News and Events

News

News • 10 Jul 2026

Hydro Harvester secures $1.9 million for WA farm trial

A University of Newcastle-led project that harvests water from the atmosphere has secured $1,904,166 funding through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Drought Resilience Innovation Challenges Pilot Program.

News • 10 Jul 2026

Hunter Insights Series reveals hidden workforce potential

New insights from the University of Newcastle's Institute for Regional Futures suggest the Hunter region’s biggest workforce challenge is not only skills training but also untapped workforce capacity.

News • 09 Jul 2026

National trial spotlights cultural safety in health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

A national trial of a new tool designed to measure cultural safety in health services from the perspective of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, will aim to track progress and ultimately lift health outcomes.

News • 07 Jul 2026

New medical engineering tech aims to speed up recovery for burns victims

A new medical engineering technology developed at the University of Newcastle could significantly improve recovery outcomes for burn patients.

News • 06 Jul 2026

‘Outed’ by the algorithm – how social media is revealing queer identity ahead of self-disclosure

Social media algorithms are increasingly revealing users’ sexual orientation or gender identity before they have consciously come out to themselves …

News • 29 Jun 2026

Beanies deliver greater imaging insight for brain cancer researchers

The Australian public and wider rugby league community has supported the Mark Hughes Foundation to raise $3.8 million across the 2026 NRL Beanie for Brain Cancer Round. The Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research at the University of Newcastle will use the proceeds to purchase a unique MRI-PET Imaging Machine to drive new drug development.

News • 25 Jun 2026

Australia’s social media age restrictions show limited early impact, new research finds

New research examining the early implementation of Australia’s world-first social media age restrictions for under 16s has revealed little change in adolescence use of the platforms.

News • 24 Jun 2026

University of Newcastle ranked in the top 30 globally in the 2026 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

A strong commitment to engagement, sustainability, the environment and clean energy has lifted the University of Newcastle into the top …

News • 17 Jun 2026

Building a stronger first line of defence against respiratory viruses

Respiratory viruses continue to place significant pressure on communities and healthcare services each winter. For Professor Nathan Bartlett, a virologist at the University of Newcastle and leader of HMRI's Infection Research Program, those numbers highlight the need for better ways to stop infections before they take hold.

News • 10 Jun 2026

MHF commits landmark $18.9m boost to accelerate brain cancer research

A landmark $18.9 million philanthropic gift will supercharge Australia’s fight to beat brain cancer and accelerate new treatments, with the University of Newcastle and the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) today announcing a major expansion of their partnership.

News • 05 Jun 2026

Cardiovascular grants back researchers tackling heart health

University of Newcastle researchers have secured NSW Ministry of Health funding to address heart-health challenges in regional communities. The projects look at protecting babies’ hearts and lungs before birth and supporting people through cancer treatment, translating evidence into prevention and improved health outcomes.

News • 03 Jun 2026

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.

Events

In person

The Pivot Showcase

Hear the real stories behind the startups that changed direction and came out stronger.

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When Tuesday 21 July 2026
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Duration 2 hours
Location  I2N Hub Honeysuckle

Register your interest now

In person

2026 HDR Student Festival

Higher Degree by Research students are making breakthrough discoveries and solving the world’s most formidable problems. The HDR Student Festival will feature a range of conference-style activities, as well as University-wide events to showcase the excellence and innovation of our

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When Monday 3 August 2026
9:00am - 7:00pm
Location  Callaghan, City Campus and Central Coast

In person

Three Minute Thesis Finals

The 3MT competition final is always a highlight of the HDR calendar. We are delighted that this year our finalists will again be presenting their research in front of a live audience. Come along and be dazzled by the creative

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When Thursday 6 August 2026
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Duration 2 hours
Location  Bar on the Hill

Register your interest now