In December 2025, Queensland Academy for Health Sciences was invited to present at the National Health and Innovation Precincts Summit in Melbourne, joining health, innovation and research leaders from across Australia and internationally.
Principal Vanessa Rebgetz and Head of Global Connect Dion Obst delivered a case study titled Embedding Early Stage Talent into Precincts, exploring how schools can engage students early and strategically strengthen the future health workforce.
Located within the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, QAHS benefits from close proximity to the Gold Coast University Hospital and Griffith University, along with leading research and industry partners. This positioning enables students to access authentic experiences through mentoring, collaboration and real-world engagement.
The presentation highlighted QAHS outreach and STEM initiatives, including the Brilliant Futures Program for primary students, structured maths outreach across local schools, the STEM Mentors program, and student engagement during National Science Week on campus. At the secondary level, programs such as Change in Action connect students directly with university and clinical partners through a model of Problem, Research, Communicate and Action, strengthening both research capability and career confidence.
The session also featured a short video highlighting the journeys of QAHS alumnus Dr Antony McNamee and Professor Michael Simmonds, both connected to Griffith University. Dr McNamee's work with BiVACOR's Total Artificial Heart, a groundbreaking implantable device offering new hope for patients with advanced heart failure, demonstrated the real-world impact of early exposure to research and innovation. Professor Simmonds, who has mentored several QAHS students, also featured in the video and reinforced the strength of the ongoing partnership between QAHS and Griffith University in shaping future health professionals.
The summit enabled strong networking and meaningful conversation with health leaders from across the country and internationally, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in shaping future workforce pathways.
Building on this work, QAHS has established a Future Health Pipeline Working Group in collaboration with Gold Coast Health and Hospital Service leaders and Griffith University. The group is focused on strengthening alignment across education and health partners to support clearer and more sustainable pathways for students.
QAHS is grateful to the Informa team for the opportunity to contribute to this national conversation and remains committed to cultivating the next generation of innovators and future health professionals within the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct.
Dion Obst
HOD Global Connect