Newcastle Permanent, HMRI launch health innovation partnership

Newcastle Permanent and the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) have announced a new partnership to drive research breakthroughs.

The partnership will include an Innovation Accelerator to progress cutting-edge research concepts while the Newcastle Permanent Emerging Innovator Award will recognise promising researchers in the ecosystem across the University of Newcastle and the Hunter New England Local Health District.

Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, Institute Director and CEO of HMRI, shared, “This collaboration will drive novel health solutions by combining our ecosystem’s world-class research with Newcastle Permanent’s unwavering commitment to community wellbeing. A key focus is supporting emerging researchers in the Hunter New England region as they work to tackle the diseases affecting our families, friends and communities.”

Bernadette Inglis, CEO of NGM Group, of which Newcastle Permanent is a part, believes strongly in the significant benefits for the community of this unique partnership.

“We believe this partnership is a new model for how industry can collaborate with research institutions to drive innovation and positive social change. By fostering a culture of collaboration and investment-readiness, we’re helping to ensure that the Hunter region becomes a global leader in medical research.”

The partnership will establish a pre-investment program designed to support emerging researchers in advancing their innovative ideas from conception to market readiness. By providing mentoring and strategic guidance, the platform aims to bridge the critical gap that often exists between groundbreaking research and successful commercialisation.

“With health and wellbeing at the forefront of our customers’ minds, we are committed to supporting cutting-edge research and innovation that has the potential to transform lives. By investing in this partnership, we’re not only backing groundbreaking research but also helping to bridge the gap between lab discoveries and real-world solutions in medical innovation,” Inglis said.

“Our goal is to ensure the incredible research taking place right here in New Lambton can have a tangible, lasting impact on the health of our community and the world.”

Kay-Lambkin said, “Partnerships are the foundation of HMRI’s success, and it is partnerships like this one that will help us to create an agile, transformative future for medical research, deeply connected to our community. Our 26-year strong partnership with the University of Newcastle and the Hunter New England Local Health District has set the scene for HMRI to help break down barriers between researchers, clinicians, industry and investors, to ensure the best ideas get the support they need to make a real-world difference.”

Professor Chris Levi, Director of Learning Health Systems at John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct and HMRI Board Member, praised the partnership for its innovative approach to funding medical research, especially as government grants become more limited.

“We’re excited about this partnership and how it supports the HMRI 2023+ Strategy and the Innovation Precinct. It puts our community at the heart of healthcare advancements, ensuring research is both cutting-edge and relevant to local needs.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Yevhen Lahunov