Dr Grace Xu will head up the Metro South Health Research Grants Comittee this year (2026).
QEII Hospital Nurse Practitioner and clinician-researcher, Dr Grace Xu (Ph.D.) is braving new horizons this year, after being appointed Chair of the Metro South Health Research Grants Committee for 2026.
With 16 years' experience as an emergency nurse, Grace's passion for advancing emergency medicine has produced 46 publications and a 2022 Ph.D., as well as attracting over $3.4 million in research grants.
With a wealth of experience behind her, Grace looks forward to combining her research acumen in a broader strategic role.
“This role represents a meaningful opportunity to contribute at a strategic level and to advocate for high-quality, clinician-led research across Metro South. I am particularly proud to represent non-PAH researchers in research decision-making, ensuring that diverse perspectives from across our hospitals and services are heard and valued,” she explained.
“I have always been passionate about building research capability where people work and care for patients, and this appointment allows me to help strengthen that culture across MSH.”
Dr Xu is embracing the opportunity to learn, collaborate and be inspired in her new role, where her experience will enhance the diverse pool that makes up the Committee.
“The MSH Research Grant Committee is made up of highly committed, thoughtful, and generous members who bring a wide range of expertise to the table,” she said.
“Their dedication to rigorous, fair review and to nurturing research excellence is inspiring. I am very much looking forward to working with the Committee, learning from their experience, and building on the strong foundations already in place to support impactful research across Metro South.”
Dr Xu says she looks forward to supporting the delivery of improved outcomes for researchers, consumers and the wider community.
“By supporting a diverse range of projects and investigators, we can foster innovation at all levels—not just in major centres, but across wards, departments, and services,” she explained.
“Ultimately, strong local research leads to better evidence, better systems, and better outcomes for our patients and communities. I see this as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration, break down silos, and ensure research reflects the breadth of expertise within Metro South.”
QEII congratulates Dr Xu on her appointment and thanks her for her ongoing commitment to enhancing research outcomes within Metro South and beyond.
QEII Hospital Fund donors have supported Dr Xu in her research journey, having enabled funding for an emergency medicine research project involving the use of virtual reality.
Story courtesy of Metro South Health.
