Discover and Explore The Wonderful World of Health

Get set for a huge day of discovery and learning at the annual Hunter Medical Research Institute Open Day. It’s your chance to see what goes on behind the lab doors, meet the incredible researchers in person and find out what research is happening right here in Newcastle that impacts all of our lives.

There will be something for everyone with attractions, including:

Hands-on Health and Medical Research Expo – Meet the Hunter's leading researchers and explore the wide range of health and medical research being undertaken right here in Newcastle. Stroke, cancer, mental health, heart disease, reproduction, physical activity, chronic pain, addiction, pregnancy, multiple sclerosis, dementia, nutrition – groundbreaking research from across the health spectrum will be right at your fingertips. The expo will run throughout the day on all levels of the HMRI Building with hands-on activities for all ages.

Interactive Science Sessions and Activities – Hear from leading researchers about the latest breakthroughs and what's next on the research agenda. There will be four sessions run hourly from 10am until 1pm with interesting topics such as What Goes In Must Come Out, The Weird & Wonderful World of Wounds, When Good Cells Go Bad and Brains, Brains, Brains! These sessions provide the opportunity for an insight into recent discoveries and new hopes for the future. There is no reserved seating – please arrive early to secure a seat!

Kids Science Activities – Kids can explore the exciting world of science and medical research with a day jam-packed with interactive and engaging activities for kids. Join in the Interactive Kids Science Sessions, journey through the amazing Brain Exhibit, discover gross things at Blood & Guts Central, explore the famous Poo Palace, take part in Science Experiments, become an HMRI Scientist for the day plus lots, lots, LOTS more! Complete a series of fun science challenges on the day and be awarded a real researcher lanyard and get a photo with the mad scientist in the photo booth.

Laboratory Tours – The doors will be flung open to all levels of the HMRI Building with lab tours of cancer and genetics, mothers and babies and stroke labs as well as HMRI's world-class Clinical Trials Centre. During these tours, you will be able to watch experiments taking place, learn about the latest research being conducted and experience a working laboratory. These tours are run by the HMRI researchers giving you a chance to ask any questions, find out about what's new in health and medical research and learn about the different research trials being conducted. Tours will go for about 15 minutes and will begin approximately every 30 minutes. There is no need to register; the tours will run for the entire length of the day.

Free shuttle buses are running all day from McDonald Jones Stadium, and a range of food and drink will be available for the duration of the event. The HMRI cafe and BBQ will be serving from 10am to 3pm on Level 4. Don't forget to wear your comfortable shoes and clothes – and get set for a huge day! Register today at www.hmri.org.au/upcoming-events