Researchers, clinicians, students and health leaders came together in Mackay on Friday 7 November for the 2025 Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Research and Innovation Symposium, a forum showcasing research and innovation to improve healthcare and patient outcomes.
Hosted by the Mackay Institute of Research and Innovation (MIRI), the research and innovation arm of the Mackay HHS, this year’s symposium was themed ‘Research. Translate. Evolve’, underscoring the importance of translational research.
From new technology to managing chronic disease, to models of care to support at-risk groups, the symposium featured 16 presentations from researchers from Mackay HHS, local universities and other hospitals and health services in Queensland.
Keynote speaker Professor Eddy Strivens, geriatrician and Director of Research at Cairns Hospital and Health Service (HHS), opened the program with a presentation about co-designing healthcare for aging indigenous populations.
Dr Frederick Graham, clinical nurse consultant (dementia and delirium) from the Princess Alexandra Hospital, in Brisbane, delivered a keynote address about redesigning hospitals for patients with dementia and delirium and outlined his research journey as an academic nurse.
Associate Professor Rae Thomas, research education lead (Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre (TAAHC)) and emcee, said the keynote presenters enriched local conversations.
“It’s fantastic to welcome speakers from other parts of the state whose work has such strong relevance to the Mackay region,” she said.
“Their experience brings new ideas that can be adapted to local context, helping to drive innovation and improve health outcomes for patients and communities.”
Mackay HHS Interim Chief Executive Sean Birgan described the one-day event as “truly inspiring”.
“Throughout the day, we’ve seen the very best of what collaboration, curiosity and commitment to excellence can achieve,” Mr Birgan said.
“From pioneering clinical research to innovative models of care, every presentation, poster or discussion has shown us that research, technology and innovation can transform the healthcare that we provide our patients every day, and that’s not just here in Mackay, it’s beyond out to our regions.
“It’s been a privilege to witness a number of researchers from diverse backgrounds, sharing their work and their passion for innovation and investigation that is really delivering positive change,” he said.
A highlight of the day was the presentation of the Mackay HHS Research and Innovation Excellence Awards by Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson.
The Bert Sadleir Senior Researcher Award was presented to Mackay HHS staff specialist endocrinologist and Associate Professor Harshal Deshmukh for his research in endocrine and metabolic disorders. Dr Deshmukh was commended for his outstanding track record of publications, invited presentations and successful grant funding.
Mackay HHS senior registrar (Respiratory) Dr Muhammad Nazmi took out the Bert Sadleir Junior Researcher Awardfor demonstrating strong research engagement in respiratory medicine. Dr Nazmi plays an active role in respiratory clinical trials and is undertaking research in improving respiratory care for renal transplant patients.
The Excellence in Innovation Award was presented to Mackay HHS Director of Clinical Measurements Mary Nunesco for her strong focus towards finding digital solutions to streamline time-sensitive clinical reporting processes to support and drive improved patient outcomes, and her dedication to developing innovative service models to bring care closer to home for rural patients.
The event also featured a Research and Innovation Poster Competition, showcasing projects from researchers and project teams across the Mackay HHS.
Attendees had the opportunity to view posters throughout the day and vote for their favourite as People’s Choice Award.
The winning poster was Staff upskilling to boost participation in bowel cancer screening: Mackay HHS pilot, by Mackay HHS health promotion officer Bree Veivers and clinical nurse consultant Tania Mattinson.
Frail Aged Nurse Practitioner Service impact in rural community, a poster by Bowen nurse practitioner Alicia Gubb and team received the runner-up award and was voted the People’s Choice winner, reflecting both the judges’ and attendees’ appreciation of the project’s quality and relevance.
“Congratulations to all of the presenters and award participants,” Mr Birgan said.
“You are the heart of research and innovation here at Mackay HHS and you will shape a brighter and healthier future for our communities by making a difference, a continuing difference.”