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FHRI Fund Open Day | RHD Spotlight Awarded – shaping the future of heart health in Western Australia 29 April 2026 The Office of Medical Research and Innovation’s (OMRI) upcoming Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund Open Day will bring together the WA health and medical research community to hear the Minister for Medical Research announce the inaugural Spotlight on Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) recipient, as well as highlight new FHRI Fund programs and initiatives. The FHRI Fund Open Day - RHD Spotlight Awarded will be held on 4 June 2026 at the Perth Town Hall, 601 Hay Street, Perth, with in-person and online attendance options. In-person attendees are invited to a light breakfast and networking session from 8.30am, with official proceedings beginning at 9.30am. Online attendees can tune in from livestream from 9.30am to participate in the livestream. The Open Day is an opportunity for the sector to hear about key FHRI Fund updates and upcoming opportunities aligned to the Fund&r... -
International autism expert arrives in Perth for FHRI Fund Distinguished Fellowship 31 March 2026 Western Australia’s commitment to advancing autism research has received a major boost with the appointment of Associate Professor Mirko Uljarevic as the 2024–25 FHRI Fund Distinguished Fellow. A $3.4 million FHRI Fund Fellowship, co-funded with more than $1 million from the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, will support a 5-year research program led by Associate Professor Uljarevic, who relocated from Stanford University to Perth. The program, Transforming the clinical pathway for children with autism: Using big data to improve outcomes, aims to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of autism screening, diagnosis, and care in WA. He is based at The Kids Research Institute and The University of Western Australia (UWA). Associate Professor Uljarevic is internationally recognised for his expertise in clinical and data science, with a track record of leading major research ... -
New expertise joins FHRI Fund Advisory Council as Fund enters next phase 31 March 2026 Two new members have been appointed to the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund Advisory Council as Western Australia’s flagship research and innovation fund moves into its next phase of delivery. The Minister for Medical Research, the Hon. Stephen Dawson, has appointed Professor Dan McAullay and Ms Marie Smyth for a two‑year term. Together, these appointments strengthen the Advisory Council’s capability across research excellence, Aboriginal health, innovation and translation — areas central to the delivery of the FHRI Fund Strategy 2025–30. The new members join the Council as the FHRI Fund continues to progress strategic investment under the Strategy, with the next FHRI Fund Open Day to be held soon. Strengthening research and Aboriginal health expertise Professor Dan McAullay brings deep experience in Aboriginal health research in Western Australia... -
World Rare Disease Day: Fast tracking diagnosis for children with rare disease 27 February 2026 Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI)–funded research at The Kids Research Institute Australia is working to dramatically shorten the time it takes for children with rare disease to receive a diagnosis. Rare diseases collectively affect about 8 per cent of the population and are defined as conditions affecting fewer than 1 in 2,000 people. In Western Australia alone, an estimated 63,000 children live with a rare disease — a number large enough to fill Optus Stadium. Despite their individual rarity, rare diseases have a profound impact. They are the leading cause of death in children, accounting for 6 in 10 childhood deaths. For families, the journey is often long, complex and deeply challenging. A long road to answers For many children and families living with rare disease, reaching a diagnosis involves a prolonged and arduous journey. On average, individuals experienc... -
Consultation open: help shape future FHRI Fund Spotlight topics for Western Australia 16 February 2026 The Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund is inviting Western Australian researchers, innovators, clinicians, consumers and members of the public to help shape future Spotlight Program topics. The Spotlight Program is the flagship initiative of the FHRI Fund Strategy 2025–30, bringing together Western Australia’s health and medical research and innovation sector to address one bold, uniquely WA challenge at a time. Each year, the Spotlight Program focuses on a single priority challenge that matters to Western Australia, supported by a major investment of up to $25 million over 5 years. Spotlight Programs are designed to drive lasting impact through cross‑sector collaboration, sustained effort and strong community engagement. This short survey will help inform the selection of future Spotlight topics. Topics may focus on specific disease areas or broader health sys...
Last Updated:
12/03/2026