The Research Development and Governance Unit (RDGU) hosted the Research Grants Program 2026 award ceremony yesterday bringing together researchers, clinicians and staff from across Northern Health to celebrate the successful recipients.

The annual program supports innovative research that improves patient care, strengthens clinical practice, and builds research capability across the organisation. This year it attracted 61 applications across three funding categories- a 20 per cent increase on 2025- reflecting the growing strength and enthusiasm for research at Northern Health.

The session opened with an overview of the 2026 Research Grants Program, including key updates such as greater funding opportunities to support underrepresented divisions, and ensuring the program reflects national priorities through the involvement of consumers across the review process.  Attendees gained insight into the competitive application process and organisation’s continued investment in research that addresses the health needs of our community.

The presentation of the 2026 Research Grant awards was led by Prof Geoff Donnan, Chair of the Northern Health Research Grants Committee, and Prof Prahlad Ho, Chair of the Research Executive Committee. Grant recipients were recognised across the Grants in Aid, Targeted Grants in Aid – Nursing, Targeted Grants in Aid – Mental Health, Research @ Northern Support Grants, and the premier Northern Health Foundation Grant categories.

The Northern Health Foundation Grant, valued at $50,000, was awarded to Associate Professor Hui Yin Lim for the project titled: Integrated Cohort Study Evaluating Novel Coagulation Assays and Digital Technology in Chronic Kidney Disease (ICONIC). This grant supports high-impact research with the potential to improve patient outcomes and strengthen future competitive research funding success.

Each recipient then shared a brief overview of their funded project, showcasing the breadth of research underway at Northern Health- spanning clinical innovation, patient safety, sustainability, nursing, mental health, digital health and chronic disease management.

The event celebrated the dedication of our researchers and reinforced the organisation’s commitment to fostering a strong research culture through collaboration, innovation and investment in evidence-based healthcare.

Congratulations to all 2026 Research Grants Program recipients and thank you to everyone who submitted an application and continues to contribute to research at Northern Health.