2026 Women, Newborn and Children's Research Symposium
Description
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION STILL OPEN:
Please submit your abstract using https://app.oxfordabstracts.com/stages/83190/submitter
or check out our FAQ for further information.
Better Together - Building the Future of WNCS Research
Join us for an inspiring day of collaboration, innovation, and shared learning at the Women, Newborn and Children's Research Symposium featuring an outstanding line-up of expert speakers and inspiring presentations, the symposium will highlight innovative research, collaborative initiatives, and emerging opportunities to advance women's, newborn and children's health.
Held on 4 November 2026 in the Pathology and Education (PED) Building at Gold Coast University Hospital, the symposium provides a unique opportunity to explore priority areas in research, clinical practice, policy, and service improvement. Attendees will gain valuable insights, practical knowledge, and new perspectives to enhance their work and impact.
The symposium welcomes researchers, clinicians, collaborators, academics, consumer advisory group members, policymakers, and health leaders, creating a vibrant forum for connection, learning, and partnership.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Gold Coast on 4 November 2026 as we come together to build the future of WNCS research.
FAQs
- Can I submit an abstract for this event?
Abstract submissions are now open until the 26th of October! Presentation formats include rapid-fire oral presentations and posters.
Please submit your abstract using https://app.oxfordabstracts.com/stages/83190/submitter
N.b. Submitter will require to create a free online account with oxford abstracts
Abstracts may describe completed research, research in progress, quality improvement, service evaluation, implementation projects, consumer-partnered work or research education initiatives.We invite submissions from clinicians, researchers, students, consumers and industry partner organisations working across Women, Newborn and Children's research.
- Does this event cost
No, this event is free for all to enjoy. Please ensure you register for catering purposes
- Do I have to register?
Yes, for catering purposes please register to attend the event. Catering will not be provided if you have not registered. Thank you
Program
- 8:00 am - 8:30 am
Registration, Tea & Coffee
- 8:30 am - 9:00 am
Opening & Welcome
Welcome and Symposium Opening Acknowledgement to Country Speaker: Dr Valerie Slavin Topic: Research in WNCS: Where We Are and Where We're Heading Speaker: Hazel Brittain
- 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Session 1: Digital Health & Innovation
Digital Health Futures: Research, Innovation, Transformation and Governance Speaker: Professor Gary Grant Foxo within Women, Newborn and Children's Services Speaker: Foxo Representative Digital Innovation in Practice: MAQ & Optima Speaker: Dr Valerie Slavin From Research to Reality: Operational Data Science at GCHHS Speaker: Mr Roger Butler Panel Discussion Chair: Speakers: TBA
- 10:00 am - 10:20 am
Morning Tea
- 10:20 am - 11:15 am
Session 2: Trauma-Informed & Integrated Care
Chair: Dr Samantha Nolan Advancing Trauma-Informed Care Through Research, Collaboration and Innovation Speakers: Dr Julia Marsden & Dr Lisa Charmer Trauma-Informed Communication in Multidisciplinary Teams Speaker: TBA The Patient Journey: Coordinating Care Across Services Speaker: Yanicka Gorski Panel Discussion Speakers: Julia Marsden, Lisa Charmer and Guest
- 11:15 am - 12:20 pm
Session 3: Supporting Early Career Researchers
Building Research Capability Across a Clinical Division Chair: Jamie Ranse Speaker: GCHHS Research Development Manager Building Industry Relationships Speaker: Dr Aaron Isted From Biomarkers to Biotech: An Early Translational Journey Speaker: Dr Fanny Blaudez Early Career Researcher Panel Speakers: Dr Angie Canning, Dr Sam Nolan, Dr Deanne August, and Dr Juliana Oliveria
- 12:20 pm - 1:00 pm
Lunch & Poster Viewing
Research posters from across WNCS.
- 12:45 pm - 1:50 pm
Session 4: From Research to Implementation & Impact
Influence to Policy Change Speaker: Professor Fabricio da Silva Costa Translating Research into Practice Speaker: Dr Nina Meloncelli Closing the Gap: Improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women's Health and Wellbeing Speakers: Kylie Wilks & First Nations Gyn Team Making research speedy, rigorous and relevant: Examples from High-performance sport Speaker: Dr David Borg Panel Discussion
- 1:50 pm - 2:25 pm
Session 5: Rapid-Fire Research Showcase
Six rapid-fire presentations highlighting research from across WNCS.
- 2:25 pm - 2:40 pm
Afternoon Tea
- 2:40 pm - 3:30 pm
Session 6: Consumer Engagement in Research
Co-design and Participatory Research Speaker: Dr Simon Paget Consumer Journey: Women's Health Speaker: TBA Consumer Journey: Perinatal Journey Speaker: Yanicka Gorski Consumer & Community Panel Discussion Speakers: Yanicka Gorski
- 3:30 pm - 3:40 pm
Closing Remarks, Awards & Next Steps
Speaker: Doug Shelton
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