2026 Developing Brain Clinical Research Colloquium

Now in its’ fifth year, the colloquium brings together clinical research activities across Sydney Children’s Hospital Network psychiatry, psychology, neurology and neurosciences to strengthen and extend collaborations. The colloquium is organised by the Scientific Committee — Professor Russell Dale, Professor Michelle Farrar and Dr Iain Perkes — with additional support from SCHN Kids Research, University of Sydney and The University of New South Wales.

A major highlight of this year's program is the keynote address from Professor Michael Kidd AO FAHMS, Australia's Chief Medical Officer, who will present: "Changing Minds: Translating Research into Policy Practice". Professor Kidd's presentation will provide valuable insights into how clinical research can influence health policy and drive meaningful change across healthcare systems.

This year’s program highlights three key themes: Social determinants of diagnoses, Clinical Trials - Where we are, and Clinical Trials - Where we are going.

The program will also feature talks from leading experts, including Professor Adam Guastella, Professor Russell Dale, and Professor Stewart Einfield and Dr Michelle Lorentzos.

For further information, please contact Arrielle Hope - Research Manager, Kids Mental Health Research arrielle.hope@health.nsw.gov.au

PRELIMINARY COLLOQUIUM PROGRAM

9:00am: Acknowledgement of Country and Opening remarks

Keynote speaker address

• Prof Michael Kidd AO FAHMS, Australia Chief Medical Officer
  Changing Minds: Translating research into policy practice

Morning tea

Session One - Social determinants of diagnoses

• Chair: Prof Rachel Skinner, Clinical Stream Medical Director - Priority Populations

• Prof Adam Guastella, Michael Crouch Chair in Child and Youth Mental Health, USYD
  Thriving Kids Program

• Dr John Hunter, Indigenous Scientia Researcher, UNSW
  Mental health assessment and diagnosis among young Indigenous people

• Prof Stewart Einfeld, Brain and Mind Centre, USYD
  Autism diagnostic rates across geographical and service boundaries

Lunch

Session Two - Clinical Trials - Where we are

• Chair: Prof Michelle Farrar, Paediatric Neurologist, SCHN

• Prof David Ziegler, Clinical Trials for Zero Childhood Cancer, Leader Brain Tumours - CCI

• Dr Katelyn Dyason, Clinical Psychologist, SCHN
  Implementation of evidence-based care in paediatric OCD

• Prof Russell Dale, Clinical Director - Kids Neuroscience Centre, SCHN
  Phase I Molecular Therapy Clinical Trials
  

Afternoon tea

Session Three - Clinical Trials, Where we are going

• Chair: Prof Adam Guastella, Michael Crouch Chair in Child & Youth Mental Health, USYD

• Anthea Ng, SCHN Research Quality Manager

• Dr Michelle Lorentzos, Medical Lead - Advanced Theraputics and Paediatric Neurologist SCHN
  Individualised Clinical Trial Models

• Panel discussion with Dr Michelle Lorentzos, Prof David Ziegler, Dr Katelyn Dyason, Prof Russell Dale, Prof Michelle Farrar, Mel Grand

Closing remarks