Our Story

Explore the journey of the Exercise Medicine Research Institute from its inception to the present day. This page details our key milestones, significant achievements, and the evolution of our commitment to advancing the field of exercise as medicine.

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The Early Years

The Exercise Medicine Research Institute (EMRI) began its journey in 2003 as the Vario Health Institute. Under the leadership of the Founding Director, Professor Robert Newton, the Institute quickly established itself, opening the Vario Health Clinic in 2005. That same year, it published its first research paper on exercise oncology in the prestigious Journal of Clinical Oncology, setting the stage for its future work.

The Institute’s growing recognition was affirmed by its first grant from the Cancer Council Western Australia in 2007, and it played a pivotal role in shaping national guidelines, contributing to the first National Position Statement in Exercise Oncology by Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) in 2009. Its influence continued to expand internationally, as it participated in the American College of Sports Medicine’s Roundtable on Exercise and Cancer in 2010.

That same year in 2010, the Institute was renamed the Edith Cowan University Health and Wellness Institute, with Professor Daniel Galvao appointed as Director. Since his appointment, and continuing in the role today, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the Institute’s strategic direction and ensuring alignment with the priorities of both EMRI and ECU.

Faculty of Computing, Health and Science Executive Dean Professor Tony Watson and Professor Rob Newton examine a model of the $39 million Health and Wellness building.

The Exercise Medicine Research Institute Today

In 2015, the Institute was officially renamed the Exercise Medicine Research Institute, a name that more accurately reflects its core mission. Demonstrating its commitment to a broader range of patient needs, EMRI partnered with Spinal Cord Injury Australia to establish the NeuroMoves Clinic, which provides specialised care for individuals with neurological conditions. In 2017, the institute achieved a significant milestone by becoming an NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Prostate Cancer Survivorship, cementing its status as a leader in the field. By 2025, EMRI had completed more than 50 clinical trials in exercise medicine and had a profound impact on thousands of lives, recording over 500,000 patient contacts through its clinical services and research programs.

Our journey to a nationally recognised research institute highlights its enduring dedication to improving health and patient outcomes through the power of exercise.

Left – EMRI Director, Professor Daniel Galvao. Right – Professor Rob Newton