6 November 2024

Led by the Adelaide EpiCentre, our Skills Workshop provided tips on how to conduct observational studies but also an overview of important considerations when starting any new clinical research study. Keep an eye out for more learning opportunities from the EpiCentre in the future.

Two poster pitch sessions provided insights from a wide variety of talented and passionate clinical and laboratory-based researchers across the network. If you're doing research at (or with) CALHN, please consider submitting a poster abstract next year.

Is AI the future of healthcare? Our debate on this topic was fun and insightful, if a little unfairly judged (I say that jokingly, as captain of the losing team!). After the debate, we announced the winners of CALHN's CRIPS and other clinical research grants, and we look forward to the teams' future contributions to healthcare.

We wrapped up the week with our TQEH Expo, featuring a spread of junior to senior lab and clinical research, as well as a plenary lecture from Professor Maria Makrides. Associate Professor Wendy Ingman provides some further reflections below.

Lastly, if you have five minutes, please help us shape our 2025 event by completing the CALHN Research Exchange questionnaire.

This is also how we work at The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Research (BHI). Thanks to co-location at TQEH, our clinical research ecosystem is improving patient care in many ways.

In my own research focused on breast biology and cancer, I work with surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and nurses, and researchers from many disciplines. Collaboration doesn’t just facilitate my research, it sets its direction and outcomes.

I understand it can be challenging for clinicians to find the time for research. So my message to all those who do is: thank you for the critical role you play in shaping the future of healthcare!

The story behind CALHN's research leader 

Did you know CALHN produces two podcasts? 

Our People introduces the people of CALHN, sharing the breadth and diversity of the impactful work carried out across our network. Our most recent guest was A/Professor Liz Sutton, CALHN's Director of Research. Take a listen and hear Liz's reflections on the importance of grit, diverse experiences and passion in shaping healthcare research. 

Research Pulse spotlights CALHN researchers, sharing their research and contribution to world-class healthcare. 

Look our for new episodes in each series coming soon. 

Health Translation SA Strategy 2024-2027

Health Translation SA (HTSA)—South Australia’s statewide NHMRC accredited Research Translation Centre—has recently launched its 2024-2027 Strategy, focusing on improving health outcomes in South Australia through effective research translation.

By acting as an independent catalyst, HTSA mobilises collaborations among its partners and other stakeholders to bridge the gap between research and health services, accelerating the translation of research evidence into clinical practice and policy.

The strategy centres on three key priorities: Address Key Health Issues, Optimise the System and Empower the People which are progressed through a variety of projects and initiatives that CALHN staff are encouraged to engage with.

 Several key initiatives include:

• Spotlight Series which offers free quarterly webinars in key areas of research translation;
• Research Translation Essentials Course which is a 2-day training course that covers the key research translation competencies; and
• Implementation Science Network which aims to strengthen the science and practice of implementation in health services

Stay updated on HTSA’s progress and initiatives by subscribing to the HTSA newsletter here.

Adelaide Cancer Seminar Series: progression of colorectal cancer

All are welcome to attend the next Adelaide Cancer Seminar on 7 November 12-1pm. 

Co-head of the Cancer Biology and Therapy program at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Professor John Mariadason will present Role of Differentiation loss in colorectal cancer progression. 

Attend in person at HB8-18 (Level 8 Seminar Room), UniSA Bradley Building-City West. A light lunch will be provided after the seminar.

Click this link to attend via Zoom. 

The Adelaide Cancer Seminar Series is a joint initiative of the Centre for Cancer Biology, SAiGENCI and SAHMRI. Contact imogen.ball@sa.gov.au with any queries. 

Open for application: HSRAANZ Awards 

HSRAANZ is the Health Services Research Association of Australia & New Zealand.

The HSRAANZ’s awards program recognises individuals, groups or institutions that have made significant contributions to the fields of health services research and health policy.

The closing date for 2024 applications is 11:59pm AEDT Monday 11 November 2024.

Awards Categories in 2024 include:

• First Nations Health, Wellbeing & Health Services Research Award
• Health Services & Policy Research Distinguished Investigator Awards
  (including senior, mid-career and early career categories) 
• Awards for best research papers (including for implementation science, early career researcher and PhD). 

Visit the HSRAANZ website for more information and online application forms, or contact admin@hsraanz.org for more information. 

Open for applications: TQEH precinct research scholarships

Funded by The Hospital Research Foundation Group (THRF Group), the Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Research (BHI) and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH), the scholarships are offered via a competitive, application-based process and open to research students working on health and medical research projects at TQEH precinct with BHI, TQEH-based research supervisors. Eligibility criteria apply.

Vacation Scholarships of up to $200/week for a maximum of eight weeks. Apply here before 29th November.

Honours Scholarships of $5,000 for one year. Apply here before 29th November.

Masters by Coursework of $5,000 per year for up to two years – for example Master of Biotechnology students. Apply here before 29th November.

Higher Degree by Research (including Masters by Research) The Basil Hetzel Top-up Scholarship of $8,000 per year for either a PhD or Masters. Apply here by Friday 31st January 2025

See guidelines for more information and contact grants@hospitalresearch.org.au.

Higher Degree by Research (HDR) advice at CALHN sites

Agnes Arthur, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies at The University of Adelaide, will be based at CALHN once a month to provide advice about HDR programs.

Current or prospective HDR students and supervisors are encouraged to meet with Agnes for information on candidature details, milestones, procedures, internships opportunities, career pathways and more.

Agnes will be alternating each month between the RAH and TQEH precincts. The next scheduled session is Wednesday 20 November at the Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Research, TQEH. 

For more information, contact Agnes via agnes.arthur@adelaide.edu.au.

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We can help you share your research

Do you have research findings to share? We can help with podcasts, videos, articles, and pitching your work to mainstream media. Get in touch, we’d love to help.

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CALHN acknowledges the Kaurna people as the traditional owners of the lands on which its sites are located. We respect their spiritual relationship with their country and acknowledge that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to living Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today.