2025 ANZCA CTN Strategic Research Workshop
The 2025 ANZCA Clinical Trials Network Strategic Research Workshop will be held in Glenelg, SA on 8-10 August 2025.
This event brings together experienced and early career researchers, medical professionals and research co-ordinators from Australia, New Zealand and around the world to develop new clinical trial proposals and discuss the latest methodology.
We look forward to seeing you in Glenelg!
Start planning
- What's new at the 2025 CTN workshop
- Location and venue
- Important dates and times
- Keynote speakers
- Pre-workshop sessions - Friday 8 August 2025
- Concurrent session 1: Research coordinators and research teams stream - Friday 8 August 2025
- Concurrent session 2: New, emerging and experienced researchers stream - Friday 8 August 2025
- Plenary program
- Registration
- Call for abstracts - new research proposals
- Emerging Investigators Prize Session guidelines and application form
- Social program
- Accommodation
- Continuing professional development (CPD)
- Sustainability at our events
- Sponsorship
- Notice of filming and photography
- Code of conduct
- Post workshop learning and collaboration opportunities - Sunday 10 August 2025
What's new at the 2025 workshop?
We've tailored a program to broaden the reach of our workshop to trainees, and new and emerging researchers.
Day 1 - Friday 8 August 2025
Pre-workshop sessions
Ahead of the plenary program, we're running two sessions.
The first session is a dedicated mentoring session, allowing trainees and junior consultants and researchers to connect with CTN peers and leaders. The second session will feature a dynamic discussion on whether the ANZCA curriculum is equipping our trainees to be research literate and contribute to research and innovation.
Concurrent streams
The workshop officially opens with networking over lunch, giving delegates an opportunity to reconnect before diving into the program.
At the time of registration, delegates can choose between two concurrent streams with the aims to:
- Providing research coordinators and teams with practical insights in trial coordination and research management (stream 1).
- Upskilling new and emerging researchers in research design and clinical trial methodology (stream 2).
Keynote speakers
We are delighted to welcome our keynote speakers: Professor Katherine Lee, a leading statistician, and Dr Lisa Higgins, an expert methodologist. They will be sharing their insights on a wide range of topics, including implementation science, statistics, platform trials, and health economics.
Emerging Investigators Prize Session
We have introduced an Emerging Investigators Prize Session to help mentor delegates in developing research methodology whilst offering an emerging investigator a chance to win an academic prize.
Platform trials
Learn about the latest developments and funded studies in platform trials from the CTN.
Late breaking trials session
Hear first-hand the ROCKet trial results by Professor Philip Peyton.
Innovative trials and great debate
The meeting will conclude with a high energy, informative debate and panel discussion on the future of traditional RCTs and innovative trials in the CTN.
Government leaders
We are also excited to welcome Professor Steve Wesselingh, CEO of NHMRC, who will share the latest NHMRC funding opportunities.
Location and venue
The 2025 ANZCA CTN Strategic Research Workshop will be held at Stamford Grand Adelaide, 2 Jetty Rd, Glenelg SA 5045.
Important dates and times
Call for Abstracts
(Including the Emerging Investigator Prize)
- Call for abstracts now open
- Submission deadline: 16 June 2025
- Author notification (workshop and prize session): 4 July 2025
Registrations
- Registration opens: May 2025
- Closes: 1 August 2025
Pre-workshop sessions – Friday 8 August 2025
Session 1: Trainee and early career researcher mentoring
- Time: Morning tea at 9:30am, session starts at 10am
- Expression of Interest: Submit via registration or contact the CTN office by 16 June 2025 (if possible)
Session 2: Supporting research through the ANZCA curriculum
- Time: 11am – 12:30pm
Plenary program
- Program start with concurrent sessions stream 1 and stream 2, Friday, 8 August with lunch at 12:30 pm, followed by keynote presentations at 1:30 pm.
- Program conclusion: Sunday, 10 August at 11:45 am followed by grab and go lunch boxes.
Networking and social events
- Anaesthesia Research Coordinators Network (ARCN) networking dinner: Friday, 8 August, 6–8.30pm.
