The need for better connections and communications between health and medical researchers and consumers has never been greater.

On July 24, 10.00 am – 4.00 pm at the Westmead Education Conference Centre (WECC), ReConX – Building Researcher and Consumer Connections will bring together consumers who are interested in research with researchers from our Clinical Academic Groups who are seeking to better understand how to effectively engage consumers in their projects.

Hosted by Sydney Health Partners, ReConX will present examples of effective consumer/researcher partnerships and explore the factors that contribute to successful interactions.

A panel will discuss real life examples of consumers and researchers working well together in partnership. What do consumers think they need to be “research-ready”, and what do researchers think they need to be “consumer-ready”?

This event is for consumers and health and medical researchers looking to meaningfully engage in research projects. Learn how to make new connections, understand the characteristics of genuine partnership, and receive tips on managing expectations.

We have 40 spots for consumers and 40 spots for researchers and are likely to have some people on a waitlist. We are particularly focused on early and mis-career researchers associated with out clinical academic groups. If you are affiliated with one of our partners ( https://sydneyhealthpartners.org.au/partners/ ) please register your interest now, and we’ll come back to you to confirm your spot.

This is a free workshop, with complimentary lunch and refreshments included. Please note, we are unable to provide funding for consumers to attend.

Program:

10:00 - 10:30am I Registration
10:30 - 10:40 am | Welcome by Associate Professor Angela Todd
10:40 - 11:00 am | Getting to Know Each Other, activity facilitated by Izabella Pokorski
11:00 am - noon | Power Partnerships: What do real consumer/researcher collaborations look like in practice, panel discussion with Dr Lisa Kouladjian O'Donnell, Diana Trickett, Dr Roshni Sharma, Dr Stephen Poole and Thelma Delisser-Howarth
Noon - 1:00 pm | Lunch
1:00 - 2:30 pm | Starting Strong: Co-creating the Ultimate Orientation Pack for consumer and early to mid-career researchers facilitated by Izabella Pokorski
2:30 - 2:50 pm | Afternoon tea
2:50 - 3:50 pm | From Interest to Involvement: Rethinking how we link people and projects facilitated by Associate Professor Angela Todd
3:50 - 4:00 pm | Wrap-up and next steps by Associate Professor Angela Todd