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Diabetes, thunderstorm asthma, antibiotic allergies and the role of virtual reality in overcoming needle phobia — these were just some of the subjects explored at the Regional Research Symposium 2025, co-hosted by Albury Wodonga Health (AWH) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) on Tuesday 14 October at The Cube, Wodonga.

Now in its second year, the biennial Symposium brought together researchers, clinicians and students to share cutting-edge regional health research, strengthen connections, and highlight how collaborative research can deliver real-world benefits for regional communities.

The program featured pre-eminent speakers from UNSW, including Professor Cheryl Jones, Dean of Medicine and Health; Professor Melissa Green, Director of Research, School of Clinical Medicine; and Associate Professor Brett Biles, Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Engagement and Research. Each spoke to the role of research in lifting health outcomes across rural and regional Australia.

Professor Jones delivered the keynote address, drawing on her internationally recognised expertise in infectious diseases, vaccination, and mother-to-child transmission of infection. Her lecture underscored the importance of translating global health science into outcomes that make a difference in regional and rural settings.

Alongside UNSW leaders, local researchers from AWH, including Dr Luke Baitch, Dr David Newsom, Dr Joanne Manton and Dr Annie Hung, presented their projects, tackling subjects from anaesthesia and diabetes to thunderstorm asthma in Albury Wodonga and a range of paediatric subjects. 

They were joined by researchers from Deakin University, Charles Sturt University, La Trobe University, and the Border Medical Oncology & Haematology Research Unit, showcasing the depth of collaboration already underway across institutions.

Importantly, the breadth of studies reflected the real-world needs of regional healthcare. Topics ranged from virtual nursing in aged care, to investigating noise levels in a special care nursery, and advancing collaborative projects in cancer services. Together, they demonstrated both the expertise of local researchers and their determination to ensure research speaks directly to the realities of regional healthcare.

The evening also provided valuable opportunities to connect and collaborate. A dedicated ‘Making Connections’ booth invited attendees to submit ideas for future research projects. These will be compiled and shared with participants, prompting follow-up discussions and supporting ongoing collaboration.

Thanks to the dedication of the AWH/UNSW Regional Research Steering Committee, and with significant funding and resources provided by UNSW and the UNSW Border Regional Training Hub, the Symposium was able to provide a platform that not only celebrates regional research but inspires more of it.

“Health research cannot happen in isolation. It requires strong relationships – between health services and universities, between different professional disciplines, and between clinicians, researchers, and communities. That’s how we can ensure that regional communities are not left behind when it comes to sharing in the benefits of world-class research,” AWH Chief Executive Bill Appleby said.

Mr Appleby added that the partnership between AWH and UNSW continues to strengthen the region’s position as a leader in rural and regional health research.

“When regional health services are active contributors to research, we don’t just improve care – we shape it. The work showcased through the Symposium underlined that when universities and health services work hand in hand, regional communities are the beneficiaries of contemporary and innovative care, and a stronger voice in shaping the future of healthcare”, he said.

Reflecting on the event, Associate Professor Mark Norden, Director of Medical Education at UNSW’s Albury Wodonga Campus, said the Symposium demonstrated how collaboration between universities and health services is helping bridge the gap between research and clinical care in regional settings.

“The Regional Research Symposium highlights the incredible depth of talent and curiosity that exists within our regional health workforce. When clinicians are supported to ask questions, test ideas, and collaborate with university researchers, we create an environment where innovation naturally follows. UNSW Is proud to help champion that kind of partnership with Albury Wodonga Health and across the wider region”, he said.