- Networking reception for trainees, fellows and collaborators. Friday, 8 August, 5:30 – 7pm
- Trainee, and new and emerging investigators networking breakfast: Saturday, 9 August, 7– 8am.
- Conference dinner: Saturday, 9 August, 7–10pm.
Post-workshop collaboration and learning opportunities
Sunday, 10 August 2025
- ANZCA Clinical Trials Network Trans-Tasman research meeting (offsite) (1:30 –5pm)
- SPANZA (Society for Paediatric Anaesthesia in New Zealand & Australia) Research Day (1:30 – 5pm)
- Followed by an optional dinner and drinks
Keynote speakers
We are delighted to welcome our keynote Professor Katherine Lee, a leading statistician, and Dr Lisa Higgins, an expert methodologist. They will be sharing their insights on a wide range of topics, including implementation science, statistics, platform trials, and health economics.
Pre-workshop session 1
Trainee and early career researcher mentoring session
Date/time: Friday 8 August, 10-10.55am
Location: Stamford Grand Adelaide, Glenelg
Cost: No cost. This session is only open to registered workshop delegates.
Target audience: Trainees, early career researchers, fellows who are new to the network or wishing to undertake research.
Session overview: This session provides trainees, early career researchers and new fellows with a unique opportunity for one-on-one mentoring with CTN peers and leaders. The session will begin with a brief presentation on the importance and impact of mentoring as you navigate your research career. If you are a trainee, or a fellow new to the network, or embarking on your research journey, we strongly encourage you to sign up.
Important: Registration is required by July 5 to ensure proper planning. Delegates will be assigned seating to enhance mentoring opportunities.
9.30-10am | Morning tea on arrival | |
Pre-workshop session 1 | ||
10-10.55am | Trainee and early career researcher mentoring session | |
Welcome | ||
Importance of mentoring | ||
| Speed mentoring: 1:1 discussions | Mentors and mentees |
Program may change due to speaker availability.
Pre-workshop session 2
Implementing research finding and supporting research through the ANZCA curriculum
Date/time: Friday 8 August, 11am-12.30pm
Location: Stamford Grand Adelaide, Glenelg
Cost: No cost. This session is only open to registered workshop delegates.
Session overview and target audience: Is the ANZCA curriculum preparing anaesthetists to critically assess evidence, challenge outdated practices, and contribute to research?
Join trainees, researchers, college leaders, and educators for a discussion on whether the curriculum effectively promotes research literacy and engagement. This session will explore ways to better integrate research into the ANZCA curriculum, encouraging trainees to participate in research.
Important: Opt-in required at registration. Participants will receive a brief survey on the ANZCA curriculum to guide discussions.
Friday 8 August | ||
11am-12.30pm | Pre-workshop session 2: Supporting research through the ANZCA curriculum | |
Welcome | ||
Supporting research through the ANZCA curriculum | ||
| Panel discussion | |
Program may change due to speaker availability.
Plenary program - Friday 8 August 2025 - Concurrent stream 1: Research coordinator and research teams stream
The workshop officially opens with networking over lunch, giving delegates an opportunity to reconnect before diving into the plenary program. At the time of registration, delegates can choose between two concurrent streams. Delegates wishing to switch between streams or attend sessions outside of their chosen stream after registration, will need to contact the Events team. We will not be able to accommodate switching of sessions on the day.
Stream 1: Research coordinator and research teams stream
Date/time: Friday 8 August, 12.30-5pm
Location: Stamford Grand Adelaide, Glenelg
Session overview and target audience: This stream is for research coordinators, site investigators, and team members, including fellows and trainees, interested in multicentre trials. This stream provides key learning and networking opportunities to enhance clinical research delivery.
