Melissa Waine
Health, medical and scientific communication
When your science is strong but your message isn't landing — that's where I come in.
I help health, medical and scientific organisations turn complex ideas, data and projects into communication that actually moves people. Not more content. Clearer thinking, sharper strategy and messages that connect with audiences.
What I do
Most organisations in health and science don't have a content problem. They have a communication problem — and there's a difference.
I bring 18 years of scientific expertise and strategic communication experience to every project, helping you find the right message, for the right audience, at the right moment.
I specialise in:
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Grant funding: compelling, strategically positioned proposals that unlock grant funding for impactful research, projects and services.
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Health, medical and scientific communication: translating complex data and findings into clear, accessible and evidence-based narratives that are tailored to clinicians, patients, policy makers or the public.
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Content strategy and editorial support: ensuring data and content are high quality and crafted to inform, engage and influence, no matter how they are delivered — government publications, research impact reports, apps, website copy, healthcare professional resources or stakeholder communications.
Services
NR, CEO of Healthcare Not-For-Profit
Cancer Patient Support Program Winner
Hi Melissa,
Hope you're well. Great news for the end of the year - it was third time lucky for us with the Cancer Patient Support Program Grant! We were awarded a $795K grant - $100K less than what we asked, but we are delighted.
Thanks again for all your help.
SP, Doctor & Founder
Capital Health Network Tender Winner
Melissa is a forward-thinking leader who adds momentum to any project she applies herself to, she is passionate, professional and extremely time efficient.
OM, Professor & Researcher
Ideas Grant Winner
Melissa made a real contribution in transforming our 3rd attempt into a successful NHMRC Ideas grant application. She clearly understands what granting agencies are looking for.
Most importantly, she obviously did a lot of her own research to understand the science of our grant, which is very technical – microbeam radiotherapy. From that starting point, she transformed our language into clear, succinct, logical descriptions.
It’s amazing how experience makes a difference.
Clients
I've worked with some of Australia's most respected research institutes, government agencies, universities, not-for-profits and healthcare organisations.
Government & healthcare agencies
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Agency for Clinical Innovation
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Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare
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Australian Centre for Disease Control
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Australian Dental Association
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Australian Physiotherapy Association
Research institutes
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Bioplatforms Australia
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Children's Medical Research Institute
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Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health
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Garvan Institute of Medical Research
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Ingham Institute Applied Medical Research
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CSIRO
Universities
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University of New South Wales
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University of Queensland
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University of Sydney
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University of Wollongong
Not-for-profit & healthcare charities
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Carers Australia
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Crohn's and Colitis Australia
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Head and Neck Cancer Australia
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Heart Foundation
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Melanoma Institute Australia
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Movember
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Royal Hospital for Women
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Rural and Remote Institute of Palliative Medicine
Communication & media
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Drcom
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London Agency
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Sydney Morning Herald
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Williams Lea Tag (WLT)
Healthcare & biotech
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a2 Milk
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Agilex Biolabs
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Bioceuticals
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FemmePharma
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Global Health Education
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Think GP
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Ultraceuticals
Health tech
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Awario
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Clue
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Mass Dynamics
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Next Practice Australia
Read Google reviews from my clients here.
Recent projects
AURA Report: Australian report on antimicrobial use and resistance in human health
AURA 2023: Fifth Australian report on antimicrobial use and resistance in human health
Crohn's and Colitis National Action Plan
Heart Foundation website and My Heart My Life content
FemmePharma evidence-based blog
FemmePharma breast cancer and treatment effects blog
From farm to fork: Tracking AMR in Australia’s food supply
The language of antimicrobial resistance: rethinking how we talk about AMR
The Rise of Untreatable Superbugs in Sexually Transmitted Infections
The adoption of point of care testing technologies for respiratory tract infections in primary care in Australia: Challenges and facilitators. Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Volume 110, Issue 4, 2024
Sydney Morning Herald opinion 14 March 2022
Bio
With a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of New South Wales/McGill University and First Class Honours from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research (neurobiology program), I bring a rare combination of scientific literacy and strategic communication expertise.
I've spent 18 years consulting for government agencies, research institutes, universities, pharmaceutical companies, health charities, medical specialists and start-ups in Australia, Asia and the USA.
I'm an active member of the Australasian Medical Writers Association and am based in Sydney, working with clients globally.
