September 27, 2022

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute revises strategic direction

IHMRI to focus on clinical trials and translational research targeting key health issues for the region

Following a review, the Board of the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) has announced it will adopt a revised operating model for the Institute.

The new focus creates an opportunity for IHMRI to collaborate with founding partners, the University of Wollongong and the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD), on targeted health and medical research outcomes that will benefit the community. 

Moving forward, IHMRI will focus on clinical trials and translational research – progressing scientific discoveries from the laboratory benchtop into medical practice – targeting the key health issues affecting the Illawarra-Shoalhaven.

IHMRI revised its operations in alignment with strategic plans and projected future funding.

UOW and ISLHD will continue to work with IHMRI to achieve its future missions. Both founding partners and IHMRI remain committed to continuing health and medical research in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region, and to improving health outcomes in the communities that we serve.

IHMRI will begin working closely with stakeholders to develop a new strategy and implement the revised operating model for health and medical research within the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region.  

UOW’s partnership with IHMRI remains a key component of a broader and ongoing health and medical research strategy, and the University is committed to building its health and medical research. 

UOW and IHMRI will work closely on a transition plan and both are committed to maintaining continuity of research and minimising disruption to staff, students and the community. 

The changes are not anticipated to result in any job losses. Impacted UOW staff seconded to IHMRI will be offered redeployment within the University.

UOW and IHMRI will formally consult with impacted staff on the proposed changes to ensure that sufficient and relevant information is made available and the opportunity to provide feedback is given.

Existing IHMRI donors and community-funded research will be unaffected by the revised strategy.  

The University’s Gerard Sutton Building will continue to support biomedical and translational research for the research and clinical community, including IHMRI.

Researchers and postgraduate research students will still have access to the offices, facilities and equipment in the Gerard Sutton Building, and UOW will continue to administer research grants.