Mackay Institute of Research and Innovation (MIRI)

The Mackay Institute of Research and Innovation (MIRI) is part of the Mackay Hospital and Health Service. We support the health service to lead high quality research and use findings to improve care.

We have a unit that supports research and clinical trials. We also have an innovation and redesign unit that leads projects and manages improvements projects.

When you partner with us, you’ll benefit from our expertise, collaborative approach, and support for research that makes a real difference.

Support for researchers

Our research support team helps new and experienced researchers.

Before starting a research project, talk to your clinical lead about your idea. They can help you decide if it fits with current projects or if you can join an existing one. Once you have their support, our team can help you with:

  • creating a clear research question
  • writing a strong research proposal
  • completing and submitting your ethics application
  • submitting site specific assessment (SSA) forms for local approval
  • finding and applying for grants
  • analysing data
  • preparing your research for publication or presentations
  • putting your research into practice to improve care.

Clinical trials unit

Our clinical trials team help investigators run successful clinical trials.

We support trials:

  • sponsored by commercial companies
  • with multiple research centres
  • led by local investigators
  • run under the teletrial model.

We also have access to a wide range of patients and work with many specialties including:

  • vascular
  • anaesthetics
  • haematology
  • paediatrics
  • oncology
  • emergency medicine
  • renal
  • gastroenterology
  • hepatology
  • infectious diseases
  • public health
  • sexual health.

Innovation and redesign unit

Our innovation and redesign unit leads projects and supports change and quality improvement. We also help staff manage projects with a consistent and structured approach.

We can help with:

  • tools and templates for projects
  • project design and strategies
  • advice on managing projects
  • planning milestones and measures
  • governance and reporting for projects.

Research fellows

With the support of our qualified research fellows, your project will be in expert hands.

Alison Pighills

Alison is our principal research fellow, and the Adjunct Associate Professor for Health Practitioner Research Capacity Development at James Cook University.

She has a PhD in Health Sciences, Master of Science in Health Care Practice, Postgraduate Certificate in Adult Neurology and a Diploma in Occupational Therapy.

Alison's a respected research leader in falls prevention and improving health services. She's received over $12 million in research funding. Alison has led important projects, including redesigning the Mackay Hinterland Allied Health Service. She has published research from three major studies and helped write the World Falls Guidelines.

Her expertise includes running trials, building research skills, and improving healthcare delivery. She has a background in occupational therapy.

Matthew Hiskens

Matthew Hiskens is our senior research fellow.

He has a PhD in Neuroscience and is an expert in the molecular processes behind neurodegenerative diseases. His research aims to create tests that can help diagnose and predict brain injuries and dementia. Matthew also works on finding treatments to slow down the damage caused by these diseases.

Matthew has a background in dietetics and has lectured in medical science at Central Queensland University.

High quality research facilities

Our world class research facilities include:

  • vaccine fridges
  • -40 degrees and -80 degrees freezers
  • a procedure room for patient visits
  • an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine
  • a spirometry machine
  • temperature monitoring.

We also have onsite support for medical imaging, pathology and pharmacy.

Our partners

Get in touch

If you'd like to learn more about partnering with us, you can email the following teams:

Last updated: March 2025

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