The Research Connection Annual Conference 2026 - From First Breath To Every Step

Preterm Birth is a journey of transitions. This year we’re putting them under the spotlight.

The Research Connection 2026 brings people with lived experience of preterm birth and neonatal care together with health professionals and researchers. From the womb to the world, from the NICU to home, from becoming a parent in the NICU to starting school  — these are the moments that shape lives, and this is where the conversations that improve them happen.

INTERNATIONAL KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Prof. Bobbi Pineda PhD, OTR/L, CNT, Associate Professor, USC, and Developer of the Baby Bridge Program.

Keynote presentation: “Bridging the Gap: The Baby Bridge Program and the Transition from NICU to Home”

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

If preterm birth is part of your story — whether you’ve lived it, researched it or dedicated your career to it — this day is for you.

• People with lived experience of preterm birth and neonatal care

• Neonatal clinicians and allied health professionals

• Community health professionals and maternal and child health nurses supporting preterm infants and their families after discharge

• Researchers working in preterm birth and newborn medicine

• Students and early career researchers

• Anyone passionate about improving outcomes for preterm infants and their families

This event is free to attend — but places are limited, so get your tickets early to secure your spot!

GETTING THERE BY TRAIN & TRAM

Easiest option — Parkville Station (new Metro Tunnel line)

A brand new train station opened in December 2025 right at Parkville, on the corner of Grattan Street and Royal Parade, on the Sunbury–Cranbourne/Pakenham line. It's a very short walk (under 5 minutes) directly to the hospital, and you don't even need to tap on or off within the tunnel.

From other CBD stations, connect via tram:

• Flagstaff Station → catch the Route 58 tram (towards West Coburg) up Flemington Road, get off at Stop 14, right outside the hospital.

• Melbourne Central Station → catch a Route 19 (towards North Coburg) or Route 59 (towards Airport West) tram to the hospital.

• North Melbourne Station → catch the 401 bus (weekdays only) to the hospital.

Direct tram stops at the hospital:

• Tram 58 (West Coburg–Toorak) and Tram 59 (Airport West–Elizabeth St) both stop at Stop 14, corner of Grattan Street and Flemington Road — right at the hospital entrance.

• Tram 19 (North Coburg–Elizabeth St) stops at Stop 10, corner of Royal Parade and Grattan Street, a short walk away.

PARKING

• On-site paid parking: enter from Flemington Road, open 6am–9pm, 7 days. It's for staff, patients and visitors, but note it can reach capacity — worth allowing extra time or having a backup.