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’s strategic priorities.

The event will feature an address from Minister for Medical Research the Hon Stephen Dawson MLC, outlining the government’s priorities for medical research and innovation in Western Australia.

OMRI Executive Director Dr Stacey Waters will announce new FHRI funding opportunities now open for applications.

Importantly, the event will include the announcement of the recipient of the inaugural Spotlight program, which was launched at the November 2025 Open Day. The successful recipient will lead a major research initiative focused on RHD in Western Australia.

By placing RHD in the spotlight, the FHRI Fund seeks to strengthen collaboration, partnerships, research and innovation to reduce the significant and ongoing impact of this serious but preventable condition.

The event will be hosted by OMRI and include addresses from FHRI Fund Advisory Council Chair John Van Der Wielen and WA Department of Health Director General Dr Shirley Bowen.

Program:

In-person:

8.30am-9.30am Registration and networking morning tea

9.30am-11.00am Open Day speeches and presentations

Online: 9.30am-11.00am Open Day speeches and presentations

Tickets for in-person and online attendance and can be booked through the TryBooking event page.

For more information about the Spotlight Program, please head to our website. Future Health Research and Innovation Fund - Spotlight 2025-26 Rheumatic Heart Disease