University of Newcastle – Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) Imaging Centre

About

Advanced Human Imaging and Translation

The University of Newcastle Node is based at the HMRI Imaging Centre, a leading human imaging research facility serving the Hunter region, regional New South Wales and the broader Australian research community. Through the National Imaging Facility (NIF), the node provides access to advanced MRI infrastructure, specialist expertise and nationally coordinated imaging capability supporting discovery, translational and clinical research.

The node operates within a unique partnership between the University of Newcastle, Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), Hunter New England Health and industry partners. This integrated environment enables the translation of imaging innovations into clinical practice while supporting research programs spanning neuroscience, mental health, ageing, cardiovascular disease, cancer, paediatrics and population health.

Following the recent upgrade to the Siemens MAGNETOM Cima.X Fit 3T MRI platform in Feb 2026, the facility provides one of Australia’s most advanced MRI research environments, supporting quantitative imaging, advanced MRI method development, clinical trials, protocol optimisation, harmonisation studies and emerging imaging technologies.

Brain Cancer and Neuroscience Research

The Newcastle Node supports a broad portfolio of nationally significant neuroscience and brain health research programs, including dementia, psychiatry, multiple sclerosis, neurodevelopment and healthy ageing.

A major focus is the support of the Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research through advanced neuroimaging, imaging biomarker development and translational imaging programs spanning adult and paediatric brain tumours. These activities are enabled through close collaboration between HMRI, the University of Newcastle, Hunter New England Health and national research partners.

The node also contributes to major national initiatives including the Australian Dementia Network (ADNeT) and other multicentre imaging studies such as the Australian Epilepsy Project (AEP), helping establish imaging biomarkers and advanced analytical approaches that support earlier diagnosis, disease monitoring and treatment development.

Data, AI and National Imaging Infrastructure

The Newcastle Node combines advanced MRI capability with expertise in imaging science, image analysis, data management, interoperability and artificial intelligence.

Through NIF-supported programs, the node provides researchers with support across the entire imaging lifecycle, including study design, acquisition, quality assurance, secure data management, harmonisation and advanced analytics. Current activities include AI-enabled image analysis, imaging data infrastructure development, multicentre harmonisation and reproducibility studies. The node also contributes to national data and software initiatives, including OpenRecon and the Framework for Imaging Research Environment (FIRE), supporting interoperable imaging workflows and collaborative research infrastructure across Australia.

As an active contributor to the Human MR Network, the node supports national initiatives in imaging harmonisation, advanced MRI method development, quality assurance, workforce development and collaborative research across Australia.

Indigenous Engagement and Regional Impact

The Newcastle Node is committed to strengthening Indigenous participation, leadership and cultural capability in imaging research.

The node supports Indigenous-led and Indigenous-informed research through collaborations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers, communities and organisations. A flagship initiative is the Deadly Dreaming program, supported through a $2.7 million MRFF grant, which aims to improve understanding of Indigenous brain health, build Indigenous imaging research capability and strengthen culturally appropriate approaches to advanced medical imaging.

Additional collaborations include research focused on Indigenous health priorities, culturally informed imaging research methodologies, Indigenous medicinal plants, and community-engaged research programs. These activities align with the node’s broader commitment to supporting regional, rural and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through equitable access to advanced imaging expertise, infrastructure and research opportunities.