Research
Clinical trials as therapy and translational research
Embedding research within clinical environments to accelerate the translation of innovation into improved patient care
Our Research Ecosystem
The Sydney North HealthCARE Innovation Precinct is home to one of Australia’s most vibrant research communities, where clinical care, academic excellence, and industry innovation converge.
Research at Scale
- 400+ researchers advancing translational research
- 350+ active clinical trials integrated into patient care pathways
- World-leading investigators in oncology, cardiology, geriatrics, nephrology, intensive care, and more
- Multiple precinct researchers recognised in top 2% of scientists with global impact by the Stanford/Elsevier rankings.
Research and Clinical Trial Infrastructure
We integrate clinical trials into standard care pathways, offering every eligible patient access to cutting-edge treatments. We conduct clinical trials across all our departments, co-located with clinical care. In addition, we have dedicated clinical trials facilities:
Dedicated Research Facilities
- Nucleus Network – Phase I-III clinical trial facilities with outpatient capabilities
- RNSH Phase 1 Centre – Specialised facility for early-phase clinical trials
- Ambulatory Clinical Trials Centre – Outpatient clinical trials facility within our clinical services building
- Van Norton Poche North Star Cancer Clinical Trials Centre – Early-phase oncology trials delivered in partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York
- Trial coordination teams supporting 350+ active trials across therapeutic areas
- KOBRA Robot – orthopaedics biomechanics robot that simulates complex human movement on joints
We run clinical trials across every clinical division, including:
- Oncology (radiation, medical and surgical)
- Cardiology and nephrology
- Geriatric pharmacology
- Intensive care and critical care medicine
- Neurosurgery
- Endocrinology and rare diseases
- Rehabilitation and aged care
- Renal
- Mental Health
- Drug and Alcohol
- Women and children’s health
- Physiotherapy
Research Translation Excellence
We integrate clinical trials into standard care pathways, offering every eligible patient access to cutting-edge treatments. We conduct clinical trials across all our departments, co-located with clinical care. In addition, we have dedicated clinical trials facilities:
The Kolling Institute
A joint venture between Northern Sydney Local Health District and the University of Sydney, the institute houses 400+ researchers conducting translational research that directly bridges laboratory discoveries with clinical practice. The Institute’s research priorities focus on musculoskeletal conditions, neuroscience and pain management, and cardiovascular and renal disorders.
Researchers benefit from specialised wet lab facilities, advanced equipment, core genomics and proteomics capabilities through partnership with the Australian Genome Research Facility, and direct access to clinical populations for rapid translation of research findings into patient care.
Research Strengths
Our precinct partners have both individual and shared priorities. Supported by the NSW Health Research and Innovation Strategy 2025-2030 and research strategies of our partners, our current research priorities include:
- Sustainable healthcare and low-carbon service delivery
- Osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal conditions
- Cancer research and novel therapeutics
- Neuroscience and pain management
- Cardiac, cardiovascular, and renal disorders
- Precision medicine and targeted therapies
- Population health including prevention, equity and social determinants
Commercialisation
Our partnership with our university partners and Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District provides direct access to commercialisation pathways in MedTech and BioTech with manufacturing infrastructure, intellectual property support and industry partnerships.