This year, the MACH-Track program expanded its scope to welcome applications from all allied health professionals, resulting in our most wide-ranging cohort to date.
The 2026 cohort is comprised of 11 exceptional individuals: a clinical psychologist, podiatrist and speech pathologist, alongside three nurses and five trainee doctors specialising in medical oncology, ophthalmology, general paediatrics, neonatal paediatrics and general surgery.
MACH Executive Director Professor Sir John Savill says the diversity of expertise underscores the program’s transformative mission.
“MACH-Track now spans the healthcare spectrum – a major step towards ensuring we have the research-active clinical innovators needed to ensure a healthy future for all Australians.”
The clinicians will be based across the MACH partner network at Austin Health, Mercy Health, Northern Health, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, The Royal Children’s Hospital, The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne and Western Health.
From early 2026, MACH-Track will provide the clinicians with dedicated research training as they work towards their PhD alongside clinical practice to foster the next generation of clinician researchers capable of translating research into innovative patient care.
Sir John says he is excited by the potential impact this sixth MACH-Track cohort can make across the healthcare landscape.
“I look forward to seeing how their diverse expertise and fresh perspectives can help to address some of the complex issues faced on the clinical frontline and ultimately benefit patients.”
Meet the 11 exceptional, research-minded Fellows from our 2026 MACH-Track cohort