Event

2025 ANZCA CTN Strategic Research Workshop

Glenelg, South Australia
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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:

  1. Upskilling new and emerging researchers in research design and clinical trial methodology (stream 1).
  2. Providing research coordinators and teams with practical insights in trial coordination and research management (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

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. 

Full details

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

Full details

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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.

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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 

Dr Amy Chapman (SA) and Dr Matthew Bright (Qld)


Importance of mentoring 

Professor Kate Leslie AO (Vic)

 

Speed mentoring: 1:1 discussions 

Mentors and mentees

Program may change due to speaker availability.

Pre-workshop session 2

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 

A/Prof David Highton (Qld) and A/Prof Nicole Phillips (NSW) 


Supporting research through the ANZCA curriculum


 

Panel discussion

Dr Matthew Bright (Qld), Professor Kate Leslie AO (Vic), Dr Nina Civil (NZ), A/Prof Kara Allen (Vic) and Professor David Sturgess (Qld). 

Program may change due to speaker availability.

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Plenary program - Friday 8 August 2025 - Concurrent stream 1: 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 1: 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 - 1.30pmLunch on arrival

Concurrent stream 2

1.30-3pm

 Session 1: New and emerging researchers


Welcome 

Dr Amy Gaskell (NZ) and Dr Amy Chapman (SA)


Keynote: The research journey and how a statistician can help.

Professor Katherine Lee (Vic)

 

Ah! Now, I understand Bayesian statistics.

A/Prof David Sidebotham (NZ)

 

Higher degrees - my personal research experience. 

Dr Adam Badenoch (SA)

 

Q&A discussion

All speakers

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.

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Plenary program - Friday 8 August 2025 - Concurrent stream 2: 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 2: 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 - 1.30pmLunch on arrival

Concurrent stream 1

1.30-3pm

Research coordinator and research teams stream session 1


Welcome 

Ms Gilian Ormond (Vic) and Ms Dhiraj Bhatia Dwivedi (Vic)


Keynote: Introduction to platform trials and consenting for platform trials for different domains  

Dr Lisa Higgins (Vic)

 

The Data Whisperer: a statistician's perspective on data quality

A/Prof Sabine Braat (SA)

 

Is the CTN ready to move to eCRFs?  

Ms Kaitlin Kramer (NSW) and Ms Natalie Hird (WA)

 

Q&A discussion

All speakers

3-3.30pm 

Afternoon tea

3.30-5pm

Research coordinator and research teams stream session 2

 

Welcome

Ms Louise Cope (NSW) and Ms Samantha Ryan (NZ)

 

Collaborating with internal and external hospital departments

Ms Allison Kearney (Qld) and Ms Louise De Prinse (SA) 


Troubleshooting with trial teams

 

DECIDE

Ms Kaitlin Kramer (NSW)

 

CALIPSO 

Ms Paige Druce (Vic)

 

SNaPP

Ms Sofia Sidiropoulos (Vic)

 

LOLIPOP

Ms Gillian Ormond (Vic)

 

TRICS-IV

Ms Gayle Claxton (Vic)

 

Q&A discussion

Ms Sofia Sidiropoulos (Vic), Ms Kaitlin Kramer (NSW), Ms Natalie Hird (WA), Ms Paige Druce (Vic) and Ms Gayle Claxton (Vic).

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 

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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 

Dr Kate Drummond (SA) and A/Prof David Highton (Qld)


Keynote presentation: Platform trials: Are ordinal outcomes the way forward?

Professor Katherine Lee (Vic)

 

Keynote presentation: Implementation science and health economics

Dr Lisa Higgins (Vic)

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

Dr Kate Drummond (SA) and Professor David Story (Vic)

 

CTN and ARCN business meeting

Professor Tomas Corcoran (WA), Ms Karen Goulding (Vic) and Ms Dhiraj Bhatia Dwivedi (Vic)

 

Research update

Professor Britta Regli-von Ungern (WA)

 

ANZCA Foundation and funding opportunities

Mr Rob Packer (Vic)

2.10-3.30pm

Trial progress reports

 

TRIGS

A/Prof Tim Coulson (Vic)

 

DECIDE

Professor Rob Sanders (NSW)

 

CALIPSO

Professor Trisha Peel (Vic)

 

TRICS-IV

Professor David A Scott (Vic)

 

LOLIPOP

Professor Tomas Corcoran (WA)

 

SNaPP

Professor Kate Leslie AO (Vic)

 

ROCKet

Professor Philip Peyton (Vic)

 

NHMRC update and Q&A

Professor Steve Wesselingh

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

7.30-8amNetworking and coffee

Plenary program

8-9am

Late breaking trial results


Welcome 

Professor Tomas Corcoran (WA)


ROCKet trial results

Professor Philip Peyton (Vic)

 

Panel discussion

Professor Philip Peyton (Vic), A/Prof Sabine Braat (SA) and Professor Pamela McIntyre (SA).

