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Westmead Research Hub Newsletter | January 2026
As we step into a new year, we’re excited to build on the momentum of 2025 and look ahead to what’s next for the hub. From research breakthroughs and partner achievements to upcoming opportunities and events, 2026 is already shaping up to be a strong year for collaboration, innovation, and impact at Westmead.
Below is a snapshot of what’s been happening across the Hub and what’s on the horizon.
What’s on
Health Commercialisation Workshop – Cicada Health Tech Hub Elevate
26-27 February 2026
Are you working on a health technology and wondering how to take it beyond the lab? Join Cicada Healthtech Elevate, a two-day workshop designed for inventors, scientists, and research teams.
Led by industry expert Nicholette Conway (Axis Health Co.), you’ll learn the fundamentals of healthtech commercialisation across therapeutics, medical devices, digital health, diagnostics, biologics, and platforms.
Applications are now open for the February 2026 cohort.
Application deadline: 5 February 2026. Successful applicants will be notified early February.
Take the next step in bringing your innovation to life.
Apply Now! (https://info.cicadainnovations.com/hth-elevate)
HSIL Hackathon: 7th Edition – Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Australian Hub Partners
10-11 April 2026
We’re proud to be one of the partners supporting the 7th Annual Global Health Systems Hackathon, hosted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and The University of Sydney. This year’s theme:
Building High-Value Health Systems: Leveraging AI
Join us at the Australian Hub for this unique event, where innovators and experts will explore how artificial intelligence can transform health systems for better value and impact.
Dates: April 10–11, 2026
Location: Level 5, Block K – Westmead Innovation Centre (Entrance 11, Westmead Hospital, corner Hawkesbury Road and Darcy Rd, Westmead NSW 2145 )
Scan the QR code in the poster or click the link below to apply and learn more.
Apply and Learn more (https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/health-systems-innovation-lab/work/hsil-hackathon-2026-building-high-value-health-systems-leveraging-ai/)
Research in Action
** New studies and Achievements
————————————————————
Landmark resource to advance cancer research – Children’s Medical Research Institute
Children’s Medical Research Institute has published a groundbreaking study in Nature Communications, unveiling the most comprehensive dataset yet on how cancer cells maintain unlimited replication. The research, led by CMRI’s Cancer Research Unit in collaboration with ProCan® and the Wellcome Sanger Institute, analyzed 976 cancer cell lines to map the complex mechanisms of telomere maintenance, a process central to cancer development.
This resource not only reveals new insights into cancer biology but also provides a global platform for researchers to accelerate discoveries in diagnostics and treatment strategies. By making the data publicly accessible, CMRI is driving international collaboration to improve outcomes for patients worldwide.
Read the full study (https://www.cmrijeansforgenes.org.au/news/cmri-creates-new-resource-to-understand-how-cancer-cells-keep-growing)
Celebrating NHMRC Synergy Grant Success – University of Sydney
Congratulations to Professor Hilda Pickett and Professor Kirsten McCaffery, recipients of 2025 NHMRC Synergy Grants, each awarded $5 million to advance health research.
Professor Pickett, from the Children’s Medical Research Institute, will lead a project exploring how Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres works in cancer cells, aiming to develop the first targeted treatments for aggressive cancers.
Professor McCaffery, from the Sydney Health Literacy Lab, will create an Australian platform to ensure AI-powered healthcare is inclusive, responsible, and evidence-based, guided by health literacy principles and community input.
These projects highlight the power of collaboration in shaping the future of healthcare.
Read More (https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/news-centre/55-million-investment-diverse-research-deliver-better-health-outcomes)
NHMRC Ideas Grant Success – The Westmead Institute for Medical Research
We’re delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievement of The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR), with multiple research groups securing highly competitive NHMRC Ideas Grants. This success reinforces WIMR’s strong track record and highlights the innovation and translational impact of research across the Westmead Health Precinct.
Ideas Grants are designed to support creative, high-impact projects that move from discovery to real-world application. This year’s results reflect WIMR’s excellence and collaborative strength in partnership with hospitals, universities, and international collaborators.
Congratulations to lead investigators:
Professor Eddy Kizana
Associate Professor Aaron Schindeler
Dr Kamal Muhammad Kamruzzaman
And to co-investigators:
Dr Kerrie Sandgren
Professor David Gottlieb
These projects exemplify WIMR’s commitment to advancing knowledge and improving health outcomes.
**
Stay Connected
Got news, achievements, or upcoming activities? Share them with us!
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Send us your updates and let’s make sure your work gets the spotlight it deserves!
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