Friday 8 August | ||
| 12.30 - 1.30pm | Lunch on arrival | |
Concurrent stream 1 | ||
1.30-3pm | Research coordinator and research teams stream session 1 | |
Welcome | ||
Keynote: Introduction to platform trials and consenting for platform trials for different domains | Dr Lisa Higgins | |
| Quality data collection from a statistician's point of view | |
| Is the CTN ready to move to eCRFs? | |
| Q&A discussion | |
3-3.30pm | Afternoon tea | |
3.30-5pm | Research coordinator and research teams stream session 2 | |
| Introduction | |
| Collaborating with internal and external hospital departments | |
Troubleshooting with trial teams | ||
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| Q&A discussion | |
6-8.30pm | Anaesthesia Research Coordinators Network (ARCN) Networking Dinner*, Sammy's on the Marina | |
5.30-7pm | Networking reception for trainees, fellows and collaborators.** | |
Program may change due to speaker availability.
*Allied health registration delegates only
**Trainee and full registration delegates only
Plenary program - Friday 8 August 2025 - Concurrent stream 2: New, emerging and experienced researcher stream, and Emerging Investigators Prize Session
The workshop officially opens with networking over lunch, giving delegates an opportunity to reconnect before diving into the plenary program. At the time of registration, delegates can choose between two concurrent streams. Delegates wishing to switch between streams or attend sessions outside of their chosen stream after registration, will need to contact the Events team. We will not be able to accommodate switching of sessions on the day.
Stream 2: New, emerging and experienced researcher stream, and Emerging Researchers Prize session
Date/time: Friday 8 August, 12.30-6pm
Location: Stamford Grand Adelaide, Glenelg
Target audience: Fellows and trainees at various stages of their research career, statisticians, experienced investigators, research collaborators, scientists, and data analysts.
Session overview: This stream is designed for delegates at all career stages, from interested fellows and trainees to experienced investigators mentoring emerging researchers. It focuses on enhancing research skills and providing hands-on experience in clinical trial methodology and research design. Highlights include a keynote on the importance of engaging statisticians early, presentations on Bayesian statistics and pathways to higher research degrees, and the Emerging Investigators Prize Session. Delegates will collaborate across experience levels to support and integrate new researchers into the network.
Emerging Investigators Prize Session: This session includes roundtable discussions facilitated by senior researchers and statisticians, offering structured protocol critique before an open Q&A. Delegates will discuss study methodology, outcomes, feasibility, and impact, gaining valuable research development experience. A prize component provides track record building opportunities for the winning investigator. Interested presenters should consult the abstract and prize guidelines below.
Important: Seating will be assigned to ensure a balanced mix of experience at each table. Pre-reading is required to maximise engagement. Research coordinators wishing to attend should contact the CTN office.
Friday 8 August | ||
| 12.30 - 1.30pm | Lunch on arrival | |
Concurrent stream 2 | ||
1.30-3pm | Session 1: New and emerging researcher | |
Welcome | ||
Keynote: The research journey and how a statistician can help. | Professor Katherine Lee | |
| Ah! Now, I understand Bayesian statistics. | |
| Higher degrees - my personal research experience. | |
| Q&A discussion | |
3-3.30pm | Afternoon tea | |
3.30-5.30pm | Emerging Investigators Prize Session* | |
| Introduction | |
| Proposals selected from abstract submissions for the Emerging Investigators Prize Session will be presented here. | |
5.30-7pm | Networking reception for trainees, fellows and collaborators.** | |
Program may change due to speaker availability.
*Investigators wishing to submit to present in this session will need to refer to the Emerging Investigators Prize Session guidelines to view the criteria and eligibility.
**Trainee and full registration delegates only.
Plenary program
Saturday 9 August
Saturday 9 August | ||
| 7-8am | Trainee, and new and emerging investigators networking breakfast | Offsite |
Plenary program | ||
8-8.45am | Registration, networking and coffee | |
8.45-10.10am | Keynote session | |
Welcome | ||
Keynote presentation: Platform trials: Are ordinal outcomes the way forward? | Professor Katherine Lee | |
| Keynote presentation: Implementation science and health economics | Dr Lisa Higgins |
10.10-10.40am | Morning tea | |
10.40am-12.20pm | New proposals development | |
| Introduction | |
| Proposals selected from abstract submissions will be presented here. | |
12.20-1.20pm | Lunch | |
1.20-2.10pm | Business meetings and strategic updates | |
| Introduction | |
| CTN and ARCN business meeting | |
| Research update | |
| ANZCA Foundation and funding opportunities | |
2.10-3.30pm | Trial progress reports | |
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| NHMRC update | |
3.40-4.10pm | Afternoon tea | |
4.10-5.50pm | New proposals development | |
| Introduction | |
| Proposals selected from abstract submissions will be presented here. | |
7-10pm | Conference Dinner, Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club | |
Program may change due to speaker availability.
