Since its launch in 2021, MACH-Track has supported the development of future healthcare leaders from across the healthcare spectrum. This structured, mentored and fully funded career development pathway is designed for outstanding research-driven doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives, physiotherapists and allied health professionals advancing their post-registration clinical training or professional growth within the ten MACH-affiliated health services.
This year marks key milestones for the program, with the inaugural cohort set to graduate later in 2025. MACH-Track has also broadened its scope to include dentists and all other Victorian Government recognised allied health professions alongside doctors, nurses, midwives and physiotherapists.
Guiding its evolution into 2026 and beyond, six new Co-Directors from across the MACH network will contribute their expertise and leadership to support the next generation of clinician-researchers.
Associate Professor Mihiri Silva, Co-Director for Dentists
Associate Professor Silva, Director of Research and Director Graduate Research at the Melbourne Dental School, integrates data-driven research with clinical practice to improve children’s oral health.
She highlights the need to strengthen research pathways for dental professionals: “Dentists are essential to healthcare, yet research opportunities have been limited.”
“With MACH-Track now welcoming dentistry, I’m keen to support emerging clinician-researchers in driving innovation and improving oral health.”
Professor Denise Harrison, Co-Director for Nurses
Professor Harrison leads a research team at the University of Melbourne’s Nursing Department, focused on improving pain management for young children. Her work spans clinical collaboration, knowledge synthesis and translating research into clinical practice.
She says nurses are instrumental in driving healthcare innovation: “Nurses face real-world challenges every day that can spark transformative research.”
“MACH-Track provides the crucial framework for turning those challenges into evidence-based solutions that improve patient care.”
Dr Claire Gordon, Co-Director for Doctors
Dr Gordon is an Infectious Diseases Physician at Austin Health and the University of Melbourne, currently adding public health to her specialist practice. Her research on tissue T cell immunity bridges laboratory discoveries with patient care.
Dr Gordon says MACH-Track is an essential platform for frontline clinicians to create systemic change.
“MACH-Track creates space for clinician-researchers to integrate scientific inquiry with frontline medicine, ensuring breakthroughs in infectious diseases and immunology translate into better patient outcomes.”
Professor Russell Gruen, Co-Director for Doctors
Professor Gruen is Associate Provost (Health and Medical Sciences) at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. He has been a surgeon, health services researcher, academic leader, and global health innovator, shaping healthcare systems in resource-poor settings.
Professor Gruen is a strong advocate for clinician scientists, who “bring both science and service to healthcare, instil relevance in new discoveries and translate findings to benefit patients”.
“Their curiosity spans innovation and their critical thinking drives evidence-based practice. They are motivated by truth and inspire the same in others. Because they know what works, safety and quality depend on them. Their impact is local and global – they make healthcare excellent today and ensure it will be better tomorrow.
“MACH-Track equips emerging leaders with the skills to generate impact through evidence, innovation and strategic collaboration.”
Associate Professor Gabrielle Haeusler, Co-Director for Doctors
Associate Professor Haeusler, a clinician-researcher in paediatric infectious diseases, is dedicated to improving care for immunocompromised children at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the National Centre for Infections in Cancer.
She underscores the significance of mentorship and guidance for early-career researchers: “MACH-Track fosters the next generation of leaders who turn promising ideas into tangible change for vulnerable patients.”
Professor Peter van Wijngaarden, Co-Director for Doctors
Professor van Wijngaarden is Executive Director and CEO at The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. He is an ophthalmologist and clinician researcher specialising in biomarker discovery for neurodegenerative diseases, regenerative biology and artificial intelligence applications in healthcare.
His passion for fostering clinical research’s next generation has already seen him mentor and collaborate with MACH-Track Fellows.
“Innovative healthcare relies on clinician-researchers who can bridge scientific discovery and real-world impact,” Professor van Wijngaarden says.
“MACH-Track cultivates leaders who will drive transformational change in medicine and patient care.”
Leading the way forward
These six new Co-Directors join MACH-Track’s existing leadership team, including Professor Christobel Saunders and Associate Professor Jason Tye-Din (Doctors), Professor David Berlowitz (Physiotherapists), and Honorary Associate Professor Laura Bignell and Professor Marie Gerdtz (Nurses and Midwives).
MACH Executive Director Professor Sir John Savill expresses his gratitude for the outgoing Co-Directors who guided the program’s first five cohorts.
“We deeply appreciate the dedication and leadership of Professor Hui Gan, Associate Professor Jo-Anne Manski-Nankervis, Professor Kate Drummond AM, Professor Mark Dawson and Professor Margie Danchin.
“Their commitment has established a strong foundation for the future of clinical research leaders.”
Apply for the 2026 MACH-Track Cohort
MACH invites all research-minded clinicians – doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives, physiotherapists and allied health professionals – to seize this opportunity to shape the future of healthcare.