in green iron, infrastructure safety and robotics
Heavy industry, advanced manufacturing and major infrastructure projects all face growing pressure to reduce emissions, improve precision and manage risk. Three University of Newcastle research teams will tackle these challenges after securing more than $1 million in the latest round of the Australian Research Council Linkage Projects scheme.
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Hunter Insights Series explores the regional impacts of NDIS reform
The University of Newcastle's Institute for Regional Futures brought together key partners to examine how changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) could affect people, jobs and services in regional areas.
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Research highlights gaps in gender-based violence recovery support
University of Newcastle researchers are drawing attention to a critical gap in responses to gender‑based violence: the lack of ongoing, well‑resourced healing and recovery support for victim‑survivors once the immediate crisis has passed.
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Cancer Institute Fellowship supports quest for greater understanding of DIPG triggers
A Newcastle researcher is on a mission to uncover the underlying biology of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a lethal brainstem tumour responsible for half of all childhood brain cancer deaths.
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Research Impact
We work with industry, community and government partners to translate research into real-world impact that makes a positive difference to our regions and our world.
Featured stories
We have a strong track record for driving discoveries across a host of research disciplines. By leveraging the unique history of our region – and our research and academic excellence – we want our university and our regions to be the ultimate test bed for innovation.
“I thought I was a bad mother”: How telehealth changed a young boy’s life and gave a family hope
“I thought I was a bad mother,” says Marlie Matthews, tearfully. “I tried everything, but Marcus was getting more and more behind. He wasn’t speaking much and when he did, I couldn’t understand him. It was very hard on all of us.”
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Girls in STEM
Female high school students in the Hunter are being inspired to pursue meaningful careers in STEM thanks to a unique program created over a conversation at a campus cafe.
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New video shows sharks making an easy meal of spiky sea urchins
Long-spined sea urchins have emerged as an environmental issue off Australia’s far south coast.
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Awards and honours
Our University is home to some of the world’s most well-regarded researchers. Our experts have earned national and international accolades for work in engineering, health and medical research, education, Indigenous studies and more.
Kelvin Kong
Australia’s first Aboriginal surgeon, Professor Kelvin Kong AM, has dedicated his career to improving health and learning outcomes of Aboriginal children. In recognition of his leadership, research excellence and advocacy, he was named National NAIDOC Person of the Year in 2023 and received the prestigious Menzies Medallion in 2020.
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Clare Collins
Laureate Professor Clare Collins AOM is an internationally acclaimed leader in nutrition and dietetics. She’s in the top 1% of the world’s most cited scientists, has secured more than $35 million in research funding, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of NSW, the Nutrition Society of Australia, and the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.
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Matt Dun
Professor Matt Dun OAM is one Australia’s leading paediatric cancer researchers, specialising in rare brain cancers. He holds over 35 national and international awards, including Medal of the Order of Australia (2026), the Australian Financial Review Emerging Leadership Award (2025), and the Australian Society for Medical Research Medal (2024).
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Nick Talley
Laureate Professor Nick Talley has been named Australia's #1 medical researcher two years in a row. As one of the world’s leading gastroenterologists, Professor Talley's has received numerous international awards, was named the NSW Scientist of the Year in 2018, and was one of the inaugural Fellows of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.
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Anna Giacomini
Professor Anna Giacomini is one of Australia’s leading experts on rockfall mechanics and protection design. She received the John Booker Medal for Engineering Excellence (2019), a Prize for Excellence at the NSW Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering (2022), and became a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (2023).
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Myles Young
Associate Professor Myles Young is on a mission to improve men’s physical and mental health. His efforts to develop and assess different types of mental health therapies for men earned him recognition from AMP Foundation Tomorrow Maker Awards, the Hunter Safety Awards, the BUPA Foundation Awards, and the Sports Medicine Australia Awards.
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Heather Lee
Dr Heather is part of a $25 million research program aimed at preventing breast cancer recurrence. She's also advancing research to fight various forms of leukaemia and won the prestigious Metcalf Prize for Stem Cell Research for her work to improve survival rates for leukaemia patients.
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Behdad Moghtaderi
Laureate Professor Behdad Moghtaderi is transforming the energy and mining sectors with breakthroughs aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. His expertise has earned him numerous awards, seen him publish over 280 journal articles, and contributed to collaborations with partners in nearly 20 countries.
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Nikola Bowden
Awarding-winning molecular biologist Professor Nikola Bowden is giving cancer patients new treatment options – and new hope – by finding ways to overcome drug resistance in melanoma and ovarian cancer. The recipient of an unprecedented 10-year research fellowship, Nikola has led a string of studies to advance personalised and precision medicine.
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Kevin Galvin
Laureate Professor Kevin Galvin’s innovations are driving economic benefits and reducing environmental impacts across the global resources sector. His research excellence and commercial achievements have earned him numerous national and international awards and the respect of industry partners around the world.
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David Lubans
Professor David Lubans is improving the health and wellbeing of young people across the globe. He supported the development of a world-first lifestyle program for fathers and their daughters, spearheaded the University's Global Sport and Movement Collaborative research centre, and is in the top 1% of the world's most cited social scientists.
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Zolt Balogh
Professor Zsolt Balogh has been named the top Emergency Medicine researcher in the country by Research Magazine - three times. He designed the University's Master of Traumatology program, which blends clinically led research and teaching to support tomorrow’s trauma specialists. His research is also improving long-term survival rates for trauma patients.
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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.