NIF is pleased to announce that planning is underway for this year’s Annual Scientific Meeting, Australia’s flagship event for advanced imaging research and innovation. As in 2025, we will bring together researchers, clinicians, infrastructure specialists, industry partners and policy leaders.
Our Annual Scientific Meeting is a key opportunity for collaborations and sharing innovation within the national and international imaging communities. We are excited to create this forum for you to share knowledge, spark collaboration and explore emerging directions in advanced imaging science.
Dates: 30 July 2026, with community workshops on 29 July and thematic group meetings on 31 July
Host: University of Newcastle Node – Hunter Medical Research Institute Imaging Centre
Location: Newcastle
Newcastle to host the ASM
This year’s Annual Scientific Meeting will be hosted by the University of Newcastle Node’s HMRI Imaging Centre, highlighting its important regional contribution to Australia’s advanced imaging and research ecosystems.
“Hosting the ASM right now feels like perfect timing for us!” says A/Prof Saadallah Ramadan, co-director of the Node with Prof Michael Breakspear.
With the launch of the Node’s HMRI Cima.X in February, A/Prof Ramadan says HMRI Imaging Centre is stepping into a new era of national and international leadership in imaging science.
“This meeting gives us a chance to open the doors, show what’s possible, and connect with the people who will help shape the next decade of discovery.”
A/Prof Ramadan says that he is excited for attendees to see firsthand how quickly work is advancing at the Node, such as in brain cancer, dementia, multiple sclerosis, foetal imaging, and Indigenous‑led research.
“We’re pushing boundaries in ways that are uniquely Newcastle. These aren’t simply emerging capabilities; rather, they’re becoming powerful engines of innovation for the community.”
A meeting shaped by our communities
We are organising the ASM in close collaboration with NIF’s Partners and user communities, to make sure the program reflects NIF’s mission and strategy, and the shared priorities and emerging needs across the field’s landscape.
“What excites me most is how the program is shaped by the conversations happening across our network – from advancing imaging capability and translation, to strengthening collaboration across various disciplines and partners,” says Dr Sara Motamen, NIF’s Scientific Project Manager and ASM lead organiser.
“We’ve consistently heard from attendees that what makes NIF ASM special is the combination of high‑quality scientific content and a genuinely welcoming, collaborative atmosphere,” she says.
“The informal moments – the conversations between sessions, the spontaneous idea‑sharing, the connections formed over networking sessions – often lead to new collaborations that continue long after the meeting.”
A/Prof Ramadan agrees: “There’s absolutely no substitute for being in the same room. Face-to-face conversations spark ideas you just don’t get on Zoom. These gatherings are where new collaborations form, where research directions shift, and where relationships are built that last for years. It’s the human connection that keeps our field moving.”
Emerging themes and areas of focus
While the detailed program for this year’s meeting is still being finalised, the ASM will continue to reflect the evolving areas shaping advanced imaging projects and research in Australia.
NIF will release further details on sessions, a call for abstracts, and opportunities for participation in the coming months.
Sponsorship opportunities are also now open; please contact us if you are interested in receiving a prospectus.
We expect the themes to include:
- advances in imaging technologies and methodologies that are expanding translation and research capabilities
- the growing role of data, analytics and digital infrastructure in enabling scale, integration and impact
- cross-disciplinary and translational research approaches that bridge discovery, clinical application and industry
- strengthening national and international collaboration to maximise the value of our shared imaging infrastructure.