Sunday 10 August
Sunday 10 August | ||
| 7.30-8am | Networking and coffee | |
Plenary program | ||
8-9am | Late breaking trial results | |
Welcome | ||
ROCKet trial results | ||
| Panel discussion | |
9-9.30am | Morning tea | |
9-9.30-10.25am | Platform trials | |
| Introduction | Professor Katherine Lee |
| Impact of Adaptive Platform Trials on site-level trial operations: managing complexity | |
| PROMPT: Perioperative Medicine Platform Trials update | |
| HOT-ROX: Hospital Operating Theatre Randomised Oxygen clinical trial | |
| Q&A panel discussion | |
10.30-11.45am | Innovative trials | |
10.30-11.40am | The Great Debate: Do traditional RCTs still have a place in the CTN? | |
| Welcome | |
| Pro-traditional RCT presentation | |
| Anti-traditional RCT presentation | |
| Pro-traditional RCT rebuttal | |
| Anti-traditional RCT rebuttal | |
| Audience poll | |
11.10-11.45am | The future of innovative trials in the CTN | |
| Panel discussion | |
| Closing remarks | |
11.45am-12.15pm | Lunch | |
Program may change due to speaker availability.
Call for abstracts - New research proposals
The purpose of the CTN workshop is to help in the design of high quality trials that translate into safe and effective practice in anaesthesia, perioperative and pain medicine. Proposals must therefore be directly relevant to this goal. Note that proposals for pilot work may be considered provided the pilot is specifically designed to gather information that would assist in the design of a larger trial. The primary aim of the CTN is to support multi-site trials however in exceptional circumstances the CTN workshop may consider single centre trials. Note that proposals that describe purely observational studies with only indirect relevance to future trials will not be considered.
Abstracts will be triaged for presentation based on the following guidelines:
The grant application deadline.
The new proposal focuses on the preparation of a clinical trial.
Proposals that are not clearly linked to a future clinical trial will not be sent for review.
Abstracts must state three key issues which you would like feedback from the group at the workshop either around methodology or feasibility.
Proposals will be selected by the reviewers who they think will benefit the most from the discussion at the online and face-to-face sessions and align with the strategic aims of the CTN.
Proposals will also be considered from principal investigators where they are seeking feedback on particular issues around the conduct of a trial that has already started in network.
Call for abstracts timelines – Including the Emerging Investigator Prize
- Call for abstract now open
- Submission deadline: 16 June 2025
- Author notification (workshop and prize session): 4 July 2025
Please note: Applicants must be registered to attend the CTN workshop before the abstract submission deadline.
Call for abstract guidelines and application form (workshop and emerging investigators prize session)
For more details on selection criteria and the application form, please view the guidelines.
Emerging Investigators Prize Session guidelines
The Emerging Investigators Prize session will take place on Friday 8th August, 2025, from 3.30 to 5.30pm.
The Emerging Investigator Prize at the 2025 ANZCA CTN Strategic Research Workshop is an exciting opportunity for early-career researchers in anaesthesia, pain, and perioperative medicine to showcase their work. This prestigious award recognises outstanding research contributions and aims to foster innovation and academic excellence within the ANZCA Clinical Trials Network. The winner will receive a $A1,000 prize and a certificate.
Applications will be assessed based on scientific merit, alignment with anaesthesia and pain research, and the potential to lead studies at Australian or New Zealand hospital sites.