9-9.30am

Morning tea

9-9.30-10.25am

Platform trials

 

Introduction

Professor Katherine Lee (Vic)

 

Impact of Adaptive Platform Trials on site-level trial operations: managing complexity

Professor Steve Webb (WA)

 

PROMPT: Perioperative Medicine Platform Trials update

Professor Trisha Peel (Vic)

 

HOT-ROX:  Hospital Operating Theatre Randomised Oxygen clinical trial

Dr Daniel Frei (NZ)

 

Q&A panel discussion

Professor Steve Webb (WA), Professor Trisha Peel (Vic), Dr Daniel Frei (NZ) and Dr Lisa Higgins (Vic).

10.30-11.45am

Innovative trials

10.30-11.40am

The Great Debate:  Do traditional RCTs still have a place in the CTN?

 

Welcome

Professor Andrew Davidson (Vic) and Dr Belinda Phillips (Vic)

 

Pro-traditional RCT presentation

A/Prof Lachlan Miles (Vic)

 

Anti-traditional RCT presentation

Dr Ben Moran (NSW)

 

Pro-traditional RCT rebuttal

Dr Lisa Higgins (Vic) and A/Prof Lachlan Miles (Vic)

 

Anti-traditional RCT rebuttal

Professor Katherine Lee (Vic) and Dr Ben Moran (NSW)

 

Audience poll

Dr Belinda Phillips (Vic)

11.10-11.45am

The future of innovative trials in the CTN

 

Panel discussion

A/Prof Lachlan Miles (Vic), Dr Ben Moran (NSW), Dr Lisa Higgins (Vic), Professor Katherine Lee (Vic), Professor Tomas Corcoran (WA) and Professor Britta Regli-von Ungern (WA).

 

Closing remarks

Professor Tomas Corcoran (WA)

11.45am-12.15pm

Lunch

Program may change due to speaker availability.

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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 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.

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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.

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Cost and registration

Registration is now open. Click here to register.

Registration is open to all ANZCA and FPM members, and members of the Clinical Trials Network and Anaesthesia Research Coordinators Network. ANZCA and FPM fellows and trainees can register online using their college ID. All other members including research coordinators and allied health members can also register online. Once you have registered you will be provided with a college ID number and prompted for a password. You will also be able to use your ID number and password to register for future meetings. 

If you have not previously registered for an ANZCA or FPM event online, you can create a new account online. You can then use your college ID number and password to login and register for both this event and future events.

Registration includes in-person meeting registration; catering (tea and coffee on arrival, morning and afternoon tea and lunch); networking reception or ARCN networking dinner (allied health delegates); and conference dinner. Additional tickets for the conference dinner can be purchased for an additional cost. All registration fees are quoted in Australian dollars and inclusive of GST. 

  • Full registration (ANZCA and FPM fellows and all other medical practitioners): $A1,342.
  • Reduced fee registration (Allied health professionals, ANZCA and FPM trainees and research co-ordinator): $A792.

If you're unsure which registration category you are eligible for, please contact the meeting organiser by email.

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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 Dinne(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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Accommodation

A discounted group rate of $A209 per night room only (Grand City rooms) is available at Stamford Grand Adelaide for delegates. Buffet breakfast can be pre-booked at the discounted rate of $25 per person per day. 

These rates are subject to availability and are only valid for bookings made before 24 July, or until sold out. Please note that the discounted rates apply only for stays during the conference dates, and a 48-hour cancellation policy applies.

To make a reservation, delegates can book online. For any changes required to bookings made via the above link, please contact the hotel reservations team on +61 8 8376 1222.


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Continuing professional development (CPD)

More information will be made available soon.

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Terms and conditions of registration

The following terms and conditions apply to anyone registering for one of our events, workshops, conferences, forums or other activities.

ROCKet trial results non-disclosure agreement

The main results of the Reduction Of Chronic post-surgical pain with Ketamine (ROCKet) trial the first time at the 2025 ANZCA Clinical Trials Network Strategic Research Workshop in Adelaide. The presentation is scheduled for Sunday 10 August at 8 to 9am. Delegates attending the results of the ROCKet trial results will need to agree to the following at the time of registration:

  • I agree that I will keep confidential and will not divulge the results until the embargo is lifted: in whole or in part;
  • to anyone (including my research team and department); and
  • by any means, including but not limited to verbal, audio, video or any written form including email or other social media.


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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: Available on the website.

Event website: https://willorganise.eventsair.com/2025-parm

Venue: Stamford Grand Adelaide Hotel

The SPANZA research meeting will explore new research protocols and methodologies, fostering discussion on the latest advancements in the field.