Over two inspiring days, the Westmead Research & Innovation Conference brought together researchers, clinicians, and innovators at the Westmead Health Precinct under the theme “Local Solutions to Global Health Issues.” The event showcased how collaboration and innovation at a local level can drive global impact in health research.
The conference served as a platform for knowledge exchange and networking, featuring keynote addresses, panel discussions, and abstract presentations from emerging and established researchers. With a focus on practical solutions and translational research, the program highlighted how local expertise can address some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. From genomics and precision medicine to mental health, digital health, and commercialisation strategies, the sessions reflected the breadth and depth of innovation happening within the precinct.
Westmead is one of Australia’s leading research hubs, where scientists and clinicians work across disciplines to solve complex health challenges. Research spans cancer, cardiovascular disease, genomics, infectious diseases, mental health, and regenerative medicine, supported by advanced facilities for imaging, proteomics, and biobanking. This makes Westmead an ideal location for such a gathering, as its world-class research ecosystem and strong clinical partnerships provide the perfect environment to showcase innovation.
The keynote presentations were program highlights. Associate Professor Jodie Ingles explored how genomics is transforming our understanding of inherited cardiac diseases. Later, Deputy Secretary of Clinical Innovation and Research, Professor Jean-Frederic Levesque shared insights on the future of innovation at NSW Health, outlining how collaboration and innovation can accelerate progress. On day two, Clinical Professor Kasia Kozlowska and Dr Lux Ratnamohan discussed advances and plans in adolescent mental health, while our international keynote, Professor Marie Bleakley captivated the audience with her expertise on T cells and transplants.
Beyond the keynotes, the conference featured a rich program of presentations and panels. We heard from Dr Maggie Wang and Prof Denis C. Bauer, GAICD on precision technologies, and from experts like Associate Professor Bradley Christian, Associate Professor Joanne Reed, Associate Professor Celia Harris, Harry Robertson, Associate Professor Miriam Levy and Associate Professor Paula Bray, who shared cutting-edge research across general health, tech innovations for dementia and pathology, and clinical research trends.
The panel on innovation and commercialisation brought together Dr Nathan Moore PhD FAIDH, Associate Professor Pierre Qian, Dr Lilly Bojarski and Professor Sandra Cooper, who discussed strategies for supporting new ventures at the Westmead Health Precinct. Other sessions explored mental health and metabolic futures with Prof David Brown, Professor Louise Baur AM, and Dr Katrina Champion, as well as digital health and research possibilities with Dr Teresa Anderson AM, Dr Coralie Wales (OAM), and Dr Jurgen Mejan-Fripp.
Prize winners for best oral abstract presentations and poster were awarded on Day 2, the honours went to Dr Glena Travis, Beattie Sexton, and Lakni Weerasinghe for their outstanding work.
As the 2025 conference concluded, it was clear that research at Westmead and across Western Sydney is not only advancing science but shaping the future of healthcare—locally and globally.
The organising committees of WRIC2025 would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Professor Aunty Kerrie.Doyle, Professor Roger Reddel AO, Acting Chief Executive WSLHD Amanda Larkin and Professor Jeremy Chapman AC for opening and closing the conference with such warmth and vision. Also to NSW Ministry of Health for enabling the event to host the announcement of the NSW Health Cardiovascular Collaborative Grant recipients.
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Pictured: Dr Katrina Champion and Professor Louise Baur AM discuss adolescent health | Credit: Anthony Burns/Homepix
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Sponsors: University of Sydney NSW Health Pathology Western Sydney University CSIRO Chrysalis Advisory
Additional support and representation from: The Westmead Institute for Medical Research Children’s Medical Research Institute Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network Westmead Health Precinct Westmead Research Hub EMCR Network Office of the CE WSLHD Western Sydney Local Health District Sydney Local Health District UNSW NSW Health Garvan Institute of Medical Research FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER RESEARCH The Fulbright Program Cicada Innovations Luminesce Alliance ProCan Technologies
