2025 AAMRI Convention Recap
12 November 2025
The 2025 AAMRI Convention in Canberra brought together leaders from across Australia’s medical research sector for two days of discussion, strategy and collaboration.
Look back at the full event program.
Day 1 opened with a briefing on NHMRC activities by Professor Steve Wesselingh, followed by a Q&A led by Rosemary Huxtable AO PSM on developing a National Health and Medical Research Strategy, examining how national coordination can strengthen the research system. Professor Jason Kovacic, AAMRI’s incoming President, outlined his vision for the organisation and the sector’s role in supporting innovation and national capability. A panel on Public Perception of Science, hosted by Dr Shane Huntington OAM, considered changes in public trust over the past decade and how engagement strategies might evolve. Professor Sam Harvey of Black Dog Institute wrapped up the day with a conversation about supporting the mental health of a research-led workforce.
Day 1 was followed with the 2025 AAMRI Dinner at Parliament House, where The Hon Mark Butler MP acknowledged the contribution of medical research institutes to Australia’s health and innovation landscape, and Dr Luis García-Marín was announced the 2025 AAMRI Rising Star.
Day 2 featured the President’s Breakfast with Dr Monique Ryan MP, who discussed the role of independents in advancing medical research policy. A session on state and federal advocacy, chaired by Dr Saraid Billiards, brought together senior leaders to explore opportunities for greater coordination and sector alignment. Deborah Carr of WEHI shared planning underway for a sector-wide giving day, and Dr Billiards joined Rebekah Cassidy of AusBiotech to discuss research commercialisation opportunities. The program concluded with a presentation from Rita Arrigo (National AI Centre) on the potential for artificial intelligence to enhance discovery and collaboration in medical research.
Thank you to all speakers and members for contributing to a productive and forward-focused convention – we look forward to coming back together again in 2026!
Thank you to our sponsors for 2025:
| 4 November 2025 | Day One – AAMRI Convention | QT Canberra – Ballroom 1 |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30- 10:00am | Registration | Sign-in and collect your lanyard. Browse the venue and enjoy a pre-convention coffee at the complimentary coffee cart, sponsored by the AAMRI Members Hub – coming soon! |
| 10:00- 10:10am | Welcome to Country | Serena Williams, Proud Ngunnawal-Wiradjuri woman and Traditional Custodian, will formally welcome delegates to country. |
| 10:10- 10:20am | Welcome from the AAMRI President | Outgoing President Professor Elizabeth Hartland AM (Hudson Institute of Medical Research) will share key achievements and lessons from the past year, and the priorities that will carry forward – opening the convention with a focus on continuity, collaboration and impact. |
| 10:20- 11:10am | NHMRC Update | Professor Steve Wesselingh will outline NHMRC’s priorities, highlight upcoming opportunities and discuss what recent changes mean for institutes. Includes audience Q&A. |
| 11:10- 11:30am | Morning Tea Break | Held in the QT Convention common area – be sure to visit our Recharge and Reconnect area sponsored by Eppendorf. |
| 11:30am- 12:20pm | Q&A on National Health and Medical Research Strategy | Rosemary Huxtable AO will lead a discussion on the National Health and Medical Research Strategy and its role in setting research priorities and strengthening Australia’s capacity. |
| 12:20- 12:35pm | AAMRI’s Incoming President – Look to the Future | Professor Jason Kovacic (Victor Chang Medical Research Institute) will share his vision for AAMRI and the opportunities he sees for the sector. |
| 12:35- 1:15pm | Lunch Break | Enjoy lunch in the QT Convention common area. |
| 1:15- 2:15pm | Public Perception of Science | A robust conversation about building trust and how the public sees our sector. Hosted by Dr Shane Huntington OAM (Australian Society for Medical Research) and featuring panellists including Professor Benjamin Kile (Garvan Institute of Medical Research), Professor Doug Hilton AO (CSIRO), and Professor Megan Munsie (Stem Cell Ethics & Policy, University of Melbourne), this session will discuss where we were 10 years ago, how we got here and where we need to be in the next decade. This session is proudly supported by dandolopartners |
| 2:15- 2:50pm | Mentorship and Early to Mid-Career Researchers | Professor Allison Pettit (Mater Research) and the 2025 AAMRI Rising Star Award Finalists will share experiences and strategies for building effective, inclusive mentorship – including what early- to mid-career researchers need to thrive. |
