The St George & Sutherland Medical Research Foundation (SSMRF) has been recognised in the Australian Parliament, with Federal Member for Barton, Ash Ambihaipahar MP, acknowledging the Foundation’s contribution to advancing medical research across Southern Sydney.
Speaking in Parliament following her attendance at the Foundation’s 2026 Annual Dinner, Ms Ambihaipahar highlighted the vital role SSMRF plays in supporting researchers at St George and Sutherland Hospitals and improving health outcomes for the local community.
“I want to sincerely thank Pam Brown and all of the members of the Board for their dedication, leadership and passion in supporting medical research that changes lives,” Ms Ambihaipahar said.
She also recognised the work of Professor Emad El-Omar, Director of the Microbiome Research Centre in Kogarah, whose internationally recognised research is advancing understanding of the gut microbiome and its role in human health and disease prevention.
Ms Ambihaipahar congratulated the researchers recognised at the Annual Dinner, including Dr Joyce Chiu, Dr Michelle Fitzmaurice, Thisun Jayawardana and Dr Jennifer Wen Ying Lim, acknowledging their dedication to improving health outcomes through research and innovation.
As a scientist herself, Ms Ambihaipahar spoke about the importance of investing in evidence-based medicine and supporting the researchers whose work leads to medical breakthroughs.
“Our community is incredibly fortunate to have such talented people contributing to the world-class medical research here in St George and Sutherland,” she said.
SSMRF CEO Pamela Brown said the recognition was a testament to the impact of local medical research and the generosity of the community that helps make it possible.
“Every donation, fundraising event and partnership helps support researchers who are working to improve the health and wellbeing of our community. We are grateful for Ms Ambihaipahar’s recognition of the importance of medical research and the outstanding work taking place across our local health network.”
Since 2007, SSMRF has invested more than $9.14 million into local medical research, supporting 83 projects that are helping to improve diagnosis, treatment and patient care across a wide range of health conditions.
