Nick Ralph is a healthcare innovator, researcher, and clinical educator at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), with a distinguished career in medical device development and commercialisation. As the founder of multiple healthcare and medical device companies, including Thermal Armour Pty Ltd, Nick has pioneered cutting-edge technologies, such as hypothermia prevention devices that earned the Gold Prize (Medical/Scientific) at the Australian Good Design Awards. His expertise bridges the gap between research and practical healthcare solutions, making a significant impact on patient care and outcomes globally.
Nick’s research portfolio includes over 90 peer-reviewed articles and 12 textbook chapters, published in high-impact journals. His work reflects a commitment to advancing evidence-based practice and healthcare systems through translational research. With over $8 million secured in research funding and more than $1 million raised in venture capital, Nick has a proven track record of transforming innovative ideas into successful commercial ventures.
At UniSC, Nick leads the MOTION research cluster, focusing on musculoskeletal health and enhancing surgical outcomes through advanced technologies and patient-centred approaches. His research interests align with his passion for improving recovery pathways and optimising patient care through innovative solutions.
A recognised leader in nursing education and clinical research, Nick is also actively involved in developing advanced health-focused programs. These initiatives aim to equip the next generation of healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge to lead in clinical practice, research, and innovation.
Previously, Nick held senior research roles at St Vincent’s Health Australia and Cancer Council Queensland, where he led initiatives addressing critical challenges in health systems and psycho-oncology. His collaborative approach continues to foster impactful partnerships between academia, industry, and clinical practice, driving innovation and improving healthcare delivery worldwide.
Professional Awards/Fellowships
- Australian Nurse of the Year: Recognized for excellence in nursing and healthcare contributions at a national level
- Gold Prize (Medical/Scientific) – Australian Good Design Awards: Awarded for the innovative hypothermia prevention technology developed by Thermal Armour Pty Ltd
- ACORN Perioperative Nursing Award (Team): Recognized for contributions to perioperative nursing and surgical care
Professional Social Media
Potential Research Projects for HDR and Honours Students
- Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (multiple projects)
- Hypothermia Prevention in First Response
Research Grants
Grant/Project Name |
Investigators |
Funding Body and AUD$ Value |
Year(s) |
Focus of Research Grant |
HEATWISE Trial: HEad-to-head Assessment of Temperature Warming Innovations, Strategies and Equipment |
Nick Ralph (Chief) |
3M Independent Scientific Portal, $198,000 |
2024 |
A head-to-head technical evaluation of hypothermia prevention devices |
The PeriWarm Trial |
Nick Ralph (CID) |
NHMRC Partnership Grant, $1,145,484 |
2023 |
Transforming perioperative temperature management for better patient outcomes |
Barriers and Enablers of the QUIC Model |
Nick Ralph (Chief) |
Morayfield Health Hub Seed Grants, $10,000 |
2023 |
Exploring barriers and enablers of the Queensland Urgent Integrated Care model |
Panacea Pathways: Perioperative Accelerated Navigation using AI-driven Care Enhancements for Arthroplasty (Hip) |
Nick Ralph (Chief) |
CSIRO Regional University Industry Collaboration, $200,000 |
2024 |
Enhancing recovery and outcomes in hip arthroplasty patients |
Panacea Pathways: Perioperative Accelerated Navigation using AI-driven Care Enhancements for Arthroplasty (Knee) |
Nick Ralph (Chief) |
CSIRO Regional University Industry Collaboration, $200,000 |
2024 |
Improving surgical and recovery outcomes for knee arthroplasty patients |
Research areas
- models of care, surgery
- prehabilitation, surgery
- rehabilitation, surgery
- thermoregulation
- hypothermia
Program coordinator
Professor Nick Ralph's specialist areas of expertise include health service delivery, nursing, thermoregulation, hypothermia, temperature