But it wasn't just for a photo opportunity - the politician was keen to learn more about the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute's (IHMRI) Illawarra Born study.

Fifty mothers have signed up to take part in the pilot, with 1000 more to be recruited next year for the full cross-generational study that one day may influence the region's health policies.

Mrs Skinner met little Benji whose health markers will be checked at regular intervals for the next 20 to 30 years.

His mother, Brinie, joined the pilot when she was 22 weeks' pregnant.

She said: "It's good to be part of something that will not only give me information about my child, but will help medical research in the Illawarra by getting valuable information about pregnancy, birth and beyond."

As part of Mrs Skinner's tour of the University of Wollongong centre, she talked to researchers about their work in areas including breast cancer treatment and sleep disorders.

Mrs Skinner said IHMRI, through its collaboration with the university and the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, demonstrated the strong research culture in the region.

"One of the reasons we brought medical research back into the health portfolio was because we were worried about the disconnect between the two," she said. "This facility is a perfect example of everything that's good about those connections, with scientists working with other specialities within the university as well as doctors in the hospitals.

"I specifically asked to meet early career researchers because they often miss out on research grants but they are doing incredible work that has the potential to change lives not just in the Illawarra but worldwide."