2025 Excellence in Collaboration Innovation Finalists

Congratulations to the 2025 Excellence in Collaboration Innovation finalists.

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Activated OSHC Partnership: Transforming after-school health at scale

Professor Carol Maher, Mandy Richardson, Dr Jacinta Brinsley, Kylie Brannelly, Dr Rachel Curtis
University of South Australia

The Activated OSHC Partnership: Transforming after-school health at scale research collaboration addresses a critical challenge: fewer than half of Australian children meet recommended physical activity levels, and even fewer stay within healthy screen time limits. With 500,000 children attending Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) weekly, this setting offers a powerful opportunity to improve children's health.

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Activated OSHC germinated in 2016 when OSHC directors sought guidance on supporting children's health habits. In response, the Activated OSCH team developed Australia's first evidence-based guidelines for physical activity and screen time specifically for OSHC.

The team of researchers, OSHC leaders, and government representatives conducted the world's largest study in this setting across 192 services in three states. Results showed services implementing the program were seven times more likely to meet physical activity guidelines and six times more likely to meet screen time recommendations.

The program is now launching nationwide, with 130 services joining within two months. Several major multi-site OSHC providers have committed to embedding the program into their standard operations.

By designing staff training that fits into work schedules and resources that complement existing practices, Activated OSHC improves children's activity patterns without requiring new infrastructure or major operational changes, making better health accessible to all children who attend OSHC.

IMAGENDO: Diagnosing Endometriosis with Imaging and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Professor Louise Hull, Dr Jodie Avery, Dr Tim Chen, Dr Steven Knox, Alison Deslandes
The University of Adelaide

IMAGENDO® is revolutionising endometriosis care by using artificial intelligence to combine the diagnostic power of transvaginal ultrasound and MRI to provide a more accurate rapid, non-invasive and accessible way of diagnosing endometriosis. This technology can be used by general practitioners without the need for surgery, reducing diagnostic delay (on average 6.4 years in Australia) and ensuring timely effective treatment can be initiated earlier for patients in primary care.

The project’s impact is significant both socially and economically. By improving diagnostic accuracy, IMAGENDO® helps reduce healthcare costs related to misdiagnosis and unnecessary procedures, potentially saving millions. It also makes healthcare more accessible, particularly in rural and remote areas, by enabling healthcare professionals without specialised training to perform high-quality imaging. This fosters earlier diagnoses, leading to better outcomes and reduced long-term costs.

IMAGENDO® also contributes to raising awareness of endometriosis, reducing stigma, and ensuring better support for those affected. The project’s success is paving the way for similar innovations in other women’s health conditions. Non-invasive endometriosis diagnostics offer long-term benefits to those with the condition, society and the economy, by improving quality of life, fertility outcomes and increased participation in education, work and life events.

South Australian MND Clininical Research Team (SAMCART)

Dr Vinod Aiyappan, Associate Professor David Schultz, Leanne Davis, Professor Peter Catcheside, Associate Professor Mary-Louise Rogers
Southern Adelaide Local Health Network

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SAMCART (South Australian Motor Neurone Disease Clinical and Research Team) is a team of doctors, scientists and health professionals working together to improve the lives of patients with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Through a unique combination of hands-on patient care and world-leading research, they are delivering real impact for individuals, families and the wider community.

At the heart of their work is the state-wide, multidisciplinary MND clinic—the first in Australia to include the MND SA as part of the care team. This partnership ensures patients receive coordinated, compassionate support both in hospital and at home.

The team has achieved several world-first breakthroughs. One is a simple urine test to track how well treatments are working, developed by Associate Professors Mary-Louise Rogers and Associate Professor David Schultz. This is now used in major MND drug trials worldwide. Another innovation, led by Professor Peter Catcheside and Dr Vinod Aiyappan, is a new device to monitor breathing and sleep issues—key challenges in MND.

SAMCART’s work is transforming care, giving families more time together, reducing hospital visits, and attracting global research investment to South Australia. Their efforts bring hope to those affected by MND and strengthen Australia’s position as a leader in medical innovation.​​