Professor Joshua Davis is the toast of the local research scene.
The University of Newcastle (UoN) and Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) academic shone brightly at the recent 2025 Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) Research Excellence Awards at Newcastle City Hall.
Professor Davis took home the evening’s highest honour.
He’s a world-leading infectious diseases clinician-researcher whose work has changed how serious infections are treated.
Professor Davis has led more than 15 randomised trials and co-founded HMRI’s Infection Research Program.
His landmark CAMERA trials and the world-first SNAP adaptive platform trial have transformed the management of Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections, improving outcomes for millions of patients worldwide.
HMRI director and CEO Professor Frances Kay said his work reflected the strength of research coming out of the Hunter.
“Our researchers and clinicians continue to push the boundaries of knowledge to address some of the most significant health challenges of our time,” she stated.
“These awards give us an opportunity to recognise that… and to acknowledge the dedication that drives every study, every innovation and every breakthrough.”
Professor Davis’s work also spans to Australia’s major COVID-19 treatment trials and advancements in prosthetic joint infection management.
This earned more than $51 million in competitive funding, producing more than 240 publications.
Beyond his research, he is a mentor to early-career researchers and a leader in national and international infectious diseases organisations.
Other award recipients were celebrated for their outstanding feats, too.
Associate Professor Myles Young received the Mid-Career Research Award and Dr Emily Cox won the Early Career Research Award.
Dr Nikitas Koussis secured the Emerging Innovator Award and The Cancer Signalling Research Group received the Research Team Excellence Award.
Professor Kay highlighted the collaborative spirit behind the achievements.
“HMRI’s strong partnerships with the University of Newcastle, Hunter New England Local Health District, and our community are central to everything we do,” she said.
“We are also deeply grateful to our supporters, whose contributions make it possible for our researchers to turn ideas into impact.”
The HMRI Research Excellence Awards are a reminder that innovation and dedication are shaping the future of healthcare in the Hunter region.
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