One of the many things I learned during Research Week 2026 is that Northern Health’s Research Week has been running since 2004. As our Chief Executive, Debra Bourne, reflected during this year’s opening session, it remains one of our most important annual celebrations, showcasing how research, innovation and discovery continue to improve patient care across our organisation.
This year, Research Week attracted 77 abstracts from staff across Northern Health, highlighting the breadth and strength of research underway across our health service. Researchers shared their work through poster presentations in the Northern Hospital foyer and the online digital poster gallery, while the top eight abstracts were selected for oral presentations.
What stood out most was the diversity of research on display. Projects spanned medicine, nursing, allied health, mental health and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, and were presented by researchers at all stages of their careers. Together, they reflected Northern Health’s growing and inclusive research culture, where everyone has the opportunity to contribute.
Alongside the abstract presentations, we were fortunate to hear from an inspiring line-up of keynote speakers and presenters. Professor David Ashley (VCCC Alliance) challenged us to think about the future of cancer care, while Dr John Pierce (La Trobe University) explored how technology can support more person-centred healthcare. We also celebrated the launch of the Northern Health Allied Health Research Strategy, an important milestone for allied health research at Northern Health. Professor Kate Fox (RMIT University) demonstrated the power of collaboration between clinicians and engineers, Associate Professor Hui Yin Lim shared her journey of balancing research and clinical practice, and Professor Sunil Gupta (Deakin University) explored the opportunities and responsibilities that come with using artificial intelligence in research. Together, these sessions sparked ideas, encouraged discussion and highlighted the many ways research is shaping the future of healthcare.
The week wrapped up with the Awards Ceremony. Congratulations to the following Research Week 2026 award winners:
- Best Printed Poster Day 1: Dr Yousif Khawajeh. Title: Unused (‘just-in-case’) Peripheral Intravenous Cannulas in the Northern Health Epping Emergency Department: A retrospective audit.
- Best Printed Poster Day 2: Dr Alex Blackburn. Title: Outcomes of a Neonatal Rapid Review Clinic: A Two-Year Retrospective Audit of Readmissions and Risk Factors.
- Best Printed Poster Day 3: Jessica Badra. Title: Exploring the Sustainability of Medical Procedural Skills Teaching.
- Best Printed Poster Day 4: Nancy Hoang Cuc La. Title: Quality Assurance Evaluation of a Multidisciplinary Exercise Program in an Older Adult Mental Health Unit.
- People’s Choice Award for Best Poster (printed or digital): Adam Pavlovski. Title: Evaluating Northern Health’s Parenteral Nutrition Guideline Against International Best Practice Standards.
- Best Abstract Oral Presentation – 3rd Place: Associate Professor Jaclyn Yoong. Title: Assessment of Bereavement Risk and Feasibility of Bereavement Support Provision at an Acute Tertiary Hospital.
- Best Abstract Oral Presentation – 2nd Place: Associate Professor Hui Yin Lim. Title: Improved cardiovascular risk prediction in healthy older adults using mOHP: a case-control study from ASPREE.
- Peter Brooks Research Award 2026 (Best Abstract Oral Presentation – 1st Place): Professor Rebecca Jessup. Title: Does Patient Watch reduce hospital presentations and admissions? Programme Characteristics and Impact on Hospital Resource Utilisation.
A special note to this year’s Peter Brooks Research Award winner, Professor Rebecca Jessup, who received the award as she concludes an extraordinary 24 years of service at Northern Health. Rebecca reflected on the encouragement and mentorship she received from Professor Peter Brooks early in her research career, making the recognition especially meaningful. On hearing of the 2026 winner of the award named in his honour, Professor Brooks shared: “I am very proud of the winner of the Peter Brooks Award and all of the research going on at Northern Health. Well done everyone!”
Thank you to everyone who contributed to Research Week 2026, including our keynote speakers, abstract submitters, oral and poster presenters, reviewers, judges, MCs, debate participants and attendees. A special thank you to the Public Affairs team for helping keep staff informed and sharing the week’s achievements with the wider community.
We would also like to acknowledge our sponsors, whose support helps make Research Week possible: Northern Health Foundation, La Trobe University, RMIT University, The University of Melbourne and JR Medical Books.
As always, a huge thank you to the entire Research Development and Governance Unit (RDGU) team for delivering another outstanding Research Week. Planning begins more than six months in advance, and the team’s dedication and attention to detail are second to none. Special recognition goes to Britt Szabo and Preethi Holman, whose months of behind-the-scenes work kept everything running smoothly, and to Dr Tilini Gunatillake for expertly bringing the week together from start to finish.
Research Week is organised on behalf of Northern Health researchers, and we are always looking for ways to make it even better. If you have feedback or suggestions for future events, please complete the Research Week Feedback Survey. A randomly selected respondent will receive a $50 gift voucher. The survey closes on Friday, 6 November 2026.
Until next year!
A/Prof Justine Ellis
Research Operations Manager