To apply, researchers must submit an abstract through the CTN Workshop’s abstract submission process. Applications will be triaged by the ANZCA CTN Executive, with final selection based on eligibility and scientific merit. A judging panel, appointed by the ANZCA CTN Executive, will determine the winner based on a structured evaluation process outlined in the guidelines.
Please note: Applicants must be registered to attend the CTN workshop before the abstract submission deadline.
Guidelines: For more details on eligibility, submission requirements, and selection criteria, please view the guidelines.
Registration
Registration will open in May 2025. Keep an eye on the Events e-newsletter for further information.
Sponsorship
Register your interest with us via email to sponsor the workshop.
Post workshop learning and collaboration opportunities - Sunday 10 August 2025
We’re excited to highlight two valuable meetings on Sunday afternoon immediately following the CTN workshop, offering delegates the opportunity to collaborate, deepen their learning, and make the most of their time at the conference.
ANZCA Clinical Trials Network Trans-Tasman Research Meeting (offsite)
Date/time: Sunday, 10 August 2025, 1:30-5pm, followed by an optional dinner and drinks
Cost: No cost for the program. There will be a cost for the dinner.
Registration opens: May 2025
Venue: TBC
This engaging program features a series of insightful sessions focusing on key areas of Māori research, cultural considerations in ethics and governance, and optimising grants for Australian and New Zealand involvement. Participants will gain valuable insights into the responsibilities of lead sites, sustainability, and opportunities within the field. The event will provide a collaborative platform for exchanging ideas and fostering deeper understanding. Afternoon tea will offer a networking opportunity to connect with peers and speakers.
SPANZA (Society for Paediatric Anaesthesia in New Zealand and Australia) Research Day
Date/time: Sunday 10 August 2025, 1:30 – 5pm, followed by an optional dinner and drinks
Cost: Details will be made available on the event website
Event website: Coming soon
Venue: TBC
The SPANZA research meeting will explore new research protocols and methodologies, fostering discussion on the latest advancements in the field. We look forward to sharing the details of these meetings soon.
Social program
Friday 8 August
Two networking events will be taking place on Friday evening based on registration class.
Anaesthesia Research Coordinators Network (ARCN) Networking Dinner (Allied Health delegates)
Date/time: Friday 8 August, 6-8.30pm
Location: Sammys on the Marina, 1/12 Holdfast Promenade, Glenelg SA 5045
Cost: $A33pp
Dress code: Smart casual (please bring a jacket for pre-dinner drinks out on the terrace).
Join research coordinators from across Australia and New Zealand for the annual ARCN networking dinner—an evening dedicated to strengthening professional connections and mentorship.
Enjoy a 3 course sit-down dinner at Sammy’s on the Marina, a stunning beachside restaurant offering 270-degree views of the beach and marina.
Start the evening with pre-dinner networking drinks on the terrace, where you can catch a glimpse of the sunset over Glenelg Beach.
Important: This event is exclusively for Allied Health delegates. Thanks to generous support from the ANZCA Foundation, the dinner is subsidised, but registration and a small fee are required.
Networking reception for trainees, fellows and collaborators - (trainee and full-registration delegates)
Date/time: Friday 8 August, 5.30-7pm
Location: Stamford Grand Adelaide
Cost: Inclusive on the full registration fee and the trainee registration fee
Dress code: Smart casual
Join us for an exclusive networking evening immediately following the Emerging Investigators Prize Session, providing an opportunity to continue discussions and foster collaboration. Enjoy a wine and cheese tasting featuring selections from a local winery.
Important: This event is exclusively for trainee and full-registration delegates. Delegates are welcome to make their own dinner arrangements from 7pm onwards. To help us with the planning, delegates are required to opt in for this session at the time of registration.
Saturday 9 August
Conference dinner
Date/time: Saturday 9 August, 7-10pm
Location: Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club
Cost: Inclusive of the registration fee. Guest tickets can be purchased at time of registration.
Dress code: Smart casual
Escape to the waterfront for a delightful evening at the Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club to celebrate the achievements of the network. Delegates will enjoy a three course plated dinner, lively entertainment, the Emerging Investigators Prize Session award announcement and door prizes.
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