Changemakers LIVE highlights the next generation shaping the future of health

Photo credit: Peter Secheny Photography

In March 2026, The George Institute for Global Health hosted Changemakers LIVE in Sydney, part of The George Institute’s broader program supporting emerging research leaders. The event brought together researchers, supporters and partners to explore bold solutions to some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.

The event showcased seven researchers working across cardiovascular and brain health, cancer equity, climate and health, food systems, kidney and metabolic health, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health – each focused on translating research into meaningful change for communities.

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What stood out was not just the quality of the science, but the passion and ambition behind it. These are the people driving the future of health – and with the right support, they have the potential to transform outcomes at scale.

By:

Professor Anushka Patel

CEO, The George Institute for Global Health

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Changemakers creates opportunities to connect people with research that has the potential to drive meaningful change. It’s about building support for ideas that can improve health outcomes globally.

By:

Professor David Peiris

Chief Scientist, The George Institute for Global Health

Seven researchers driving change

• Associate Professor Laura Downey highlighted the intersection of climate change and health through the SHECAN (Strengthening Health Equity through Climate Action Networks) initiative, advancing women’s health and equity across the Asia-Pacific, and addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.
• Associate Professor Cheryl Carcel showcased advances in the early diagnosis and treatment of bleeding stroke, including the importance of rapid triage and early pathways to ensure patients receive life-saving care sooner.
• Keziah Bennett-Brook emphasised the importance of culturally safe, community-led approaches to health reform through programs such as Guuna-maana (Heal) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Program, improving access, trust and long-term outcomes for First Nations communities.
• Associate Professor Alexandra Jones explored how stronger food policy and tools such as the FoodSwitch program and Australia’s Health Star Rating system can create healthier food environments and help reduce diet-related disease at a population level.
• Associate Professor Brendon Neuen presented new approaches to improving outcomes for people with kidney and cardiovascular disease, including the IRONHEART-CKD trial and efforts to better integrate care and translate evidence into practice.
• Associate Professor Mei Ling Yap focused on addressing inequities in cancer care, including improving access to timely diagnosis and treatment, and advancing culturally appropriate approaches to ensure more equitable outcomes across diverse populations.
• Associate Professor Clare Arnott highlighted critical gaps in how cardiovascular disease is understood and treated in women, including emerging opportunities to use existing tools such as mammography to support cardiovascular risk assessment and earlier detection.

Together, their work reflects the breadth, ambition and global relevance of The George Institute’s research – and the importance of backing people, not just projects.

Supporting the next generation of research leaders

Changemakers LIVE also highlighted the need to better support early- to mid-career researchers, many of whom face significant challenges securing the support needed to sustain and scale innovative ideas.

Changemakers is The George Institute’s initiative to support emerging research leaders tackling some of the world’s biggest health challenges. The program is designed to help researchers grow their work, build partnerships and accelerate the pathway from research to real-world impact.

It reflects a growing recognition that breakthrough research depends not only on funding projects, but on backing the people driving them forward.

The evening also featured reflections from former Chief Medical Officer and Secretary for Health, Professor Brendan Murphy AC, reinforcing the vital role of research, collaboration and cross-sector support in addressing complex health challenges.

Building long-term momentum

While Changemakers LIVE offered a powerful snapshot of emerging talent, the program reflects a broader effort to build long-term support for the next generation of health researchers.

By connecting partners and supporters directly with the people behind the research, the Changemakers program is helping to accelerate progress towards healthier, more equitable communities.

Changemakers LIVE showcased what becomes possible when emerging researchers are given the support to grow bold ideas into lasting change.

Learn more about Changemakers and how you can help support the next generation of researchers driving healthier, more equitable futures.