2026 ANZCA CTN Strategic Research Workshop
The ANZCA Clinical Trials Network (CTN) is excited to bring the 2026 CTN Workshop to the Gold Coast!
Welcome
The ANZCA Clinical Trials Network (CTN) is excited to bring the 2026 CTN Workshop to the Gold Coast. This flagship annual event brings together more than 200 fellows, trainees, and research co-ordinators from across Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong to collaborate on new trial designs, explore cutting-edge methodology, and strengthen connections across our network. The workshop provides invaluable opportunities for networking, mentorship, and skill development for all members of our network.
About the ANZCA Clinical Trials Network
The ANZCA CTN is a world-leading network of anaesthetists, trainees and research co-ordinators dedicated to designing and delivering high-quality, investigator-led clinical trials in perioperative medicine and pain management. These trials address clinically important questions that matter to practitioners, patients, and policy makers. With more than 130 participating hospital sites worldwide, CTN-endorsed trials have produced high-impact publications, influenced clinical guidelines, and improved patient outcomes across our region and internationally.
For more information about the ANZCA CTN, please visit the website.
Aims of the 2026 workshop
The primary aims of the workshop are to:
Develop new research proposals and pilot studies that can progress to competitive funding applications for large, multicentre international trials.
Mentor and support fellows, trainees, research co-ordinators to conduct high-quality clinical trials at their local sites.
Explore the latest topics in research methodology, trial management, and sector-wide developments.
Strengthen the research workforce by providing education, mentoring, and networking for early- and mid-career investigators.
The workshop provides a pathway for investigators to refine protocols and early-stage ideas through peer-reviewed feedback from experienced trialists, keynote statisticians and methodologists, and workshop delegates. Exploratory studies are supported through the ANZCA Foundation’s pilot and project grant schemes, generating the feasibility data required to optimise future large-scale grant applications.
What we’re planning
Alongside new proposal development sessions, the 2026 program will feature two concurrent streams on Friday 21 August: a clinical trials operations stream for research coordinators, research nurses, site investigators and study teams, and a research methodology stream for new and emerging researchers. The workshop will conclude with the much-anticipated Great Debate, a fast-paced and interactive session exploring contemporary topics in perioperative research.
The social program will combine formal social events with informal networking opportunities, including pre-workshop coffee catch-ups, to encourage connection and collaboration beyond the main program.
Key dates
Call for abstracts
The call for abstracts will open in early 2026 and close on 17 April 2026. Authors will be notified of acceptance in mid May 2026.
Registration
Registration will open in May 2026 and will close one week prior to the workshop, or earlier if capacity is reached. Delegates are encouraged to register early to avoid disappointment.
Workshop dates
Friday 21 to Sunday 23 August 2026
The workshop opens with a networking lunch from 12.30–1.30pm on Friday 21 August 2026, giving delegates time to reconnect before the plenary program begins. The afternoon will feature two concurrent streams: one on clinical trial operations for research co-ordinators and site teams, and another on research methodology for new and emerging investigators. Experienced researchers are strongly encouraged to attend to support collaboration and mentorship for the next generation of clinical trialists.
The main workshop will conclude on Sunday 23 August 2026 at 11.45am followed by a grab and go lunch.
Social functions
Anaesthesia Research Co-ordinators Network (ARCN) annual networking dinner
The ARCN annual networking dinner will be held on Friday 21 August.
Networking reception for trainees, fellows and collaborators
For delegates not attending the ARCN dinner, a networking reception will be held immediately after the program concludes on Friday 21 August. Delegates are then free to make their own dinner arrangements from 6.30pm onwards.
CTN conference dinner
The CTN conference dinner will be held on Saturday 22 August for all delegates at a nearby venue.
Continuing professional development (CPD)
More information will be available in early 2026.
Sponsorship
Expression of Interest: Sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 ANZCA CTN workshop
The ANZCA Clinical Trials Network (CTN) invites expressions of interest from organisations interested in sponsoring the 2026 CTN Workshop on the Gold Coast.
Sponsorship will be considered from organisations offering high-quality products, technologies, or services relevant to investigator-led clinical research and perioperative care, and who are seeking to build meaningful, long-term relationships with the CTN community.
We value the long-standing support of partners across the clinical trials sector and warmly invite interested organisations to view the online prospectus and submit an expression of interest.
