A new partnership between Brightwater Care Group and The University of Western Australia aims to strengthen research excellence and collaboration in aged and disability care across Western Australia.

Through the partnership, Brightwater and UWA have appointed internationally recognised healthy ageing and aged care researcher Associate Professor Aisling Smyth as the inaugural Brightwater–UWA Fellow in Aged and Disability Care.

The position will lead innovative, evidence-based research to improve the lives of older Australians and people with disability, while fostering workforce development and capacity building within the care sector.

Associate Professor Smyth brings more than 15 years’ experience leading high-impact, practice-based research and expertise spanning aged-care quality and safety, sleep health in older adults, person-centred dementia care, and digital health solutions for aged care.

Her work has attracted more than $6 million in competitive funding and consistently translated into improved clinical practice and workforce wellbeing. Named ACT Nurse of the Year in 2025, Associate Professor Smyth has played a leading role in advancing gerontological nursing and interdisciplinary research across health and community settings.

Professor Olivia Gallagher, Head of UWA’s Department of Nursing, said the Fellowship reflected a shared commitment to developing world-class research that makes a real difference to our communities.

“Associate Professor Smyth brings deep expertise, leadership and a collaborative spirit that will help grow research capability and strengthen the bridge between academia and the care sector,” Professor Gallagher said.

Dr Catherine Stoddart PSM, Chief Executive Officer of Brightwater Care Group, said the partnership marked an important step in connecting research and practice to drive better outcomes for people in aged and disability care.

“Through this Fellowship, we are investing in innovation, evidence, and people – ensuring that the latest research informs how we deliver care every day,” Dr Stoddart said.

Associate Professor Smyth said she was looking forward to working with two organisations with a clear, shared vision for improving the wellbeing of older Australians and people with disability.

“This partnership creates an exciting platform for translational research that directly informs care and policy, as well as expanding interdisciplinary collaborations and enhancing the visibility and impact of aged and disability care research in WA,” she said.