A note from our Executive Director:
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We are bringing you this edition of the WAHTN newsletter slightly late after things took an unexpected turn at the end of April, with WA’s first community transmission of COVID-19 in over a year prompting a brief lockdown. Although many of us were dismayed by the disruption to long-awaited long weekend plans (from trips away to paying our respects at ANZAC Day ceremonies), the outcome was promising with tens of thousands of tests detecting only two cases in the community. It seems that the post-lockdown mask restrictions may have served to prevent significant spread from the hotel quarantine leak detected on Saturday, so the people of Perth and Peel can remain hopeful that the current restrictions will be lifted quite soon once the contact tracing team has had time to complete its work.
Meanwhile, the next phase of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout has commenced, with everyone aged over 50 now eligible and encouraged to “Roll up for WA”. Recent cases and the vaccination program have made the pandemic a topic on everyone’s lips again and reinforced the importance of all of us in the health sector working together to ensure the public receives reliable information and quality care. Our collective efforts continue to play a critical role in protecting the people of WA during this pandemic.
Here at the WAHTN we are putting the final touches on plans for the Science on the Swan 2021 conference, which will kick off next Sunday 16 May. Focusing on the theme of Embedding Research and Innovation in Health Care with COVID-19 Insights, the conference program is packed with fascinating talks from a long list of local experts. Day three, looking at the local response to COVID-19 and featuring several key government officials as well as researchers, will be a particular highlight.
We expect to be able to deliver the conference in person (in line with current government restrictions); however, we have also now added the option of virtual registrations for those who prefer to tune in remotely. I very much hope to see you there: register now to secure your place.
There are many other exciting events and opportunities coming up from our partners and other organisations. Keep scrolling for details.
Until next month,
Professor Gary Geelhoed
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Science on the Swan 2021, 16-18 May 2021
Science on the Swan 2021 is just around the corner - register now to attend in person or virtually!
The conference will showcase the very best of research and scientific endeavours in Western Australia. Covering a mix of fundamental, biomedical, clinical, health and social science, the conference offers linkage opportunities for both industry and researchers, especially connecting early career to more senior and established health science and clinical leaders.
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ASMR Medical Research Week®
The Australian Society for Medical Research is presenting their annual Medical Research Week® from Friday 4 to Friday 11 June. The national program of events includes local highlights such as the Gala Dinner in Perth on Friday 4 featuring a live-streamed presentation from 2021 ASMR Medalist Associate Professory Kelvin Kong.
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Looking for funding?
Current funding opportunities include:
- 20th Premier's Science Awards
- WA Child Research Fund (WACRF) 2020/21 funding program
- Biobank Interim Support Program 2021
- Spinnaker Grants 2022
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The Western Australian Future Health Research & Innovation Fund is looking for reviewers. EoIs can be submitted here.
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National and state events:
Please be aware that the following events may be affected by COVID-19 restrictions. Check with event organisers for real time updates.
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CCIProgram update
If you're currently developing grant applications or have a project which requires community involvement, why not reach out to the CCIProgram to see how they can help your research project succeed? If you'd like to book a time to discuss your application or project please get in touch.
If you would like to stay up to date with CCIProgram activities sign up to their mailing list or join their Program to get involved (please note signing up for the mailing list does not create a Program account).
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RETProgram update
RETProgram training is freely available for all staff within WAHTN Partner Organisations. The Research Governance Service (RGS) and Improving Aboriginal Children’s Lung Health modules are available free to everyone. View our full suite of available modules.
If you have any feedback for the RETProgram team, or would like to work collaboratively to develop a topic for training, please get in touch.
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CTDMC update
The Clinical Research Support Service offer on-site meetings to all WAHTN partners every Tuesday.
Forty-five minute bookable sessions are offered at the following times: 9:00am-9:45am, 10:00am-10:45am, 11:00am-11:45am, 1:00pm-1:45pm, 2:00pm-2:45pm and 3:00pm-3:45pm. If you would like help with clinical research, please visit the WAHTN website for upcoming session dates.
Over the past two years CTDMC have assisted people with getting started in research, essential documents for clinical trials, networking, REDCap, data management, audits, monitoring, biostatistics and study design.
CTDMC also offer external monitoring and auditing services for Investigator-initiated clinical trials.
For further information or to book a session, please email Christine Robins at CTDMC@curtin.edu.au.
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We'd love to hear from you!
If you have any opportunities you'd like to share with the Network then please
email your information
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