Our Stories

The world's greatest challenges, solved here

Our researchers

The University of Newcastle is home to some of the world’s best researchers.

Our teams have won national and international awards for their work in engineering, cancer prevention, education, humanities, Indigenous studies and more.

These accolades recognise their contributions to the advancement of new knowledge and the calibre of talent we have here at the University.

Featured researchers

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.

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.

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).

Laureate Prof Nicholas Talley and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

David Lubans

Professor David Lubans is improving the health and wellbeing of young people across the globe. He led 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.

Man dressed in scrubs smiling for the camera

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.

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.