Six medical researchers have been selected as finalists for an innovators' program that aims to tackle big health challenges in the Hunter.
The six-week program helps early- and mid-career researchers from the University of Newcastle and Hunter New England Health to "turn promising research ideas into life-saving solutions".
The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) program is sponsored by Newcastle Permanent.
The finalists will tackle health challenges with help from expert-led workshops and mentoring.
Their subjects include infant respiratory risk, childhood cancer, chronic lung disease, cancer treatment precision, wound care and genomics analysis.
The program will involve a "pitch showcase event" in August, at which the researchers will present their findings.
Two researchers will be awarded $100,000 fellowships, while the remaining four will receive $20,000 seed grants to advance their ideas.
HMRI chief executive Frances Kay said the program supports "the next generation of changemakers".
"Participants work through a structured process focused on understanding healthcare challenges," Professor Kay said.
They develop practical solutions and aim to turn ideas into action.
Professor Kay said bringing research, healthcare and the community together "creates the conditions for ideas to move faster towards real-world impact".
Newcastle Permanent spokesperson Paul Juergens said "backing stronger healthcare outcomes starts with investing in local talent and ideas".
Mr Juergens said the program supported "emerging researchers working on practical solutions to some of the biggest health challenges".
He said the program helps ideas move closer to helping "parents, families and people experiencing major health challenges."
Dr Gabriela Martins Costa Gomes
Gabriela is working on new ways to detect breathing risks in babies earlier, helping vulnerable infants get care sooner and improving long-term health outcomes.
Dr Geshani Jayasuriya
Geshani is developing safer, radiation-free lung scans designed to better monitor airway disease in children and adults across all stages of life.
Dr Meg Lim
Meg is creating a digital support platform to help families of children with cancer quickly find financial assistance and support during treatment.
Dr Heather Murray
Heather is researching more precise cancer treatments to help doctors better match therapies to individual patients and improve outcomes.
Dr Stuart Szwec
Stuart is developing artificial intelligence technology to help clinicians choose the right wound dressings faster and improve patient recovery.
Dr Alexandre Xavier
Alexandre is building an online platform to help researchers and healthcare teams better analyse complex genetic data and support faster, more personalised treatment decisions.
