Two Hunter researchers win $100,000 fellowships for medical research breakthroughs

Newy 87.8 FM – Two Hunter researchers have secured the 2026 Newcastle Permanent Innovator Fellowships, receiving $100,000 each to help turn their medical research ideas into life-saving solutions.

Dr Geshani Jayasuriya, of the HMRI Breathing and Lung Health Research Program and a Paediatric Respiratory Physician with Hunter New England Local Health District, was recognised for developing safer, radiation-free lung scans designed to better monitor airway disease in children and adults.

Dr Heather Murray, of the HMRI Precision Medicine and Health Research Program and a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Newcastle, was recognised for researching more precise cancer treatments to help doctors better match therapies to individual patients.

The winners were selected after impressing judges at the Pitch Showcase, the culmination of the 2026 Newcastle Permanent Innovators Program.

The six-week program, delivered by Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) in partnership with Newcastle Permanent, supports six early and mid career researchers from the University of Newcastle, Hunter New England Local Health District and HMRI.

This year's cohort focused on regional health challenges including infant respiratory risk, childhood cancer, chronic lung disease, precision cancer treatment, wound care and genomics analysis. The remaining four finalists each received $20,000 seed grants to continue their research.

HMRI CEO and Institute Director Professor Frances Kay said the program showcased the region's emerging research talent, while Newcastle Permanent spokesperson Paul Juergens said the organisation was honoured to support HMRI's researchers for a second year.

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