| 2:50- 3:30pm | Afternoon Tea Break + Melbourne Cup Telecast | Enjoy watching ‘the Cup’ or use this time to network. Hats, fascinators and bow ties optional! |
| 3:30- 4:20pm | Looking After Your Workforce | Professor Sam Harvey (Black Dog Institute) will lead a practical session on preventing burnout and building a resilient workforce. Learn how to spot the signs and implement strategies that protect people and performance. |
| 4:20- 4:25pm | Closing Remarks | Professor Elizabeth Hartland AM will wrap up Day 1 and share reflections on key learnings. |
| 4 November 2025 | AAMRI Dinner | Parliament House Canberra |
|---|---|---|
| 5:30- 6:30pm | AAMRI Institutes Director and Board Member Pre-Dinner Drinks *Closed Event* | Cahoots Event Lounge, QT Canberra |
| 6:00pm | Courtesy Coaches commence from QT Canberra to Parliament House | Depart from QT Canberra side entrance (on Edinburgh Avenue). |
| 7:00- 10:00pm | 2025 AAMRI Dinner – The Great Hall, Parliament House | A gala evening at Parliament House of Australia featuring a keynote from The Hon Mark Butler MP and presentation of the 2025 AAMRI Rising Star Award. |
| 10:15pm | Courtesy Coaches from Parliament House to QT Canberra | Depart from Parliament House (underground carpark). |
| 5 November 2025 | Day Two – AAMRI Convention | QT Canberra – Ballroom 1 |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30- 9:30am | President’s Breakfast *Closed Session – Directors and Board Members* Studio Room 2 & 3 | Guest speaker: Dr Monique Ryan MP, Member for Kooyong. |
| 9:00- 10:40am (concurrent session) | CFO Network Meeting Studio Room 1 | A closed meeting for Institute CFOs for discussion and collaboration. |
| 9:30- 9:40am | Registration | Enjoy a pre-convention coffee at the complimentary coffee cart, sponsored by the AAMRI Members Hub – coming soon! |
| 9:40- 9:50am | Welcome from AAMRI CEO | Dr Saraid Billiards (AAMRI) welcomes delegates and explains the agenda for the day. |
| 9:50- 10.50am | Aligning State and Federal Government Advocacy | Dr Saraid Billiards will Chair the session with representatives from each AAMRI State Chapter and AAMRI National to discuss how to align advocacy for maximum impact, avoid duplication, and ensure cut-through in the current political and economic climate. Panel includes: Professor Elizabeth Hartland AM (Hudson Institute of Medical Research and AAMRI President) representing AAMRI National, Professor Frances Kay (Hunter Medical Research Institute) from AAMRI NSW, Professor Peter Leedman AO (Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research) from AAMRI WA, and Professor Kathryn North AC (Murdoch Children’s Research Institute) from AAMRI VIC. |
| 10:50- 11:10am | Morning Tea Break | Held in the QT Convention common area – be sure to visit our Recharge and Reconnect area sponsored by Eppendorf. |
| 11:10- 11:50am | Strategic Examination of Research and Development – An Update | Emeritus Professor Ian Chubb AC, Panel member of the national SERD review, will share key findings and their implications for medical research institutes. |
| 11:50am- 12:30pm | Lunch Break | Enjoy lunch in the QT Convention common area. |
| 12:30- 1:20pm | Collaborating for Impact: Strengthening MRI & Industry Partnership for Australia’s Health Future | Australia stands at a pivotal moment, with world-class medical research ready to translate into life-changing innovations. This session by Rebekah Cassidy (AusBiotech) will explore the vision for a connected and collaborative ecosystem, highlight emerging trends, and discuss partnership models that could help accelerate translation and commercialisation. |
| 1:20- 1:30pm | Introducing the 2026 National MRI Giving Day | Deborah Carr (WEHI) will offer an exclusive first look at plans for a National MRI Giving Day – an ambitious new initiative designed to secure a stronger foothold for medical research in Australia’s competitive charity fundraising landscape. |
| 1:30- 2:00pm | AAMRI Update | Dr Saraid Billiards (AAMRI) will conduct a session on upcoming AAMRI projects and advocacy. |
| 2:00- 2:20pm | Afternoon Tea Break | Held in the QT Convention common area, signaling the final refreshment break of the day. |
| 2:20- 3:10pm | Focus on AI and Medical Research | Rita Arrigo (National AI Centre) will explore how AI is reshaping discovery, translation and collaboration in medical research. |
| 3:10- 3:20pm | Closing Remarks | Dr Saraid Billiards will conclude the convention and outline AAMRI’s next steps. |