Our national and local partnerships and networks

Northern Sydney Local Health District 

The partnership with Northern Sydney Local Health District continues to be strengthened. Four  conjoint professoriates - Professor Christine Catling, Associate Professor Natalie Cutler, Associate Professor Eamon Merrick and Professor Margaret Murphy continue to play a pivotal role in elevating the school’s profile across the district, through reciprocal invitations to research events and collaborations. These roles foster deep reciprocal engagement through shared research activities, mutual invitations to events, and collaborative leadership in nursing and midwifery research. The conjoint appointments have a strong focus on building research capability and advancing nursing and midwifery scholarship. They have also expanded opportunities for academic and clinical engagement, including invited lectures, participation in School Research Forum, and wider national and international networking events such as the recent Sigma Theta Tau Xi Omicron Chapter Launch and the ICN Congress in Helsinki in 2025. 

Prince of Wales Randwick Precinct

The Prince of Wales (PoW) Randwick Precinct continues to grow as a key site for nursing and midwifery research and practice innovation. The appointment of Associate Professor Suzanne Sheppherd -Law as Conjoint Associate Professor in Person Centred Care Research strengthens the school’s presence within the precinct and South East Local Health District reinforces our shared commitment to evidence based, person centred care healthcare.   Further strengthening this partnership, Professor Gemma McErlean has recently joined the school as  Conjoint Professor of Cancer Nursing. This new appointment brings significant expertise in cancer nursing expertise, leadership and clinical practice, creating new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, research capacity building, and the translation of evidence into cancer care across the precinct. Together these conjoint appointments enhance the School’s research profile within PoW Randwick Precinct and reflect a shared commitment to advancing nursing and midwifery research. 

Collaborative Program – In Partnership with Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney Local Health District and South Eastern Sydney Local Health District 

The Collaborative Program is a unique partnership between UTS and three health districts: Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney Local Health District and South Eastern Sydney Local Health District. This program offers nursing students an exceptional opportunity to shape their professional identity, gain meaningful employment, and build strong connections within their local Health District. Students enter the Collaborative Program in their first year and undertake all of their clinical placements within their assigned Health District. Starting in their second year, students are guaranteed a position  as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN). This integrated model supports  students to become part of the local workforce early in their degree, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity throughout their studies and employment. Students experience a variety range of clinical settings , including critical care, perioperative services, oncology, paediatrics, aged care and mental health. Consistent work and training  within one Health District, supports students to  build lasting professional relationships, strengthen their clinical skills, and gain a deep understanding of local practices and team environments. This continuity opportunity not only enhances confidence and learning but also places students in a strong position when applying for new graduate positions, as they are already familiar with the Health District’s values, and culture and teams—and have established professional networks and support. The Collaborative Program is available to eligible first‑year nursing students who wish to grow their career within a supportive and professionally engaging environment while completing their degree. Enquiries regarding the program can be directed to health.clinical.practice@uts.edu.au.

The Ingham Research Institute for Applied Medical Research

The  recent  established partnership with Professor Josephine Chow at the  Ingham Research Institute for Applied Medical Research, South Western Sydney has rapidly generated impact, resulting in this collaboration strengthening local engagement and providing opportunities for staff to connect with the Western Sydney population’s health needs.