Engaging Lived Experience

Engaging Lived Experience

This course is designed to support researchers and industry partners in confidently and meaningfully embedding lived experience into research and innovation. Grounded in current evidence and co-designed with the VILLAGE, a national network of parents and carers, the program offers a practical and accessible introduction to approaches that are rapidly shaping contemporary health and social research.

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Course date

TBC 2026

Course delivery

In person

Course fees

$440 incl. GST

10% discount for undergraduate and postgraduate students, Monash University staff and alumni, and Alfred Health staff.

Program contact

shortcourses.depm@monash.edu

Phone: +61 3 9903 0289

Terms and Conditions

Course registration closes one week prior to the course commencement date.

Participants will explore how lived experience strengthens the relevance, quality and real-world impact of research. The course introduces key concepts and methods for engaging lived experience across the research cycle, from setting priorities to implementing findings in community and service settings. This short course provides an important foundation for research teams and organisations seeking to enhance impact and lead the way in co-designed, community-informed research practice.

Course outline

This workshop provides a practical introduction to meaningfully involving people with lived experience in research. Co‑designed with Lived Experience Expert (LEE) contributors, the program emphasises partnership, early engagement, and strengths‑based approaches to inclusive research. Participants will explore key concepts such as terminology, the importance of lived experience, safety, remuneration, and bias, while working through real‑world examples and evaluation processes. The day combines group discussions, small‑group and individual reflections, and applied case studies to help participants build confidence and capability. By the end of the workshop, learners will be able to identify authentic opportunities for lived experience involvement across all stages of their own projects and apply best‑practice principles to create more inclusive and impactful research.

This short course is not accredited; you will receive a certificate upon completion.

Learning objectives

  1. Explain the significance of community engagement as well as the integration of lived experience in health and medical research
  2. Identify biases and barriers that may influence consumer engagement and participation in research.
  3. Apply strength-based, inclusive, and practical strategies to effectively engage individuals with lived experience across research stages.
  4. Evaluate industry-based examples and real-world case studies to determine effective approaches and best practices for community lived experience involvement.
  5. Develop a practical, tailored engagement plan that incorporates lived experience perspectives into a research or service improvement initiative.

You are encouraged to bring a real-world example of how you would like support to include the voice of lived experience. This will help ensure your research or topic of interest reflects the needs and priorities of those most affected, which in turn strengthens the relevance and impact of your outcomes.

Who should attend?

Researchers, practitioners, policy makers, postgraduate students and industry partners.

Course facilitator

While the information contained herein was correct at the date of publication, Monash University reserves the right to alter procedures, fees and regulations should the need arise.