The remarkable achievements of Mater Research’s biomedical and clinical researchers, higher degree research students and professional staff took centre stage on Friday 14 November when more than 250 people attended the 2025 Mater Research Showcase.
The annual celebration brought together some of the best and brightest from Queensland’s research community, including Mater People, generous Mater Foundation donors, partners from TRI and The University of Queensland, community guests and members of the Health Consumer Network.
We were especially honoured to welcome Queensland Chief Scientist, Professor Kerrie Wilson, as the day’s keynote speaker. Professor Wilson’s leadership in advancing science and innovation across the state continues to inspire, and her insights set the tone for a day dedicated to discovery and collaboration.
In her welcoming address, Mater Research Executive Director Professor Allison Pettit reminded attendees that every single person who supports research at Mater contributes to its success—whether in an ICU, a ward, a laboratory on in professional roles that enable research.
“Not all outputs can be easily tracked or quantified, but their impact is profound,” she said.
Prof Pettit also outlined a year of extraordinary milestones:
- Top-tier accreditation under the new National Clinical Trials Governance Framework, placing Mater among the top 16 per cent of hospital based clinical trial units nationally.
- Expansion of clinical trials into regional Queensland, with Springfield leading the way.
- Launch of a new Consumer Engagement Framework, supported by our 68-member Health Consumer Network, ensuring research remains grounded in real-world needs.
- Commercialisation breakthroughs, including novel therapies for inflammatory bowel disease and host-directed therapies for respiratory infections.
- Strengthened pathways for nurse-led research, empowering nurses to lead studies that improve patient outcomes.
One of the most powerful examples of research translating into better care was the ASPEN trial, conducted at Mater. This groundbreaking study led to FDA approval of a new treatment for bronchiectasis—an achievement that demonstrates how Mater’s research is not only advancing science but also transforming patient lives.
Celebrating Our Award Winners
A highlight of this year’s Showcase was the presentation of Mater Research’s most prestigious awards, recognising excellence and impact within our research community.
Early Career Researcher Prize
Dr Rabina Giri, Postdoctoral Researcher, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Group
Dr Giri is advancing microbiology and immunology research to develop targeted, effective therapies for patients living with inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. Since completing her PhD in 2024, she has published more than 20 papers, delivered invited talks internationally, and made landmark discoveries influencing clinical translation.
Professor Kerrie Wilson and Dr Rabina Giri
Higher Degree Research Student (Biomedical) Prize
Dr Dylan Carter-Cusack, Postdoctoral Researcher, Macrophage Biology Research Group
Dr Carter-Cusack’s PhD combined bioinformatics and immunology, a rare and powerful combination. His research explores CSF1R-dependent tissue-resident macrophages, critical cells for immune health and disease research. He has published in leading journals, presented at major conferences, and championed education through bioinformatics training for HDR students.
Associate Professor Kate Irvine, accepting the prize on Dr Carter-Cusack's behalf, and Professor Kerrie Wilson
Higher Degree Research Student (Clinical) Prize
Renee Muirhead, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Mater Mothers’ Neonatal Critical Care Unit
Renee pioneered a nurse-controlled analgesia model for surgical newborns and completed national studies and a trial to standardise safe, nurse-led pain management. Her leadership and 12 peer-reviewed publications are advancing care for Mater’s tiniest patients.
Professor Kerrie Wilson and Renee Muirhead
Sisters of Mercy Medals
The Sisters of Mercy Medals recognise individuals who have made an outstanding contribution throughout the year in the areas of research output, student supervision, translating Mater Research's research into clinical care and supporting Mater Research operations. The 2025 Mater Research Sister Medals were awarded to:
Sister Regis Mary Dunne Medal
Professor Katharina Ronacher, Group Leader, Infection, Immunity and Metabolism Research Group
Prof Ronacher’s pioneering work explores the immune–endocrine connection between Type 2 diabetes and infectious diseases, particularly tuberculosis. She is recognised for world-first discoveries, including the role of oxidised cholesterols in severe COVID-19 and developing host-directed therapies that have led to biotech innovation and global impact.
Mater Group CEO Julia Strickland-Bellamy and Professor Katharina Ronacher
Sister Michaeleen Mary Ahern Medal
Professor Sumaira Hasnain, Group Leader, Immunopathology Research Group
Prof Hasnain is internationally recognised for her groundbreaking work on immune regulation and cellular stress in chronic inflammatory diseases. She has mentored 10 PhD students to graduation and fostered research excellence through landmark publications and international presentations.
Mater Group CEO Julia Strickland-Bellamy, Professor Sumaira Hasnain, Associate Professor Lucy Burr and Professor Allison Pettit
Sister Eileen Pollard Medal
Professor John Hooper, Group Leader, Cancer Biology Research Group
Prof Hooper’s research focuses on identifying molecular targets and biomarkers for ovarian, bladder and pancreatic cancers. His development of a “seek-and-destroy” theranostic therapy for ovarian and bladder cancer has led Australia’s first human trials and advanced personalised cancer treatment.
Mater Group CEO Julia Strickland-Bellamy and Professor John Hooper
Sister Madonna Josey Medal
Nicole Woodward, Senior Advisor, Communications and Engagement
Nicole has transformed how we share our discoveries with the world. Her ability to translate complex science into meaningful stories has elevated the visibility of our research, strengthened connections with patients, staff and partners and ensured our work reaches national and international audiences.
Mater Group CEO Julia Strickland-Bellamy, Nicole Woodward, Associate Professor Lucy Burr and Professor Allison Pettit
Sister Mary Athanasius Reardon Medal
Amy Giesberts, Senior Research Assistant, Queensland Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability and Autism Health
Amy plays a pivotal role in coordinating research projects that improve health outcomes for people with intellectual disability, championing equity and inclusion in research.
Mater Group CEO Julia Strickland-Bellamy, Amy Giesberts, Associate Professor Lucy Burr and Professor Allison Pettit
Sister Pauline Mary Purtill Medal
Georgie Huggett, Clinical Trial Coordinator, Palliative and Supportive Care Research Group
Georgie has advanced Mater’s teletrial capacity and medicinal cannabis research, breaking down geographic barriers to equitable trial access and empowering palliative care patients in rural and remote Queensland.
Mater Group CEO Julia Strickland-Bellamy and Georgie Huggett
Sister Pauline Mary Purtill Medal
Zander Tait, Clinical Trial Lead, Mater Clinical Trials
Zander is recognised for exceptional leadership and strategic vision in advancing Mater’s research programs, including driving recruitment for the Australian Epilepsy Project and elevating Mater’s national profile.
Mater Group CEO Julia Strickland-Bellamy and Zander Tait
Thank you to Waveney Yasso, who performed a very poignant Acknowledgement of Country, sharing her voice and spirit with us.
We also thank session chairs:
- Dr Murugan Kalimutho
- Dr Stephanie Workman
- Chris McKeon
- Dr Anne Leditschke.
