HUNTER researchers and "global leaders" have been recognised at the 2021 HMRI Awards on Thursday night.
The major awards, which celebrate the "outstanding efforts and achievements of individuals and teams" that drive health and medical research in the Hunter community and beyond, went to the likes of Professor Vanessa McDonald - who was awarded the Mid-Career Research Award for her work on a new management program for severe respiratory conditions known as Treatable Traits.
The Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered team took out the HMRI Newcastle and Sydney Foundation Research Team Award.
Dr Nicole Nathan - whose multi-award winning work on childhood obesity prevention programs has now been rolled out to over 600,000 students across NSW and led to children in the Hunter having a lower incidence of obesity than the rest of the Australian population - was awarded the Early Career Research Award.
While the Research Excellence Award went to Professor Michael Breakspear for his use of advanced neuroimaging techniques that have contributed to the better understanding of a range of conditions from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, to Parkinson's disease and dementia.
HMRI Director Professor Mike Calford said that while 2021 had been a challenging year, HMRI researchers had continued to excel.
"Our award winners tonight are a fantastic example of how the research conducted at HMRI is focused on the needs of our community," Professor Calford said.