Program outline
Friday 21 August - Stream 1
The workshop officially opens with networking over lunch, giving delegates an opportunity to reconnect before diving into the plenary program. At the time of registration, delegates can choose between two concurrent streams. Delegates wishing to switch between streams or attend sessions outside of their chosen stream after registration, will need to contact the Events team. We will not be able to accommodate switching of sessions on the day.
Stream 1: Clinical trial operations
Date/time: Friday 21 August, 12.30-5.10pm
Location: QT Hotel, Gold Coast
Session overview and target audience: This stream tailored for research co-ordinators, site investigators, and team members, including fellows and trainees, interested in running multicentre trials at their hospital site.
Friday 8 August | ||
| 12.30 - 1.30pm | Lunch on arrival | |
Stream 1 | ||
1.30-3pm | Concurrent session 1 | |
Welcome | ||
This session will feature guest speakers along with members of our network | ||
| Q&A discussion | All speakers |
3-3.30pm | Afternoon tea | |
3.30-5.10pm | Concurrent session 3 | |
| Welcome | |
| This session will feature guest speakers along with members of our network | |
| Q&A discussion | All speakers |
5.30-8pm | Anaesthesia Research Co-ordinators Network (ARCN) annual networking dinner | |
5.30-6.30pm | Networking reception for trainees, fellows and collaborators | |
Program may change due to speaker availability.
Friday 21 August - stream 2
The workshop officially opens with networking over lunch, giving delegates an opportunity to reconnect before diving into the plenary program. At the time of registration, delegates can choose between two concurrent streams. Delegates wishing to switch between streams or attend sessions outside of their chosen stream after registration, will need to contact the Events team. We will not be able to accommodate switching of sessions on the day.
Stream 2: Research methodology stream
Date/time: Friday 21 August, 12.30-5.30pm
Location: QT Hotel, Gold Coast
Target audience: Fellows and trainees at various stages of their research career, statisticians, experienced investigators, research collaborators, scientists, and data analysts.
Session overview: This stream is designed for delegates at all career stages, from interested fellows and trainees to experienced investigators mentoring emerging researchers. It focuses on enhancing research skills and providing hands-on experience in clinical trial methodology and research design.
Emerging investigators session: This session includes roundtable discussions facilitated by senior researchers and statisticians, offering structured protocol critique before an open Q&A. Delegates will discuss study methodology, outcomes, feasibility, and impact, gaining valuable research development experience.
Important: Seating will be assigned to ensure a balanced mix of experience at each table. Pre-reading is required to maximise engagement.
Friday 8 August | ||
| 12.30 - 1.30pm | Lunch on arrival | |
Stream 2 | ||
1.30-3pm | Concurrent session 2: Research methodology for new and emerging researchers | |
This session will feature guest speakers along with members of our network | ||
| Q&A discussion | All speakers |
3-3.30pm | Afternoon tea | |
3.30-5.30pm | Concurrent session 4: Emerging investigators session | |
| New proposals selected from abstracts by emerging researchers will be presented here. | |
5.30-5.30pm | Networking reception for trainees, fellows and collaborators | |
Program times may change due to speaker availability.
Saturday 22 August
Saturday 22 August | ||
Plenary program (8.30am-4.45pm) | ||
8-8.30am | Registration, networking and coffee | |
Plenary 1: Opening session | ||
Welcome and opening | ||
Keynote presentations | ||
Morning tea | ||
Plenary 2: New proposals development | ||
| Introduction | |
| New proposals selected from free abstracts will be presented here. | |
Lunch | ||
Plenary 3: Business meetings and trial progress reports | ||
| Introduction | |
| CTN and ARCN business meeting | |
| Trial progress reports will be presented here. | |
Afternoon tea | ||
Plenary 4: New proposals development | ||
| Introduction | |
| New proposals selected from free abstracts will be presented here | |
4-4.45pm | Plenary 5: Start up meeting TBC | |
7-10.30pm | Conference dinner | |
Program times may change due to speaker availability.
Sunday 23 August
Sunday 23 August | ||
| 7.30-8am | Networking and coffee | |
Plenary program (8-11.45am) | ||
Plenary 6 | ||
| Introduction | |
Morning tea | ||
Plenary 7 | ||
| Introduction | |
Morning tea | ||
Plenary 8: The great debate and panel discussion | ||
| Great debate | |
| Panel discussion | All speakers |
| Closing remarks | Professor Tomas Corcoran (WA) |
11.45am-12.15pm | Grab and go lunch | |
Program times may change due to speaker availability.
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