Monash University Clinical Trial Centre hosts second annual panel and networking event
The Monash University Clinical Trial Centre (MUCTC) recently hosted its second annual panel and networking event, attracting over 100 professionals from across the clinical trials landscape. The event featured an insightful panel discussion on the importance of meaningful consumer and community involvement in clinical research.
Led by MUCTC Director, Professor Sophia Zoungas, the gathering brought together a diverse mix of attendees, including consumer consultants, representatives from pharmaceutical companies and contract research organisations (CROs), biotechnology experts, university researchers, students, and members of the Victorian Government. The event also offered a valuable opportunity for attendees to network and exchange ideas.
Professor Zoungas opened the session by highlighting the critical role that consumer engagement plays in clinical trials. She noted that key stakeholders, such as the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), are pushing for greater consumer involvement in their funding schemes. Additionally, regulatory bodies are exploring ways to enhance consumer participation in health technology assessments, recognising the value of patient and community input in shaping healthcare innovations.
One of the most exciting announcements at the event was the soft-launch of MUCTC's new online consumer and community engagement platform. This initiative aims to provide researchers—whether from universities, healthcare organisations, or industry—with a user-friendly, online tool to connect with consumers and community members across Australia. The platform will serve as a comprehensive resource, enabling researchers to collaborate with a wide network of consumers, making it easier to incorporate their insights into clinical research.
The panel session, moderated by Associate Professor Darshini Ayton, featured a distinguished group of speakers who shared their perspectives on consumer involvement. Al Meredith and Alison Button-Sloan, both experienced consumer consultants, offered insights from the consumer advocacy side. Monash researchers and clinicians, Professor Eric Morand and Professor Trisha Peel, brought an academic and clinical perspective, while Angela Chan from Bristol Myers Squibb contributed a commercial sector viewpoint.
The final hour of the event was dedicated to networking, where attendees engaged in lively discussions over a stand-up lunch, forging new connections and exploring opportunities for future collaboration.
With growing recognition of the value of consumer engagement in clinical research, MUCTC’s event provided an ideal forum for professionals across sectors to reflect on the progress made and the work ahead in building more inclusive, patient-centred research practices.
To learn more about the Monash University Clinical Trials Centre, visit their website.