2026 Women, Newborn and Children's Research Symposium
Description
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION NOW CLOSED
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 - 9:05 am
Opening & Welcome
Welcome and Opening Acknowledgement of Country Dr Valerie Slavin Gold Coast HHS; Griffith University Dr Bec Nogajski Chief Medical Officer of Gold Coast HHS Adjunct Professor Hazel Brittain Executive Director of Gold Coast HHS Women, Newborn and Children's Services; Griffith University WNCS Research Overview
- 9:05 am - 11:30 am
Session 1: Digital Health & Innovation ; Session Two: Trauma-Informed & Integrated Care ; Session Three: Supporting Early Career Researchers, Building Teams That Drive Change
Session One: Digital Health and Innovation Professor Gary Grant Griffith University Digital Health Futures: Research, Innovation, Transformation and Governance Foxo Sponsor Representative Foxo within Women, Newborn and Children’s Service Dr Valerie Slavin Gold Coast HHS; Griffith University Digital Innovation in Practice: MAQ & Optima Mr Roger Butler Gold Coast HHS From Research to Reality: Operational Data Science at GCHHS Speaker Questions Ask our speakers your questions Session Two: Trauma-Informed & Integrated Care Dr Julia Marsden, Dr Lisa Charmer and Amy Dawes Southern Cross University; Birth Trauma Australia Advancing Trauma-Informed Care Through Research, Collaboration and Innovation Yanicka Gorski Consumer Journey and Lived Experience The Patient’s Journey Speaker Questions Ask our speakers your questions Session Three: Supporting Early Career Researchers, Building Teams That Drive Change Mr Russel Ousley Gold Coast Hospital Foundation ECR Session Sponsor and Supporting GCH Community Dr Melanie Roberts Gold Coast HHS Building Research Capability Across a Clinical Division Dr Aaron Isted Griffith University Building Industry Relationships Dr Fanny Blaudez EXONOVA Biotech From Biomarkers to Biotech
- 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Lunch & Poster Viewing
Research posters from across WNCS.
- 12:30 pm - 2:40 pm
Session 4: From Research to Implementation & Impact; Session Five: Rapid-Dire Research Showcase
PANEL DISCUSSION Early Career Researcher Panel Chair: Professor Jamie Ranse Gold Coast HHS; Griffith University Ms Angie Canning Gold Coast HHS Dr Samantha Nolan Gold Coast HHS Dr Deanna August Griffith University Dr Juliana Oliveira Gold Coast HHS Session Four: From Research to Implementation and Impact Professor Fabricio da Silva Costa Gold Coast HHS; Griffith University Influence to Policy Change Dr Nina Meloncelli Metro North HHS Translating Research into Practice Brittanee Packer and Alyshia Bevan Gold Coast HHS Closing the Gap: Improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander Women’s Health and Wellbeing in First-Nations-led Gynaecology Clinics Dr David Borg University of the Sunshine Coast Making Research Speedy, Rigorous and Relevant: Examples from High Performance Sport Speaker Questions Ask our speakers your questions Session Five: Rapid-Dire Research Showcase Speaker TBA TBA Speaker TBA TBA Speaker TBA TBA Speaker TBA TBA Speaker TBA TBA
- 2:40 pm - 3:00 pm
Afternoon Tea
- 2:40 pm - 3:45 pm
Session 6: Partnering with Consumers Across Women’s, Newborn and Children’s Research
Session Six: Partnering with Consumers Across Women’s, Newborn and Children’s Research Dr Simon Paget Gold Coast HHS Consumer and Community Involvement: a Clinician’s Perspective Speaker TBA Consumer Journey and Lived Experience Consumer Journey: Women’s Health Yanicka Gorski Consumer Journey and Lived Experience Consumer Journey: Perinatal Journey
- 3:45 pm - 4:00 pm
Closing Remarks, Awards & Next Steps
CLOSING REMARKS, AWARDS AND THANK YOU Professor Doug Shelton Medical Director of Gold Coast HHS Women, Newborn and Children's Services
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