Research & Innovation Centre precinct launch marks next chapter for RPH Research Foundation
L-R: Mr John Palermo (RPHRF Board Chair), Ms Sally Carbon OAM (EMHS Board Chair), Mr Kevin Bynder (CEO of Mardaa, Mural Artist), The Hon Stephen Dawson MLC (Minister of Medical Research), Ms Cate Cassarchis (CEO of RPHRF)
On 24 March 2026, RPH Research Foundation Chair, John Palermo, officially launched the Research and Innovation Centre at an event attended by the Minister for Medical Research, the Honourable Stephen Dawson MLC, researchers, hospital staff and key stakeholders.
Held within the newly revitalised courtyard precinct, the event acknowledged both the progress made and the future vision for the Centre, with further capital works continuing over the coming years.
A smoking ceremony led by Nick Abraham of Warrang-Bridil set a meaningful tone for the event, offering a traditional welcome and cleansing of the space. The ceremony underscored the significance of connection to Country, which is also reflected in the Centre’s newly unveiled Aboriginal artwork by Kevin Bynder of Mardaa.
The Honourable Stephen Dawson MLC, addressed attendees, reinforcing the Western Australian Government’s commitment to strengthening medical research infrastructure and supporting innovation across the State.
RPH Research Foundation CEO, Cate Cassarchis said the capital works completed in the precinct are just the beginning with projects currently underway to modernise the Centre, starting with new lifts.
This will be followed by new laboratories to house world-leading research, with construction jointly funded with the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund. The Buildwell Group has been engaged for the design development of the labs.
“We are bringing together a variety of research occurring in laboratories, offices and clinical spaces, all to support bench-to-bedside research and ultimately improve patient outcomes. It is an exciting time, as we see this space reimagined to better support the needs of modern research and RPH as a teaching hospital. So, this is just the beginning, and there is more to come,” Cate said.
Cate said the Research & Innovation Centre now had its own Murray Street frontage and a welcoming and functional environment for hospital staff, researchers and the community.
She acknowledged the builder Kardan Construction, an award-winning locally owned company and a registered Aboriginal business, for its commitment to quality and engagement with the Foundation and its needs.
As the Research & Innovation Centre continues to evolve, the Foundation remains focused on supporting world-class research that improves outcomes for patients across Western Australia.
