Showcase to spotlight raft of research

AN extensive range of Bendigo Health’s many yet not-well-known research projects will be on display at its Research Showcase on Friday 18 October.

The day-long event will feature interactive panel discussions and presentations on the broad variety of research being undertaken, plus a keynote talk from Linda Brown, director of Translational Research, Clinical Trials, Strategic Projects and Response at Safer Care Victoria.

Bendigo Health’s director of research and innovation Dr Angela Crombie said the occasion will highlight the magnitude of the organisation’s activities.

“The community knows that Bendigo Health is a clinical service provider, but not many would (realise) that all the services provided by Bendigo Health and every other hospital are based on research,” she said.

“You’ve got to have an evidence base for the service provision and clinical trials for the drugs – even Panadol started as a clinical trial.”

Dr Crombie said in the last financial year there were 27 new research studies approved to total 158 open studies across Bendigo Health.

“About 40 per cent would be clinical trials and the rest are clinical and health service research, looking at models of care, workforce development, and different service delivery components,” she said.

As well as the keynote talk, CEO Eileen Hannagan will speak on “bench to bedside research and innovation” as a pillar in Bendigo Health’s new strategic plan.

“I’m (also) doing a panel community engagement session with audience participation,” Dr Crombie added.

“Then we’ve got 18 15-minute presentations from our passionate clinician researchers.

“It’s a great opportunity for the community to get to know their largest employer and largest service delivery provider.”

The Bendigo Health Research Showcase 2024 takes place on Friday 18 October from 8.30am to 5pm at its Concert Hall in Barnard Street. Reserve a spot on the Eventbrite website.